Crime Prevention Programs.pdf

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Departmental Standards Directive 45.100 CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS Revised: September 26, 2011 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this directive is to provide guidance to members of the Boca Raton Police Services Department for programs related to the prevention, resi...

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Departmental Standards Directive 45.100 CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS Revised: September 26, 2011 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this directive is to provide guidance to members of the Boca Raton Police Services Department for programs related to the prevention, resistance, and suppression of crime. II. POLICY: The Department is committed to the development and perpetuation of community crime prevention programs to reduce crime. The Department has designated crime prevention practitioners, who will act as liaisons between the Department and the citizens of the community it serves. III. PROCEDURE: A. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION: 1. The crime prevention function will be performed by, but not be limited to, certified crime prevention practitioners, who are assigned to the Field Services Division and Citizens Crime Watch of Boca Raton, Inc., which is staffed by volunteers. 2. Officers shall be selected for assignments to the positions of crime prevention officer and community policing officer using the Transfer Selection Board process for specialized positions as outlined in Departmental Standards Directive 16.100 Allocation and Distribution of Personnel. 3. The crime prevention function will include, but not be limited to, residential and commercial property security surveys, environmental design studies and community crime prevention/awareness presentations. 4. Crime Prevention Personnel: a. The following persons are responsible for implementing the crime prevention activities: i. Officers certified by the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Florida as crime prevention practitioners. Effective: May 1, 1982 Revised: September 26, 2011 Crime Prevention Programs Directive No.45.100 Page 1 of 3 ii. A volunteer staff that maintains the operations of Citizens Crime Watch of Boca Raton, Inc. b. Crime prevention is the responsibility and goal of every employee of the Department. c. The crime prevention practitioners will maintain open communication with the public and act on public and Department referrals. B. OPERATIONS: 1. CRIME PREVENTION PRIORITY PROGRAMS: a. The Department's goal is to provide crime prevention programs on a priority basis. b. The Department will provide educational programs to target areas where specific types of crimes occur. c. Information regarding target areas is supplied by the public and/or the Department's Crime Analysis Unit, established for the purpose. d. The purpose of crime prevention programs is to reduce the incidence of crime by promoting sound crime prevention practices, and attempt to foster a sense of security and well-being within the community by addressing residents' perceptions, or misconceptions of crime. 2. RECORD KEEPING: a. The Crime Prevention Unit Supervisor will be responsible for ensuring that accurate records are kept on a monthly and yearly basis of all programs and community contacts related to crime prevention. At a minimum of every three years the supervisor will evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and change the programs to ensure that the objectives are being addressed. 3. GENERAL CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS: a. The Department promotes and provides crime prevention programs for all its citizens, proprietors, and more specifically in areas targeted for such activity. b. The Department will implement whatever crime prevention programs it or its constituents deem necessary to reduce victimization and/or lead to the recovery of stolen property. c. Crime prevention programs will include, but not be limited to, security surveys, educational presentations, and the dissemination of information and crime prevention tips. Effective: May 1, 1982 Revised: September 26, 2011 Crime Prevention Programs Directive No.45.100 Page 2 of 3 4. COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND LIAISON: a. Crime prevention practitioners will establish and maintain liaisons with formal community organizations and other community groups. b. Crime prevention practitioners will actively participate in the county and state crime prevention officers associations, maintain a liaison with the citizens of the community through Crime Watch, civic groups homeowner's associations, and business organizations. c. Crime prevention practitioners will be actively involved in the following: i. Establishing community groups ii. Developing community involvement policies for the Department iii. Publicizing agency objectives, problems, and successes iv. Improving agency practices related to police-community relations. 5. CRIME PREVENTION INPUT: a. The Department crime prevention practitioners will provide crime prevention input into development and/or revision of zoning policies, building codes, security codes, and residential and commercial building permits through the City’s Planning Advisory Committee. b. Input is provided for the development of policies and/or local ordinances through cooperation with the City Attorney, City Council and City department administrators. c. The Department gathers information regarding crime prevention training needs through the public and Department representatives. Approved: Daniel C. Alexander Chief of Police Effective: May 1, 1982 Revised: September 26, 2011 Date: Crime Prevention Programs Directive No.45.100 Page 3 of 3