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| DCJS Crime Prevention Center Programs | |
Crime Prevention Specialist A milestone for crime prevention in the Commonwealth was reached in 1994 when the General Assembly established the Crime Prevention Specialist Certification Program (CPS). The program builds on a strong partnership between DCJS’ Crime Prevention Center and the Virginia Crime Prevention Association (VCPA). VCPA members form the applicant pool for the program. The program is one of only 4 in the country, and is designed to recognize accomplished professionals in the field of crime prevention by establishing minimum standards for training and experience. Since its establishment, about 440 practitioners have received the specialist certification. In 2002 the General Assembly expanded the scope of the CPS program to provide the opportunity for certification of non-law enforcement professionals. This includes individuals involved in school security, public housing security, crime prevention practitioners at Virginia’s military bases, and state agencies such as the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Transportation and others. Certified Crime Prevention
Community The Commission asked the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to recommend programs that foster the development of community safety initiatives at the local level. DCJS proposed, and the Commission approved, the Certified Crime Prevention Community Program. Based on a study conducted by the Virginia State Crime Commission in 1993, the goal of the program is to publicly recognize and certify localities that have implemented a defined set of community safety strategies as part of a comprehensive community safety/crime prevention effort. One of the first of its kind in the nation, the program encourages localities to develop and implement collaborative community safety plans within a flexible framework designed by the Commission. Furthermore, it provides an ongoing process by which communities can reassess and update their plans to address emerging community safety issues. To obtain certification, a locality must meet 12 core community safety elements/strategies augmented by a minimum of seven approved optional elements. DCJS runs and monitors the program. McGruff House Program Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP) The Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP) is a multidisciplinary, interagency case management and information sharing system which enables the juvenile and criminal justice system, schools, mental health, and social service agencies to make more informed decisions regarding juveniles who repeatedly commit serious criminal and delinquent acts. Each local SHOCAP program is required to supervise serious or habitual juvenile offenders in the community as well as those under probation or parole supervision. The goal is to enhance current behavior control, supervision and treatment efforts to provide a more coordinated public safety approach. In Virginia, SHOCAP is codified in § 16.1-330.1 Code of Virginia. There are currently 13 Virginia localities that participate in the program. DCJS provides training and technical assistance to local SHOCAP Programs. TRIAD
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