NCJ Number
81266
Date Published
1980
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The origins, principles, functions, and future plans of the West German prevention program of the criminal police are outlined.
Abstract
The program originated in Bavaria in the 1960's and was expanded to the Federal level in 1974 to assure nationwide inner security in all States. The program works on the premise that successful prevention is only possible with the cooperation of the citizens. The public education effort uses the media, posters, films, ads, and other material to promote the basic theme of crime prevention as a common goal of both the citizenry and the police. The messages offer tips on practical crime prevention measures and urge citizen reporting of criminal incidents to the police. The style of this promotional thrust resembles that of commercial advertising and the program has been criticized for being in poor taste and for disregarding linguistic formalities in its clipped expression. Nevertheless, a number of items produced by the program have won prizes in the advertising field for excellence of design and quality of execution. Projected research on the effects of the program has not taken place. Plans are underway to increase budgeting for crime prevention in individual States, and the program is deemed a vital component of a coordinated, liberal, nationwide criminal policy. Footnotes and illustrations are provided.