NCJ Number
53394
Date Published
1978
Length
7 pages
Annotation
TRAINING COURSES FOR BABY SITTERS, A REGULAR RADIO 'OPEN-MIKE' PROGRAM, AND TRAINING FOR RETAIL PERSONNEL WERE SOME OF THE PROGRAMS CONDUCTED BY THE KEENE, N.H., FULL-TIME CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER.
Abstract
KEENE HAS MORE THAN 20,000 PERMANENT RESIDENTS PLUS ABOUT 3,000 COLLEGE STUDENTS. THE CITY REQUESTED FUNDING FOR A FULL-TIME CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER DUE TO A CONTINUING RISE IN BURGLARIES AND OTHER CRIMES. BECAUSE ONLY HALF THE AMOUNT REQUESTED WAS AVAILABLE, THE CITY DECIDED TO CONDUCT AN INTENSIVE 6-MONTH CRIME PREVENTION EFFORT, RATHER THAN THE 1-YEAR PLAN ORIGINALLY ENVISIONED. AN OFFICER FROM THE DEPARTMENT ASSUMED THE POST. THIS EVALUATION DESCRIBES HIS EFFORTS DURING THE GRANT PERIOD. TO REDUCE MOUNTING SHOPLIFTING LOSSES, TRAINING WAS CONDUCTED FOR RETAIL CLERKS AND MANAGERS. NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK WATCH GROUPS WERE FORMED TO COMBAT THE BURGLARY RISE. IN COOPERATION WITH KEENE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, A PROGRAM FOR TEENAGE BABYSITTERS WAS ESTABLISHED TO TRAIN THE YOUNGSTERS IN METHODS OF SAFEGUARDING THE HOME AGAINST BURGLARS OR OTHER INTRUDERS AND IN REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIONS OR ACTUAL CRIMES TO THE POLICE. TWO STATIONS OFFERED TIME FOR CALL-IN RADIO SHOWS TO DISCUSS CRIME PROBLEMS WITH CITIZENS. THE PROGRAM IS CALLED EFFECTIVE. REFUNDING IS URGED. (GLR)