Community-INVOLVED Policing is the Goal of Manuals Third Edition

MEDFORD, OR-Since President George W. Bush called on Americans to serve their communities and thereby help defy and defeat the terrorists," many Americans have struggled to define just what that means. Now, here comes a book to help communities do just that. The Community Watch Administration Manual, Third Edition, is aimed at both the police and civilian practitioner of Neighborhood and Community Watch programs. Published by Crime Prevention Resources, the 552-page manual first came out in 1992, and its earlier editions are in use in hundreds of communities across the United States.

Devin Adams of Crime Prevention Resources distinguishes Community Watch from the more familiar Neighborhood Watch because of its emphasis on civilian leadership. Traditional Neighborhood Watch programs are often driven by police and sheriffs departments whose budgets and priorities can be prone to change," Adams explains. Participation by civilians from the top down gives the program more long-term viability."

Its still important for law enforcement to be at the center of things," he continued, but they cannot do it alone. The community must do its part. The real answer is community involved policing, where the police and the community form a true partnership with the common goal of safe neighborhoods, parks, and schools. Thats what Community Watch is all about."

Concern about terrorism does not change the basic nature of Community Watch," Adams says. People still need to be taught to recognize and report suspicious activities. They need to secure their homes and families and communities. They need better communication systems. The same nuts and bolts of an effective crime prevention system are going to be enormously beneficial to communities seeking to be part of the solution to terrorism."

The Community Watch Administration Manual [ISBN: 0-9710719-9-3 retails for $54.95. It offers chapters on planning, management, volunteers, meetings, programs, motivation, resource development, and evaluating program effectiveness. A special section that includes extensive training on Homeland Security was also added to this new edition. An appendix of numerous reproducible forms is also included.
Crime Prevention Resources, founded in 1986, provides print and video materials for training and education in crime prevention, drug awareness, business success, and other topics. For further information, call 1-800-867-0016.
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