The days of safe, simple and innocent past time to walk forth for leisure or business activities seem a distant memory and high risk action today. Can we do something about it?

I would have to say, ‘Why not?’ after all this is our home, town, city, country and we should not have to hide in fear of others. Yet the reality of today, shows us daily on the news of criminal acts such as assaults, murders, sexual assaults, robberies and acts or threats of terrorism, especially in populated areas.

People call their local government official demanding more law enforcement visibility and support. Law enforcement agencies and personnel get overwhelmed with the demands for their presence for protection and hopeful deterrence of criminal activities. How about the neighborhood itself providing some assistance?

A few countries have programs that offer to start, train and work with the public to implement their own volunteer neighborhood safety programs. As in all volunteer programs, it will take commitment of personal time and dedication for a successful outcome.

Norms– social rules that specify appropriate and inappropriate behavior in given situations, a means by which we orient ourselves to other people, standards by which individuals appraise one another’s actions and reward and punish various behaviors. ~ Sociology, The Core

People have the choice, to help their fellow man, woman and child and deem what is to be normal and acceptable behaviors. Demanding special attention for protection and vigilance for personal safety does not help anybody except divert care and attention from far worst areas.

The basic structure to begin such a program involves the following :

– Volunteers, willing to commit personal time, knowledge and participate
– Committee members, nominated by volunteers as acting officials, meet with Police Liason.
– Coordinators, to necessitate team coordination and duties
– Police Liason, to provide necessary program requirements and training
– Meetings, before and after launch of program to immediate neighbors, measure success.
– Funding, fundraising activities to purchase any necessary or recommended tools or equipment.

Personal safety measures can be practiced on our own initiative and provide a increased quality of life, safety and peace of mind for everybody not to mention, support for our local law enforcement agency and personnel.

Prevention of crime can start with the simple act of getting familiar and knowing the dynamics of your neighborhood and people. Today’s programs must also include extra care with the possibility of acts of terrorism therefore our assistance is more so greatly appreciated. All our children and families should be allowed to walk forth without worrying about acts of harm befalling them or us. Read related other Hubs –> here and there.

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Article(C)2009 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.