Reducing Violent Crime

Citizen Involvement to Save Communities from Violent Crime (03:30)
In Fort Worth, Texas, 2000 volunteers patrol the streets as the eyes and ears of the police force. Police give the volunteers 8 hours of intense training before they hit the streets. Crime dropped 24% as a result of community involvement.

Medical Workers at Risk of Violent Crime (02:21)

In Pittsburgh, people delivering prescriptions, medical supplies, and health care in rough neighborhoods put themselves at risk of violent crime. Now, 50 companies are part of a network that protects the workers.

Ex-Cons Develop Marketable Skills (02:56)

Ex-cons prepare for a good future on the outside. They learn how to work with guide dogs for the blind, jobs that will benefit both the inmates and society at large.

Inmates: Reintegration into Society (02:30)

"Project Return" helps inmates make important changes in their lives. They go through an intensive 90-day immersion program designed to help reintegrate them into society. The program provides addiction counseling and family therapy.

Police Involvement in Anti-Gang Program (02:36)

Police officers try to reach kids before they "go bad." Cops use rap music to reach the young people with an anti-gang message. The program is so successful that some kids want to become cops.

Police Interact with Elementary School Children (01:47)

In Boston, police pass out photos of themselves, "cop cards instead of baseball cards," to elementary children. Children collect one card per week and get the officers' autographs.

Home and Personal Safety Against Violent Crime (03:17)

Homeowners can make themselves safer in their homes by following safety tips about doors, locks, keys, and safe disposal of financial information. Police officers using the element of surprise catch drug dealers in the act.

Self-Defense for Women (02:43)

Police teach women self-defense tactics that could keep them from being victimized by criminals. Women often need to learn how to value themselves before they will defend themselves.