FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, April 06, 2002
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Department of Justice
202-616-2777
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Attorney General Ashcroft Announces Neighborhood Watch Campaign |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Attorney General John Ashcroft kicks off a new
expanded National Neighborhood Watch program. The Attorney General announced a
grant of $1.9 million to the National Sheriff's Association to be used to work
with communities around the country to double the number of National
Neighborhood Watch programs over the next two years. This effort is a part of a
national challenge issued by President George W. Bush and Attorney General John
Ashcroft to enhance local homeland security efforts and make preparedness a part
of our daily lives.
As part of President Bush's new Citizen Corps, Neighborhood Watch will
continue to reduce crime in neighborhoods nationwide by encouraging businesses,
the faith community, schools and citizens to cooperate and assist local law
enforcement. The National Sheriffs' Association has been instrumental in
launching President Bush's new Citizen Corps initiative.
"Everyday citizens can assist local law enforcement by playing an active role
in their communities and neighborhoods," said Attorney General Ashcroft.
"Neighborhood Watch deters criminal activity and helps protect American
families. Our children are safer, our homes are more secure, and our communities
are stronger when Americans participate in community policing."
To encourage even more participation in the Neighborhood Watch program, the
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has launched a Public Service
Announcement (PSA), United for a Stronger America, in partnership with the
Department of Justice, the Crime Prevention Coalition of America, and the
Advertising Council. This public service advertising campaign will encourage
citizens and local communities to initiate Neighborhood Watch programs.
The PSA campaign will suggest citizens call to get a Citizens' Preparedness
Guide, which provides specific actions that individuals can take in their
communities to reduce crime. A new component is being added to the current
Neighborhood Watch program that provides counter-terrorism measures that
citizens can use to join in the fight against terrorism. Outlined in the guide
are five specific themes; protecting yourself and your family,
protecting/comforting children, knowing and caring for neighbors, reporting
crimes and suspicious activity, and emergency preparedness. The guide includes:
- tips on emergency preparedness at home, at work, when out and about, and
in the community;
- ideas on developing an evacuation plan;
- tips on reporting emergencies or suspicious activities;
- information on traveling safely at home and abroad;
- ideas about voluntary civic activities that can strengthen communities;
- and a list of resources, including phone and fax numbers and websites.
Citizens are encouraged to visit
www.weprevent.org or call 1-800-WE-PREVENT for a free, United for a
Stronger America: Citizens' Preparedness Guide.
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