Crime Rate at Record Low, But One Crime is Still Too Many

Al Lenhardt, President and CEO

Criminal victimization in 2004 remained at its lowest levels since 1973. This is great news, news we should celebrate. But let's face it, it's not enough. We in crime prevention know there is still much more work to be done.

Last year there were 24 million victims of crime. That is more than 63,000 people a day. What does it cost us? Billions of dollars in economic losses, costs to the criminal justice system, billions spent to house more than two million men and women in prison, human pain and suffering, and more. There is still too much crime and there are still too many associated costs at a time when there are financial pressures at all levels of government.

We have learned plenty since the Bureau of Justice Statistics survey began more than 30 years ago. Back then people thought it was solely the job of law enforcement officers to prevent crime. Today they agree that preventing crime is everyone's business. We also know more about the causes of crime, everything from early childhood issues to neighborhood effectiveness. Creating and sustaining vital, interactive neighborhoods that do not produce crime is essential.

Each of us can do something to prevent crime. We can work to protect ourselves and our families; strengthen our neighborhoods; volunteer with local law enforcement agencies; drive community commitment to prevention policies and practices; and support prevention investments at the local, state, and national levels.

It is up to each of us as individuals and as members of a community to work together to reduce the causes and costs of crime. I would like to offer some strategies you and your neighbors can employ to create a safer, more caring community.

• Remember that youth have an enormous amount of energy, talent, and enthusiasm and are eager to contribute to society. Young people can volunteer to clean up graffiti, mentor and tutor children in their neighborhood, or keep an eye out for senior citizens in the community. Young people are empowered when they work to protect themselves and those around them.
• These days schools offer everything from bullying prevention programs to peer mediation groups. Parents, school administrators, school resource officers, and crime prevention specialists can work together to curb dangerous or violent behavior that has an injurious effect on everyone.
• Remember the power you as an individual have. Start or become involved in Neighborhood Watch in your community. Offer to write a monthly newsletter to help keep neighbors informed. Serve as a role model to others in your community.

Working together we can continue to prevent crime and create safer, more caring communities.