NCJ Number
191777
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 46-49
Date Published
April 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes six programs developed by the Alvin Police Department (Texas) over the last 9 years to improve protection for the community's most vulnerable citizens.
Abstract
Geared toward teens, the "Add 'Em Up" program provides positive reinforcement for awareness of the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving. The program involves 6 hours of education that includes videos of alcohol-related accidents and the use of Fatal Vision Goggles to simulate an intoxicated level of .17. "Are You Okay" is a program that serves approximately 170 of Alvin's elderly and homebound citizens. The program involves a network of citizens that informs the elderly about any scams that are being perpetrated against the elderly. The program has expanded to include services such as Meals on Wheels and flu shots. The "Shepherd Program" offers a quick response if an Alzheimer's victim becomes lost. Biographies, a list of medications, accessible vehicles, and recent pictures provided by family members have become part of a police computerized database. Immediate access to this information gives the police department immediate response capability. The "Youth Anti-Tobacco Program" involves a mandatory education program accompanied by a smoking cessation program for youth who violate the town's anti-tobacco ordinance for youth under age 18. The "Handicap Parking Program" involves the use of volunteers to patrol parking lots and take pictures of cars that violate handicap parking laws. Materials are sent to the city court, which mails a summons to the violating car's owner. The "Crime Victim Liaison Program" informs crime victims about victim services and helps them complete the paperwork necessary to ensure that the victim receives appropriate support.