How can I start a crime prevention program in my locality?
The best way to start a crime prevention program locally is to tap into existing crime prevention resources at the local level. Start by contacting your local police or sheriff’s department to determine if they have a crime prevention unit or crime prevention officer. Discuss your crime prevention ideas with the unit or officer to see what resources are available for you to utilize. If your local police department or sheriff’s office has a Citizen Police Academy, consider becoming involved in it. Additionally, contact the Virginia Crime Prevention Association (VCPA) and become a member. This will provide access to a wide array of resources (some of which are listed below) that can be helpful in beginning and ultimately maintaining your crime prevention program.

Where can I obtain crime prevention public awareness materials?
CPC publications, program guides and other resources are listed on our Resources page. They may be obtained by contacting Assistant CPLE Section Chief Tim Paul,, 804-371-0635. Other materials may be obtained from the Virginia Crime Prevention Association.

How can I become a certified Crime Prevention Specialist and where can I get the application?
The guidelines and applications for those seeking certification as Crime Prevention Specialists can be downloaded below. Further questions about the program should be directed to Assistant Section Chief Tim Paul, 804-371-0635.

• Crime Prevention Specialist Regulations (.pdf, 15 pages)
• Crime Specialist Certification Application (.pdf, 1 page)
• Crime Specialist Recertification Application (.pdf, 1 page)

What is CPTED?
CPTED is an acronym for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. It is a concept which promotes crime prevention by encouraging planners, builders, architects, law enforcement officers, etc. to plan and design public and private structures and environments to make them less susceptible to crime and criminals, thereby helping to reduce crime. For more information about CPTED contact Tami Wyrick, 804-786-5664. A pamphlet describing the program will be available soon.

What is SHOCAP?
SHOCAP is an acronym for Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program. It is designed to enable certain juvenile service agencies to share information about serious or habitual juvenile offenders in order that comprehensive, coordinated services can be provided for the juveniles, and the community can be protected from serious juvenile crime. For more information about the program, visit our resources page or contact Tami Wyrick, 804-786-5664.

What is the McGruff House Program?
The McGruff House Program commits its efforts to providing a safety network for all children through the establishment of McGruff Houses (temporary havens for children in threatening situations), ready to assist children in emergency situations. The McGruff House has strict standards of behavior for those who volunteer to participate and offers a reliable alternative for children to gang recruitment and violent crime and drug activity in inner-city, suburban, and rural communities. For more information on the program, please contact Tami Wyrick, 804-786-5664.

Where can I get more information on Crime Prevention training sponsored by DCJS?
Announcements and information about upcoming crime prevention trainings can found on the CPLE webpage and the “Training and Events” link on the DCJS website home page. Announcements are also mailed to all police departments and sheriffs’ offices as soon as trainings are scheduled. Registration forms for upcoming training events can be found with the training announcement on our website.