NCJ Number
80765
Journal
New Designs for Youth Development Volume: 2 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1981) Pages: 9-12
Date Published
1981
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article explains how the town of Amherst, N.Y., organized and implemented an antivandalism campaign.
Abstract
In 1977, the Amherst Youth Board decided to create a citizens' task force to fight vandalism, which was costing the community nearly half a million dollars a year. Composed of 56 individuals representing a broad array of community groups, the Amherst Vandalism Committee considered two major issues: the seriousness of the vandalism problem and the steps that needed to be taken to reduce vandalism. Numerous possible causes of vandalism, such as consumption of alcohol and/or its abuse, prevalence of drug abuse among youth, and alienation of young people, were cited by the committee. The committee made 24 specific recommendations to the town board. The committee advocated that a long term, prevention-oriented approach be undertaken to combat the problem. Overall, the committee's suggestions were concerned with providing education and awareness of the problem, developing a good community relations program, increasing police enforcement, and developing alternatives for young people within the community. Following the submission of the vandalism committee's report and recommendations, the youth board began to implement committee recommendations. The first major undertaking was an educational program addressing the problem. Two films were produced with accompanying syllabi. One film is intended for teenagers and adults, while the other is geared for elementary school children. The films have been distributed in 22 States and in Canada. Photographs are included.