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Announcements and News

MCGRUFF NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE   (05-02-08)

NCPC has developed a new initiative, McGruff® Neighborhood, which strives to increase children’s safety at schools and in their neighborhoods. McGruff Neighborhood, composed of the McGruff Club, McGruff House, and McGruff Truck programs, allows communities to access a spectrum of coordinated programs that educate children and engage neighbors in keeping children safe. The McGruff Neighborhood Initiative will use the McGruff Club program to engage elementary schools in teaching children personal safety skills. Teach children about ways they can ensure their personal safety and security.

• Engage children in service projects designed to make their neighborhoods safer.

• Raise children’s awareness of McGruff as a trusted source of information on how to stay safe from crime.

• Teach children about what they can do to prevent crime and violence in their neighborhoods.

• Foster positive relationships among children, law enforcement officers, and other neighborhood members.

NCPC is currently accepting applications for elementary school officials, law enforcement officers, and neighbors to coalesce and join the McGruff Neighborhood Initiative. NCPC will be awarding no more than $30,000, split equally among six to eight McGruff Neighborhood sites. For more information about the McGruff Neighborhood Initiative. For more information and to apply for one of the grants, please visit http://www.ncpc.org/programs/mcgruff-neighborhood

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH - NCPC (05-01-08)
The National Crime Prevention Council is seeking a Director of Community Outreach. The position will be responsible for managing and implementing a comprehensive high-profile technical assistance and training initiative.

Essential Functions:

Manage day-to-day operations of the city-focused technical assistance and training initiative. Cultivate and maintain contact with key law enforcement and community leaders in participating jurisdictions. Plan, track progress of, and execute technical assistance interventions in the work plan designed to support the needs of the participating jurisdictions. Deliver NCPC training courses (crime prevention through environmental design, etc.) to law enforcement and others in selected jurisdictions

Cultivate and maintain contact with organizations that represent municipal and law enforcement interests and promote to them the benefits of NCPC technical assistance services. Identify opportunities to leverage partnerships which can help extend NCPC support of comprehensive, local community safety and crime prevention initiatives.

Training, Education, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in related field, or six years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years experience directly supervising at least one employee; including conducting performance appraisals and working with career development plans

More information: http://www.ncpc.org/about/job-opportunities/director-of-community-outreach

National Crime Prevention Council

2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202

(202) 466-6272

HOUSE BILL 462 - REGULATION OF LOCKSMITHS (04-24-08)

The 2008 General Assembly passed House Bill 462 which designated the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) as the agency responsible for regulating issues relating to training, licensing, and registration of the locksmith industry and personnel operating within Virginia. The purpose of this law is to help secure the public safety and welfare against incompetent, unqualified, unscrupulous, or unfit persons engaging in the activities of Locksmith Services. A copy of the applicable Code of Virginia as amended can be found at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss/codeandregs/legislation.cfm.

This law is applicable to any business entity that meets the definition of “Locksmith Services” as defined in Section 9-183.1 of the Code of Virginia unless specifically exempted by the Code or Department Policy. This law is also applicable to all persons employed by a locksmith business entity as defined in Section 9-183.1 of the Code. Locksmith businesses and personnel will be incorporated into the existing DCJS Private Security Services program.  DCJS will promulgate an emergency amendment of the regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines that will govern the industry with assistance from representatives from the locksmith industry.  A copy of the current Regulations Relating to the Private Security can be found at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss/codeandregs as well as a Locksmith Advisory Committee Application. The registration and licensing requirements of this act shall become effective on October 1, 2008. 

This information may also be located on the website, www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to submit your questions to Lisa McGee, Section Chief, at lisa.mcgee@dcjs.virginia.gov.

OFFENDER WATCH DEBUTS IN TEXAS (04-24-08)
Collin County, Texas will unveil a new sex offender registry system that gives law enforcement agencies and concerned citizens better access to offender's information and locations. The Collin County Sheriff's Office unveiled its new "OffenderWatch" system on Tuesday. The new system gives citizens and law enforcement agencies better access to information about sex offenders including their proximity to areas of interest around the city and county. For more information, link to: http://www.mesquitenews.com/articles/2008/04/20/breaking_news/90.txt

TRIAD GRANT PROGRAM (04-24-08)
The Office of the Attorney General is pleased to announce their 2008 Triad Crime Prevention for Seniors Grant Program. Guidelines, forms, and other information on this grant may be found at: http://www.vaag.com/CONSUMER/TRIAD/TRIAD_CrimeGrants.html Grant proposals are due by 5:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2008. For further information please contact Jennifer Aulgur at jaulgur@oag.state.va.us or 804-786-9516.

DEVELOPING SAFER GREENWAYS - DCJS TRAINING (04-24-08)
Everywhere you look cities and urban areas are developing greenways or urban trail systems.  Whether this interest is based in the new found discussions about the environment or the need to attract the younger professionals more apt to use such systems, they are springing up in every community. 

This day-long training is designed to acquaint the attendees of the process, methods and techniques that have led to success in one system and to identify the pitfalls that were encountered along the way.  A classroom primer will also prepare the attendee in the basic principles, as relevant to trail design, of “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED).  An afternoon visit to a local greenway will reinforce the applications of good and examine any poor design features. Partial In-Service Credit of 7.5 hours will be awarded for completion.

The training and all materials are free to participants, however seating is limited.  259Participants must register on line at www.dcjs.virginia.gov. Detailed course information can be found at: http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/common/memo.cfm?code=2&memoid=

   
    May 12, 2008,  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    City of Roanoke Police Training Academy
    541 Luck Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 

5th Annual National Neighborhood Watch Awards of Excellence (01-23-08)
The National Sheriffs’ Association in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U. S. Department of Justice is pleased to announce that they are accepting nominations for the 5th Annual National Neighborhood Watch Awards of Excellence to be presented during the General Section of the 2008 National Sheriffs’ Association Conference in Indianapolis, IN. All law enforcement agencies, Neighborhood Watch groups, organizations, and/or programs that have made an exceptional contribution to the Neighborhood Watch program in their communities are encouraged to submit nominations to the National Sheriffs’ Association by March 31, 2008. For complete information on eligibility, criteria, and nomination forms please visit

http://www.usaonwatch.org/AboutUs/AwardsProgram.php

For addition information contact: Robbi Woodson, 800.424.7827 x330, rwoodson@sheriffs.org

Job Opportunity - CPTED Planner - Henrico County Division of Police (01-22-08)
Minimum Qualifications: Possession of a bachelor's degree with a major in planning or a related field and one (1) year of professional planning work experience in municipal or county government; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, including basic statistics, mathematics, economics and sociology; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to assist in the preparation of comprehensive master plans and to maintain them with technical accuracy; skill in the interpretation of statistical data; ability to coordinate the preparation of graphs, maps and charts. [Note: Some positions may require some knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture and/or civil engineering and the ability to read and interpret detailed site construction, architectural landscape and lighting plans.] Provide technical assistance in the review of existing and new development by applying the strategies of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design or CPTED. Communication of these strategies in both written and oral formats is required.

Annual Salary: $38,479.24--$67,542.17; Hourly Salary: $18.50--$32.47
Overtime Status: Eligible to earn compensatory leave; Benefits Status: Full; Job Type: Permanent full-time
Recruiter: Becky Simulcik; sim10@co.henrico.va.us; 804.501.4783

General Assembly Bills (01-21-08)
The following bills, which may have an impact on crime prevention, have been introduced before the 2008 General Assembly. The most significant bill is House Bill 462 which directs the Department of Criminal Justice Services to establish procedures to license and regulate locksmiths.

This is similar to legislation introduced some years ago that directed DCJS to license and regulate the alarm and CCTV industry. Locksmiths can be certified by national locksmith industry groups but there are no government standards or requirements in Virginia. There are no background checks or identification requirements. At the request of the General Assembly, the State Board for Professional and Occupational Regulation conducted a study of this issue in 1995. In its report (Senate Document 10 - 1995) the Board stated: "The Board sees no evidence of locksmiths posing a threat to public health, safety or welfare. .... The Board strongly recommends that the General Assembly not mandate state licensure for locksmiths."   Unregulated locksmiths can pose a security threat for homes and businesses and may pose a major Homeland Security threat. What better way to gain access to high value targets than by starting a locksmith business where no background checks or other standards are required.

HB 462: License and Regulation of Locksmiths (patron Delegate Albo) http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?081+ful+HB462

This bill directs the Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop and implement regulations to license and regulate locksmiths. At present there are no state standards for locksmiths, such as background checks, training, etc.

The HB 236: Identification Cards and Licenses (patron Delegate Cosgrove) http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?081+ful+HB236

Every identification card or license issued by any agency of the Commonwealth that displays personal information about an individual shall be made of a material and in a form designed to prevent duplication, alteration, and counterfeiting.

HB 600: Amber Lights on Neighborhood Watch Vehicles (patron Delegate McClellan) http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?081+ful+HB600

The following vehicles may be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating amber warning lights of types approved by the Superintendent

21. Vehicles used in patrol work by members of neighborhood watch groups approved by the chief law-enforcement officer of the locality in their assigned neighborhood watch program area, provided that the vehicles are clearly identified as neighborhood watch vehicles, and the amber lights are not may be lit either while the vehicle is in motion or is stationary.

HB 733: Restroom Access Act (patron Delegate Caputo) http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?081+ful+HB733

A retail establishment that has a toilet facility for its employees shall allow a customer to use that facility during normal business hours if the toilet facility is reasonably safe and five conditions are met.

VCPA 30th Anniversary Conference Reminder - Deadlines (01-16-08)
The registration packet for the 30th Anniversary Crime Prevention Conference will be mailed in the next two weeks. The deadline for the reduced registration rate for VCPA members at the $195 rate has been extended to February 24. After that date, the registration rate increases to $235. The rate for non-members is $250 and increases to $295 after February 16. The deadline for room reservations at the conference hotel is also February 24. After that date the rate will increase substantially. However, you should register as soon as possible because rooms at the $109 rate could sell out. The phone number for the Marriott at Fair Oaks is (703) 667-2103 and the Marriott Reservations number is (800) 228-9290. The event name is the Crime Prevention Association.

The deadline for nominations for the 2007 VCPA Crime Prevention Awards has been extended to February 13 and Nominations for VCPA Second-Vice President and Secretary is January 31. The link for nominations and other 30th Anniversary Crime Prevention Conference information is http://vcpa.org/2008Conference.cfm

VCPA Webstore Is Open for Business (01-14-08)
The new VCPA Webstore is open for business. This new VCPA service is a secure an online store where you can order caps, shirts, windbreakers and other accessories with the VCPA logo. The VCPA items are available to all crime prevention supporters. Items are available in just about any size for men or women in a great variety of styles and colors. If there is something specific you would like to order that you don't see listed, give Impressions To Go a call at (614) 760-0600. At least 10% of each sale is donated to the VCPA. The link for the VCPA webstore is http://www.impressionstogo.com/VCPA.htm.

Turkish National Police Recognize VCPA (12-29-07)
The Turkish National Police have recognized and honored the VCPA by posting information about the Best State Crime Prevention Program award, presented the National Crime Prevention Council, on the Turkish website - International Strategic Research Forum. The VCPA has been partnering with the Turkish National Police since early 2006. Nearly 200 representatives of the Turkish National Police and the Turkish Institute of Police Studies (TIPS) are attending Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University and other universities across the US, to earn advanced higher education degrees. In the fall of 2006, the VCPA and the TIPS program together to develop and conduct a one day crime prevention seminar that was attended by 75 individuals at VCU in Richmond. This past summer, at the invitation of the Turkish National Police, VCPA Executive Director Patrick Harris presented a workshop on crime prevention at the Second International Conference on Democracy and Global Security in Istanbul.

The VCPA has been working with Major Ulvi Kun, who is very interested in incorporating more crime prevention and CPTED into the policing services offered by the Turkish National Police. Since he has been at VCU, Major Kuhn has earned his masters degree and is currently working on his Ph.D. Major Kun is an individual member of the VCPA and the TIPS program is an organization member. At the request of Major Kun, the VCPA submitted a training and technical assistance proposal for the Turkish National Police. This proposal is currently being reviewed by Turkish National Police command staff. More information about the Turkish National Police and the TIPS Program can be found at http://tipsonline.org

MOBILE CRIME HOUSE (12-29-07)

http://www.slecladding.co.uk/crimeh.htm

This unusual vehicle can be frequently seen touring the market towns and villages throughout rural North Shropshire (United Kingdom). Designed, commissioned and fitted out by North Shropshire Neighbourhood and Farm Watch (N&FW) and financed by them with supplementary grants from the North Shropshire Crime Prevention Partnership. This mobile crime prevention house appears at carnivals and festivals, attends school and village fetes plus other public events to make local residents aware of Neighbourhood Watch and the relatively inexpensive home and personal security measures that they can take to ensure effective reduction in the chances of them becoming victims of crime.

VCPA Interview - Code Red! Radio Show - 8th National Conference on Preventing Crime (12-19-07)
Listen to a radio interview of Kim Vann and Ed O' Carroll taped at the 8th National Conference on Preventing Crime in Atlanta in October at Code Red!
Alfred McComber, a seasoned law enforcement veteran, high profile dignitary protection agent and host of the Code Red! radio show dedicated to Personal Security, Safety and Emergency Preparedness issues heard on Federal News Radio, AM 1050 in Washington, DC and around the world via the internet at: www.coderedradioshow.com conducted a special, live two-hour Code Red! radio broadcast from the National Crime Prevention Council's 2007 Conference.

Bike Smart Virginia Helmet Grants (12-19-07)
Bike Smart, Virginia! is a state program to prevent bicycle-related injuries in communities. A critical component of the program is the promotion of proper helmet usage when a child engages in any wheeled mode of transportation (i.e. bicycle, inline skates, scooters, skateboards). Funding is now available for communities to implement helmet safety projects for school age children. Organizations selected will receive educational materials (brochures, posters, videos and a bike rodeo guide) and up to $1,000 for the purchase of Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified helmets to implement a helmet distribution project targeting low income children. Approximately 55 grants will be awarded. Applications are due January 15, 2008. Grant Application

Heather Funkhouser Board, MPH, Director of Unintentional Injury Prevention
Division of Injury and Violence Prevention, Virginia Department of Health
109 Governor St, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
(804)864-7738   FAX (804 )864-7748 www.vahealth.org/civp

Certfied Crime Prevention Communities (12-16-07)

The City of Radford was recognized as the 14th Certified Crime Prevention Community in Virginia at the December 13 meeting of the Criminal Justice Services Board (CJSB) in Richmond. In addition to the certification of the City of Radford, Henrico County and Fairfax County were each recertfied as a Certified Crime Prevention Community. One of the first of its kind in the nation, the Certified Crime Prevention Community program encourages localities to develop and implement collaborative community safety plans within a flexible framework designed by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). 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 7 approved optional elements. Applications for the program are reviewed and approved by the Criminal Justice Services Board and DCJS manages the program. More information: Certified Crime Prevention Community Program Representing their respective communities at the CJSB meeting were: Master Police Officer Patrick Lucas, Fairfax County Police Department; CPTED Planner Kim Vann and Chief of Police Henry Stanley, Henrico County Division of Police; and Sergeant P. J. Rutzinski and Sergeant Kenny Ford, Radford Police Department.

2008 - 2009 Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (12-12-07)

The Department of Criminal Justice Services announces the availability of federal grant funds through the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). Grant applications may be submitted for new projects in the following areas:

1) School and Campus Safety Projects

2) School Resource Officers

3) Crisis Intervention Team Pilot Projects

4) Assessing the Impact of and Responding to the Mentally Ill in the Criminal/Juvenile Justice Systems

5) Crime & Delinquency Prevention in Minority/Immigrant Communities

6) Recruiting and Retention of Criminal Justice Professionals

7) Criminal Justice System Improvements.

Successful applicants will receive funding for 12 months, starting July 1, 2008. Certain limitations and requirements apply to these funds, including the following:

• Grant funds may be used to pay no more than 75% of the cost of a project. The remaining funds must be provided, in cash, from non-federal sources.

• Grant funds may not be used to purchase equipment unless it is a necessary part of an approved project. Grant funds may not be used for construction or renovation.

• Grant funds may not be used to supplant state or local funds that would otherwise be available for these purposes.

Grant guidelines and instructions for preparing and submitting grant applications may be obtained from the Department’s website here. If you are unable to access the information or download the documents, contact Virginia Sneed, at (804) 786-5491 or virginia.sneed@dcjs.virginia.gov, to obtain copies of the grant guidelines and application forms. Completed grant applications for these funds must be received at DCJS no later than 4pm on Friday, February 29, 2008.

Body Armor Saves Lives (11-29-07)
On December 23, 1975, Seattle Police Department Patrolman Raymond T. Johnson stood in the checkout line at a local market when a robbery suspect entered the store and brandished a weapon. Johnson lunged for the suspect’s gun. In the violent struggle that ensued, the suspect emptied his .38 caliber pistol, striking Johnson in the left hand and twice in the chest before fleeing. Johnson survived with severe hand injuries, chest bruises, and a unique distinction—the first law enforcement officer saved in a field test of a new generation of soft body armor being conducted by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

Johnson was wearing body armor made with Kevlar®, an extraordinarily strong fabric developed by DuPont. NIJ, in partnership with the U.S. Army, began a program in the early 1970s to develop lightweight body armor woven from Kevlar®. Field testing began in the summer of 1975, with 5,000 armors provided to 15 urban police departments. Less than 6 months later, Johnson was the first officer saved by one of the field test armors. In all, 17 other armor-wearing officers were saved during the 1-year field test.

There have been over 3,000 other stories like that of Seattle Police Officer Raymond T. Johnson since that shooting two days before Christmas in 1975. That’s 3,000 families spared the anguish of death or debilitating injury to a loved one in the line of duty, and the evidence is clear. An officer not wearing armor is 14 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury than an officer who is. Therefore, the most important message for the law enforcement community is that officers should continue to wear their body armor.

Unfortunately, many Virginia law enfrocment agencies do not have a policy requiring officers to wear their issued body armor while on duty, it's an option. What's your departments policy on wearing body armor?

Source: Body Armor Safety Initiative: To Protect and Serve…Better, NIJ Journal No. 254 • July 2006, National Institute of Justice

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/254/body_armor.html

National Crime Prevention Association (11-28-07)

The National Crime Prevention Association (NCPA) at the National Crime Prevention Council is an individual membership association for crime prevention practitioners. This association’s mission is to provide a national resource to enhance and promote crime prevention and provide for the development of professional crime prevention practitioners. NCPA will offer training, resources, conference opportunities, and information-sharing outlets for practitioners. This will help programs grow and expand as well as educate practitioners about new emerging trends in the crime prevention field. All membership fees will be waived until July 1, 2008. More information is available at: http://www.ncpc.org/programs/national-crime-prevention-association

Benefits associated with joining the NCPA include:

• Training at the regional and national level
• Ability to network across the country
• Access to publications and crime prevention materials
• A training conference geared toward crime prevention programs
• Ability to access crime prevention training online
• Networking opportunities
• Certification
• CEU credits for various training programs

Past President Kim Vann Invited to Speak at National Conference (11-02-07)
Kim Vann, VCPA Immediate Past President and Henrico County Police CPTED Planner, has been invited to speak on CPTED at the 2008 annual conference of the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) The conference will be held in Dallas, Texas. ASPA, which was founded in 1939, is the leading public service organization that advances the art, science, teaching, and practice of public and non-profit administration.

More information about ASPA can be found at: http://www.aspanet.org/scriptcontent/ASPAgeneral.cfm

Neighborhood Watch in Bristol (11-02-07)
The Bristol Neighborhood Watch program and Allen Slagle, past President of the Mountain Empire Crime Prevention Association, are highlighted in the most recent National Sheriiffs' Association on-line E-Zine. The E-Zine states in part: Residents of Leisure Park Towers, an independent living community for senior citizens in Bristol , formed the city's first Neighborhood Watch in 2000, following a spate of petty crimes and suspicious activities taking place near the complex. Today, Bristol is home to 16 Neighborhood Watch programs and, in 2002, the city became the state's third Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services-certified Crime Prevention Community."

The full article can be read at: http://www.usaonwatch.org/EZine/EZineMainArticle.php?EZineID=20071011

Crime Prevention Committee - International Association of Chiefs of Police (11-02-07)
The Internal International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) supports a standing committee on Crime Prevention. The mission of the committee as stated in the strategic plan Towards 2000 and Beyond is: " Establish the prevention of crime as fundamental to a free and safe society; anchor crime prevention in each department's organizational policy; and strive to develop crime prevention as the top priority for comprehensive crime control initiatives."

The full Crime Prevention strategic plan can be viewed at: http://www.theiacp.org/div_sec_com/committees/CPCstratplan.htm

The link for the IACP Crime Prevention Committee is: http://www.theiacp.org/div_sec_com/committees/Crime_Prev.htm

The October 2007 issue of the Police Chief magazine has a special focus on crime prevention. The crime prevention issue can viewed by highlighting the magazine cover to the right.

ICE Campaign - "In Case of Emergency" (10-24-07)
We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this “ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" (In Case Of Emergency).  For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn’t know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE".

Bright Lights on Virginia Beach (10-23-07)
About two years ago we featured a story about bright lights being used by the City of Virginia Beach along Atlantic Avenue at the beachfront. The city set up brighter street lights on Atlantic Avenue between 17th and 25th streets that switch on at 1:15 a.m., 45 minutes before business are required by state law to stop serving alcohol, to discourage sidewalk stragglers from hanging around after hours. The two pictures below demonstrate the impact of the bright lights. Late night businesses along the beachfront sued the city to stop the use of the bright lights, but their lawsuit was not successful. For more information contact MPO Jeff Eaton at bjeaton@vbgov.com with the Virginia Beach Police Department.

Former VCPA Board Member Seriously Injured (10-21-07)

Sergeant David Tucker, with the Fairfax Police Department and a past member of the VCPA Board of Directors, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident last week. Dave finished midnight patrol and was headed home on his off-duty motorcycle when he was struck by a car that turned into his path. He suffered a severely broken pelvis, a fractured L-vertebrae, some bladder trauma, a torn urethra, a broken collarbone and some bleeding on the brain. VCPA board member Jim Hamilton visited Dave on October 17.  Dave was in good spirits and an operation to stop some internal bleeding went well. He will have numerous operations in the near future and continues to be in severe pain. Notes of encouragements and get well can be sent to his home.

                6603 Indian Moon
                Manassas, VA 20112

VCPA Member Promoted to Captain (10-21-07)

Congratulations to Angie Frye who has been promoted to Captain of the Administrative Services Division with the Radford Police Department. The promotion places here second in command with the department. Captain Frye is a long time member and supporter of the VCPA. She has also maintained her Crime Prevention Specialist certification as she has risen through the ranks with the Radford Police Department.

Auto Theft Prevention Resources - National Crime Insurance Bureau - https://www.nicb.org (10-17-07)

Top Ten Nationally Stolen Vehicles

            Rank     Vehicle                                               Year

            1          Honda Civic                                         1995

            2          Honda Accord                                      1991

            3          Toyota Camry                                      1989

            4          Ford F150 Series                                 1997

            5          Dodge Ram Pickup                               2005

            6          Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup      1994

            7          Nissan Sentra                                      1994

            8          Dodge Caravan                                     1994

            9          Saturn SL                                            1994

           10         Acura Integra                                        1990

Chesterfield County Police Department - Strategic Plan FY 2008 - 2012

GOAL 3: To increase the proportion of crimes cleared by arrest.

3.1: Maintain a 50% Incident Based Reporting Group A clearance rate

• Cold case reviews
• Weekly staff review of reported crimes
• Continue to promote Crime Solvers Program
• Expand community policing programs
• Continue School Crime Solvers Program
• Continue emphasis on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

GOAL 6: Increase citizen safety and perception of safety

6.1: Respond to 100% of crime prevention (support) program requests

• Fill all crime prevention officer vacancies
• Increase safety and crime prevention programs
• Emphasize Crime Solvers Program
• Increase public service announcements
• Provide Neighborhood Watch information via the internet
• Continue Apartment Coalition

6.2 Provide the community with an enhanced child safety education information and support

• Increase school and safety programs
• Obtain funding for two additional school resource officers
• Obtain funding for six additional child safety officers over the next five years
  
  Are crime prevention objectives included your department's strategic plan? If they are, please forward them to vaprevent@aol.com. We are developing a link highlighting crime prevention objectives that are included in law enforcement agency strategic plans.

VCPA Wins National Crime Prevention Awards (09-20-07)
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) announced today that the Virginia Crime Prevention Association (VCPA) is one of six recipients of its national McGruff's 2007 Crime Prevention Awards of Excellence. VCPA President Edward C. O’Carroll, Lieutenant with the Fairfax County Police Department and past president Ms. Kimberly L. Vann, CPTED Planner for the Henrico County Division of Police, will accept the award October 4, on behalf of the VCPA at the NCPC’s national conference in Atlanta, GA. The award recognizes individuals and organizations for their extraordinary accomplishments to prevent crime and create safer and more caring communities.

The NCPC award letter stated that Virginia law enforcement and other organizations know the value of working with the VCPA. The VCPA has saved them more than $700,000 in annual training costs and conducted over 110 training courses and presentations that reached nearly 3,700 individuals in more than 200 locations. Using a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, the VCPA hosted two forums for crime prevention program leaders from twenty states to discuss opportunities to enhance crime prevention services in their areas.

Alfonso E. Lenhardt, NCPC president and CEO of the NCPC said, “It is my honor to recognize these accomplished citizens and organizations that help advance the NCPC mission of helping people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime. It is the dedication and hard work of many across the country that gives us the opportunity to feel safe and secure as we go about our daily lives at work, home, and school.”

Other organizations and individuals that received McGruff's 2007 Crime Prevention Awards were:

Nick Arlt (De Pere, Wisconsin ), Crime Prevention Citizen/Volunteer of the Year

Daryl Pearson (Walla Walla, Washington), Crime Prevention Officer of the Year

Youth Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County (Miami, Florida), Crime Prevention Program of the Year (Over 250,000 Population)

Ewa Weed & Seed (Ewa Beach, Hawaii), Crime Prevention Program of the Year (Local or City of Under 250,000 Population) 

Darkness to Light (Charleston, South Carolina), Crime Prevention Program of the Year (State or National)

National Crime Prevention Council

2345 Crystal Drive

Arlington, VA  22202-4801

SunTrust - My Cause Donations to the VCPA (08-30-07)

In the spirit of support, SunTrust Bank recently launched the My Cause promotion to help raise funds for charitable organizations like the Virginia Crime Prevention Association (VCPA). If you have any circumstances that lead you to open a checking account between now and October 12, 2007, we ask that you consider starting a checking account with SunTrust and participating in the My Cause promotion by requesting that $100 be donated to the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Virginia Crime Prevention Association in your name. All donations we receive through this promotion will be used to support VCPA crime programs and services. SunTrust has made the process very easy and has provided the steps below to help you participate in the My Cause promotion.

1. Go to your nearest SunTrust branch and open any type of checking account (personal or business) during the promotion period. You will receive a SunTrust Visa®

Check Card. Please use the check card to make any purchase by November 15, 2007

2. After using your Visa check card to make a purchase, please visit suntrust.com/mycause. This Web site will provide you with a redemption form and a chance to designate the Virginia Crime Prevention Association as the recipient of the $100 donation from SunTrust. You can also call 866.266.2802 to complete your form via phone. You must submit the completed redemption form by November 15, 2007.

If you have questions about the promotion or would like more information, you can visit suntrust.com/mycause.

Office Depot VCPA Credits

If you shop at Office Depot you can help save the VCPA money by having your Office Depot purchases credited to the VCPA Office Depot Rewards Program. After you complete the sale give the cashier the VCPA telephone number 804-231-3800 and he/she can use it to add Reward Points to the VCPA account based on the amount of your purchase. It costs you nothing but provides the VCPA Reward Points that can be used to reduce the cost of purchases.

Family and Intimate Partner Homicide 2005 - Virginia (08-30-07)
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has conducted homicide surveillance since 1999. The most recent annual report provides detailed information about all homicides for 2005 and summary profiles for the seven year period from 1999 to 2005. Homicides related to family and intimate partner violence are emphasized throughout the document. Three trends stand out:

First, nearly one in three homicides is related to family and intimate partner violence. Changes in law, policy and practice between 1999 and 2005 have not significantly altered this pattern.

Second, racial disparities, which have been identified for many other health indices, are also found in intimate partner related homicides. In the seven year period studied here, Black Virginians were at significantly higher risk for death resulting from intimate partner violence when compared with White Virginians.

Third, infants continue to be our most vulnerable citizens. There was a downward trend in infant homicide between 1999 and 2005. At the same time, infants remain at highest risk for family and intimate partner violence when compared with other age groups.

Some would say that, because these deaths occur on the private terrain of family and intimate life, they cannot be avoided. I disagree with that opinion. I urge you to read this report, to review risk factors and characteristics of these homicides, and to reflect on your own abilities to address family and intimate partner violence. Whether a victim is eight minutes old or eighty years old, every violent death is a premature death that suggests continued gaps and failures in our public health and

public safety efforts. I believe in the power of prevention and in the efficacy of communities to take action to end violence in the Commonwealth.The full report study may be found at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/medexam/documents/fiph2005%20final.pdf

National Crime Prevention Association (06-26-07)

The National Crime Prevention Association (NCPA) at the National Crime Prevention Council is  an individual membership association for crime prevention practitioners. This association’s mission is to provide a national resource to enhance and promote crime prevention and provide for the development of professional crime prevention practitioners. NCPA will offer training, resources, conference opportunities, and information-sharing outlets for practitioners. This will help programs grow and expand as well as educate practitioners about new emerging trends in the crime prevention field. The initial launch of this association is scheduled for July 1, 2007. All membership fees will be waived until July 1, 2008. For more information about NCPA, please contact Shaun Campbell at scampbell@ncpc.org. To become a member, please contact Nicole Nasiatka at nnasiatka@ncpc.org. Information will also be posted when available at www.ncpc.org.

Crime Prevention Officer Vincent "Vinnie" DarConte Succumbs to Accident Injuries (05-29-07)

Master Police Officer Vincent "Vinnie: DarConte,with the Fairfax County Police Department, died over the weekendfrom injurieshe received in a motorcycle on May 19. Vinnie was a Crime Prevention Officer assigned to the Sully District Station and had been a member of the VCPA since December 2003. Once we receive more details, the VCPA will send it's sympathies to the Darconte family.

Chief of Police Colonel Dave Rohrer sent a out the following notice about his death.

It is with profound sadness that I regret to announce that Master Police Officer Vincent "Vinnie" Darconte died a short while ago as a result of the injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident early last Saturday morning, May 19. He was surrounded by family and friends.

I know that you join me in extending our deepest sympathy to Vinnie's wife Donna and son Matthew, and to Vinnie's and Donna's extended families, and I ask that you keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers. We also extend our sympathy to the Sully District Station where Vinnie was a Crime Prevention Officer, and also to the Reston and McLean District Stations where Vinnie worked during his career as a part of our 'family.'

Prevention Wins Every Time (05-22-07)
ACUDAT is an acronym we use for our version of COMPSTAT. It stands for Analyzing Crime Using Data About Trends. ACUDAT is a monthly meeting I host on the third Wednesdays at 7:00 PM in the LPD assembly room at headquarters. Any officer of any rank and any civilian employee is welcome to attend. It's optional, and open to all. Generally about 20 to 30 people are there.

The purpose of the meeting is to review our current crime trends, patterns, cases, and suspects. We are trying, once a month, to step back from the volume and from the daily drum beat of activity to take a look at a bigger picture: the entire city, the broader pattern, how we're doing, and the connections that might get lost otherwise in the sheer volume of what we do. Read more about how Chief Tom Cassidy in Lincoln, Nebraska using crime analysis data to guide his crime prevention efforts at http://lpd304.blogspot.com/2007/05/prevention-wins-every-time.html

School Violence Prevention Resources (04-20-07)

In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, the Virginia Department of Health - Division of Injury and Violence Prevention has recently posted a web page on responding and preventing school violence. The web page directs viewers to useful state and national resources.  Website address:  http://www.vahealth.org/civp/educator/schoolviolence.asp"

29th VCPA Crime Prevention Conference A Big Success (04-06-07)

Over 300 individuals from 138 organizations attended the 29th Annual VCPA Crime Prevention Conference in Henrico County, March 18 - 21. This year’s conference theme, Safer By Design, was selected by VCPA President Kim Vann, the CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Planner for the Henrico County Division of Police. She designed the conference to focus on safety that can be accomplished through design also known as CPTED. The conference crime prevention training was designed to appeal to planners, architects and designers who are more frequently encountering CPTED concepts when they bring plans to Virginia’s local government boards for approval. Training on a variety of other crime prevention topics including school safety, senior safety, domestic violence, drug abuse prevention and others was also provided.The conference began on Sunday, March 18 with a Safety and Security Fair that was open to the public. Visitors to the Safety Fair were greeted by a 30 tall McGruff inflated balloon. Shred-it®, a nation-wide document destruction company, provided free document shredding to help prevent Identity Theft. H.E.A.T., the Virginia State Police auto theft prevention program, provided free VIN (vehicle identification number) window etching to help prevent auto theft.The conference was opened on Monday morning, March 19 with welcomes from VCPA President Kim Vann; Colonel Henry Stanley, Chief of Police of the Henrico County Division of Police; Mr. George Drumwright, Henrico County Deputy Manager ; and Mr. Leon Baker representing the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The keynote speaker for the opening session of the conference was the Honorable Alfonso E. Lenhardt, President and CEO of the National Crime Prevention Council. Fifteen chiefs of police, sheriffs and criminal justice leaders also attended the opening ceremonies to show their support for the work the VCPA has done to educate officers and staff in crime prevention. Day two of the conference included presentations that focused on the Safer By Design conference theme: Designing for the Public Realm - Perimeter Security Post 9/11 and New Urbanist Design and Crime Prevention.

Crime Prevention Awards

The guest speaker for the VCPA Crime Prevention Awards luncheon was the Honorable Robert F. McDonnell, Attorney General of Virginia. He and Secretary of Public Safety, the Honorable John Marshall assisted President Kim Vann in presenting awards to the following individuals and organizations:

Citizen Award: Kimberly Nelson, Abingdon
Community Organization Award: Newport News Crime Watch Coalition, Lou Farrar

Private Professional Service Award: Mona Vinson, Bristol
Private Industry Award: Wal Mart # 1292, Christiansburg, Daniel Olayvar
Regional Crime Prevention Association Award: Southwest Regional Crime Prevention Association

Professional Service Award: Crystal R. Delk, Henrico County Division of Police
Law Enforcement Executive Award: Henry W. Stanley, Henrico County Division of Police
O. W. Cundiff Statewide Service Award: Richard Arrington, Department of Criminal Justice Services

Election

Following the awards presentation, the new elected officers of the VCPA were announced. Deputy Scott Harrell, with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office, was elected Second Vice-president and Officer Patrick Lucas, with Fairfax County Police Department, was elected Secretary. They will serve with incoming President Lieutenant Edward O’Carroll, with the Fairfax County Police Department, and incoming Vice President Deputy David Barke, with the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office. The VCPA also paid a special tribute to Deputy Barke who just returned in February from a tour of duty in Iraq with the Virginia National Guard.

The conference concluded on Wednesday March 21, with the HEAT LEO Awards that recognized auto theft prevention, detection and investigation achievements by ocal and state law enforcement officers. Superintendent Steve Flaherty also announced the creation of the Robert. Hill Sr. Virginia State Police Crime Prevention Award and presented it to the wife of Senior Trooper Hill. Senior Trooper Hill, a Crime Prevention Specialist, was killed in the line-of-on duty on Friday afternoon, Nov. 24, 2006, in Southampton County while making a traffic stop. He was the first Crime Prevention Specialist killed in the line of duty.The conference included 7 plenary speakers, 20 educational workshops, 2 crime prevention tours, the VCPA Crime Prevention Awards, the Help Eliminate Auto Theft LEO Awards, election of VCPA officers, a Safety and Technology Fair, 7 crime prevention exhibitors and a Bowl Over Crime Fund Raiser.  The Department of Criminal Justice Services approved the conference for 18.25 hours of law enforcement in-service training credit. Fifty-nine organizations supported the conference with cash and in-kind donations.  Twelve organizations provided cash or in-kind support of $1,000 or more. The conference was supported by 35 volunteers from the Chesterfield County Police Department and the Henrico County Division of Police.

Local New Media Coverage
WWBT (NBC) TV 12: http://www.nbc12.com/news/state/6610932.html
WTVR (CBS) TV 6: http://www.wtvr.com/Global/story.asp?s=6244961
WXEX (ABC) TV 8: new story WRVA radio: interview

Richmond Times Dispatch: quarter page ads March 15 and March 17

Designers of Bridge Predicted Safety Problems (01-24-07)

A Montgomery County public works official acknowledged last night that designers of a pedestrian bridge under the Capital Beltway in Silver Spring had foreseen safety problems in a dark stretch but had thought that design features and lighting would minimize the danger.Bruce E. Johnston, who helped steer the $7.7 million project to completion last summer, told a community group last night that after three recent armed robberies on the bridge, county officials recognize that they did not sufficiently heed concerns about pedestrian safety on the bridge.

Read the full article from the Washington Post at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/22/AR2007012201625.html

Local TV news story about the bridge: http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=2143122&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Crime Prevention: The Law Enforcement Officer's Practical Guide
Rick Arrington, a Past President of the Virginia Crime Prevention Association and now with the Department of Criminal Justice Services, has written a handbook for crime prevention, Crime Prevention: The Law Enforcement Officer's Guide. This great new crime prevention resource is published by:

Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
40 Tall Pine Drive
Sudbury, MA 01776  Toll free: (800) 832-0034
E-mail: info@jbpub.com ,    ISBN 13: 9780763741303 , ISBN 10: 0763741302
Price: $39.95 (Sugg. US List) Training Site Discount
Cover: Paperback,  Pages: 242,  Copyright: 2007

This reference provides valuable information on crime prevention techniques for creating and implementing crime prevention programs and managing successful awareness campaigns.  Included are steps for the prevention of personal and business theft, property crime, fraud, and violent crime, among others. It covers the many physical devices available to aid in crime prevention and how to use them effectively, as well as prevention techniques using environmental design.  Charts and photos help illustrate the author's explanations, and a comprehensive appendix includes many of the forms and documents that are used in the field of crime prevention.

Vice President David Barke in Iraq (12-31-06) A Christmas photo from VCPA Vice President David Barke who has been serving in Iraq with the 224th Aviation Unit - Virginia National Guard since February. David and his unit will be returning home soon.

Attorney General Releases Final Report of Youth Internet Safety Task Force (12-20-06)