PLEASE NOTE: BSA has reduced their emphasis on this program, but has not discontinued it completely. The patch is still being produced, but some Scout Shops™ may not routinely stock the patch. To avoid disappointing Scouts, CHECK FIRST to see if any are available in your area before promoting this program and patch.
The most important single thing you, as a volunteer, can do is provide a positive model through your personal efforts to work with community crime-fighting agencies and neighborhood groups. Your visible participation as a concerned citizen working with these agencies has a very powerful influence on youth.
Work directly with your group or class to develop a written plan for your group’s participation in crime prevention within your community. Use of literature available through your police department and other anticrime agencies and neighborhood groups will start your youth and other adult leaders toward active involvement in crime prevention. Actively promote the BSA Crime Prevention Program.
Hold separate meetings for parents. Explain the Crime Prevention Program to them and secure their commitment to support their children’s earning of the Crime Prevention Award. Follow the parents’ meeting with one that involves the whole family. At this meeting, secure each family’s ideas and plans to earn the award by extending the program to others in the neighborhood, school, place of worship, or community.
Crime Prevention Resources Available Through the BSA Local Council
Learning for Life books:
- Kindergarten, No. 32105
- First Grade, No. 32106
- Second Grade, No. 32107
- Third Grade, No. 32108
- Fourth Grade, No. 32109
- Fifth Grade, No. 32110
- Sixth Grade, No. 32111
- Junior High / Middle School, No. 32116
- Senior High School, No. 32117
- Champions, No. 32115
Requirements
To qualify for the Crime Prevention Award, a Learning for Life group or student may lead or participate in one of the following activities:
- Organize or participate in a child identification activity, including fingerprinting or videotaping.
- Organize or participate in a neighborhood watch program.
- Organize or participate in a community gang-awareness seminar.
- Conduct a Learning for Life community workshop.
- Working with a law enforcement agency, teach crime prevention, or give a personal-safety seminar, to elderly people or children in elementary school.
Recognition
All age-level participants are eligible to receive a patch, pin, wallet card, and certificate. Awards may be purchased at the local council service center.
