NCJ Number
198367
Date Published
2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This handbook shows youth how to identify and detect problem areas in their school and community and the steps they can take to implement change through the Surrounded by Safety (SBS) idea, improving and enhancing school safety and reducing opportunities for crime.
Abstract
A powerful factor in youth-lead crime prevention is the ability to address and stop problems before they start. Surrounded by Safety (SBS) is a Youth Crime Watch of America (YCWA) viewpoint whereby students have the ability to detect and implement changes that need to be made in their school or community to increase safety and reduce crime. In this handbook, YCWA shows youth how to identify problem areas and the steps needed in making sure the problems are corrected, improving the safety and security of their school or community. There are many possibilities to improve the comfort and safety of a school by adjusting physical elements and policies; these possibilities are known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies. SBS is a version of CPTED that youth can practice. This handbook provides students and advisors with instructions for conducting a physical assessment of their school and guidance for delivering the results to administrators, faculty, and parents. The design and use of the physical environment directly affects human behavior which in turn can influence opportunities for crime. The handbook presents the SBS/CPTED elements, natural, organized, and mechanical strategies, and the benefits of implementing SBS strategies.