NCJ Number
79343
Date Published
1981
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This final narrative report discusses the objectives, successes, and impact of the Community Care, Inc. - Crime Prevention Program (Community:ACT) in Columbia, S.C.
Abstract
Community:ACT was prompted by a relatively high crime rate in the Greater Columbia Area, the existence of particular neighborhoods where the crime rate was particularly high, and the failure of community-based efforts in crime prevention. Objectives were set in the areas of administration and institutionalization. The primary neighborhood component of the project has proven to be its mainstay. The objectives of this component were to (1) maintain and develop neighborhood organizations, (2) assist the neighborhood in providing positive activities for children and youth, and (3) identify 'high-risk' children and youth and assist neighborhood organizations in planning appropriate activities and support services. Other goals were to assist the elderly and handicapped in feeling secure and overcoming unrealistic fears, implement appropriate crime prevention activities in each primary neighborhood, improve police-community relations with the neighborhood organizations, and solicit volunteers and provide a structure for implementing services to the elderly and the disabled. Finally, the program was to set up home visits and telephone contacts for identified elderly and disabled adults. Particular successes were the Annual Crime Prevention Banquet, which honored persons and organizations for achievements in crime prevention; leadership workshops; the development of parks and other recreational facilities for youth; companionship services for the elderly; neighborhood crime prevention newsletters; and the development of neighborhood organizations. Overall, the program has narrowed the gap between youths and adults in the target neighborhoods, increased citizen participation in neighborhood development, and improved relationships between law enforcement and neighborhood residents. No references are cited.