Today, all Americans are touched directly or indirectly by violent acts of crime. On the Internet, we can learn of organizations devoted to preventing crime as well as things we can do individually to protect ourselves.

In order to prevent crime, we must concentrate on getting our children off to a good start by helping them grow up with moral values. At the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids home page, you’ll learn about the national anti-crime organization led by police chiefs, crime victims, and prosecutors. Read reports such as a School and Youth Violence Prevention Plan or Quality Child Care and After-School Programs: Powerful Weapons Against Crime.

"Between 1988 and 1993 the youth homicide rate more than doubled, while adult homicide rates stayed the same. The violence that is being committed by adolescents has become more deadly." Written in response to the Columbine school shootings, the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence features a powerhouse of information on the prevention of crime. The Center offers assistance in the development of violence prevention programs, and it conducts research on the causes of violence and the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs.

For crime statistics, visit the Bureau of Justice Statistics Home Page. Learn homicide trends in the U.S. since 1976, or learn the characteristics of state prison inmates. Did you know that since 1989, out of all the cases concluded in Federal district court, there have been more drug-related cases than any other types of cases?

The Crime Prevention Initiative offers a practical online guide to crime prevention. According to the site, most crime is against property, not people, and not many crimes are carefully planned. Most are committed by young men on the spur of the moment when they see the chance. Learn advice on personal safety, tips on keeping your children safe, and how to protect the elderly. Learn how to make your home safer with simple security tips.

At the WeTip Crime Net Resource of Most Wanted Criminals and Missing Children, you’ll find profiles of major narcotics dealers, ways to prevent fraud, tips on preventing vehicle theft, as well pictures of criminals and missing children.

Maybe it’s time for you to consider organizing a neighborhood watch program in your area. Visit these sites for more information:

Neighborhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch on the Internet

Finally, the Take a Bite out of Crime website features ten things you can do to fight crime, ten things your community can do, and a crime prevention section just for kids.

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

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