October Is Crime Prevention Month

October is Crime Prevention Month, an annual observance since the National Crime Prevention Council initiated it in 1984. Crime Prevention Month is an opportunity for government agencies, civic groups, schools, businesses, and youth organizations to reach out in educating the public, showcasing accomplishments, and exploring new partnerships in facing the challenge of crime in our communities and in our society.

This month has become a time for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention, and, at the same time, promoting awareness of related issues including victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities. Among other activities, the month-long observance is often used to spotlight successful crime prevention efforts on the local, state, and national levels.

For more information related to Crime Prevention Month and National Crime Prevention Council resources for its observance, please visit:

NCPC: Crime Prevention Month

In one Crime Prevention Month initiative, the National Crime Prevention Council, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (part of the U.S. Department of Justice) are again teaming up on Celebrate Safe Communities, an effort designed to help local law enforcement agencies and their community partners kick off local Crime Prevention Month celebrations.

Celebrate Safe Communities is an initiative (supported by the U.S. Department of Justice) that is designed to help spotlight communities’ crime prevention efforts, enhance public awareness of vital crime prevention and safety messages, and recruit year-round support for ongoing prevention activities that help keep neighborhoods safe from crime. Many local Celebrate Safe Communities activities are held in October to coincide with Crime Prevention Month and to help Americans of all ages recognize that a safer community is no accident and that crime prevention is everyone’s business every day of the year.

For more information about the Celebrate Safe Communities initiative, please visit:

NCJRS: Celebrate Safe Communities