NCJ Number
170692
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 64 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1997) Pages: 116-118
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article suggests using volunteer police to address three types of delinquency prevention: primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary prevention.
Abstract
Volunteer police officers (auxiliary police) are generally unpaid citizens who are recruited, trained, and supervised by law enforcement agencies; they wear police-type uniforms. State laws determine whether or not they have peace officer or police authority, as well as the types of duties they may perform. Auxiliary police can probably make their greatest contribution by augmenting efforts to deal with the environmental and social conditions that foster delinquency (primary prevention). Primary- prevention activities could include security surveys, recruiting and training for Neighborhood Watch, the operation of after- school recreational centers, and the monitoring of school metal detectors. Secondary prevention focuses on factors and individuals that are most closely linked to delinquent activities. The activities of auxiliary police in this domain could include curfew enforcement, the operation of telephone hotlines, and constructive alternatives for persons who might otherwise engage in violence. Tertiary prevention confronts the issues and problems of known delinquents. Auxiliary police activities in this area could include the escorting of crime victims to and from court, additional court security personnel, assistance in the investigation of various family court cases, and assistance for juvenile probation officers. 8 notes