Is there room for more crime prevention ideas? - VVdailypress.com

By Michael Stevens

It’s beginning to look as if Victor Valley College Trustee Joe Brady and I are having dueling ideas on how to prevent crime, but the truth is we aren’t, and the differences in ideas go to show how many possible solutions can be implemented to address not only violent crime as Mr. Brady suggests, but crime in general.

I reflected on my experiences working in the Criminal Justice System (Probation, Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney) and prepared a document called “Strategies to Prevent/Reduce Crime” with specific ideas I believe will make a difference.

Some of these ideas may already be in place. I’m suggesting that they — along with others — be codified into one document as a County Master Plan to complement existing strategies to address crime.

PREVENTION IDEAS

1) Launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign to stress continually and through all means possible that the public must remain vigilant, and must take to steps to reduce the risk of becoming a crime victim. The public awareness campaign should be launched simultaneously, involving the governments of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Victorville and the First District Supervisor.

2) Involve the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs & Drugs Task Force and utilize the expertise represented on the Task Force’s Board of Directors, which includes Business and Community, Community Based, Education, Faith Based, Family Outreach, Law Enforcement, Local Government, Prevention, Suppression and Treatment to help devise and implement additional crime-fighting strategies.

3) Each city/town government should vigorously enforce or establish a “crime free rental program.”

4) Law enforcement should offer Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention presentations to service clubs, schools and any organization allowing a guest speaker; ensure a presentation for residents and one for business.

5) Encourage residents to report knowledge of criminal acts, including the use of We-Tip.

6) Solicit support from the local Chambers of Commerce to allow for crime prevention presentations designed for business to support the public awareness campaign by disseminating crime prevention tips/messages via the Chambers’ communications channels.

7) Start a campaign to encourage citizens to apply for concealed weapon permits. The public is vulnerable and at the whim of armed suspects. However, studies have shown that states that disallow concealed carry have violent crime rates 11 percent higher than national averages. Allowing concealed carry will give law-abiding citizens a better sense of security — and make criminals think twice about brandishing a weapon if they believe the potential victim may be armed.

ENFORCEMENT IDEAS

1) Law enforcement, media and other organizations should maximize the dissemination of information about We-Tip and how the public can use it to report crime anonymously.

2) Each community (Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Victorville and the First Supervisorial District) should establish a reward program (amount to be determined) to encourage tips about major crimes.

3) Law enforcement should establish a “Most Wanted List” of known criminals/suspects in each community — with widespread distribution to alert the public and encourage contacting law enforcement.

OTHER IDEAS

1) Each city/town council and county supervisor should pass a resolution demanding that the Legislature amend laws that favor criminals.

2) The media should refrain from making any reference whether a crime was or wasn’t “gang related.” Although a crime may be gang related — and even if a gang isn’t identified — referencing the gang instills fear and creates the impression that gang-related crime is rampant. Acknowledging gang involvement also empowers the gang among their peers because gang members know when they’ve committed a crime and being acknowledged gives them bragging rights.

3) Similar to a voter registration drive, launch a petition drive asking residents to demand that the legislature amend laws that favor criminals.

4) The media should strive to refrain from disclosing detailed facts about criminal acts — and only acknowledge basic facts (what crime was committed, when, where).

The Facebook Live meeting hosted by the Daily Press on Oct. 2 will give us all the chance to learn what solutions will be discussed.

Michael Stevens is a Victorville resident and former candidate for Victorville City Council.

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