The big question of course is how to approach these issues. Do we place sole responsibility on the police, social agencies, communities or the government? There is always more than one way to solve a problem. Relying on one group or organization is not reasonable or fair. Criminological issues are complex and to “solve” these issues we need a wide-range of expertise and talents from a larger group of professionals.

I remember seeing an article in the Edmonton Sun in January of this year. This article was about the community’s fight against social disorder and it brought back some real memories for me. Last fall I was traveling through Hobbema (Native Reserve south of Edmonton) and I was quite shocked at what I observed. The images of this community, burnt out homes, loitering gangs and graffiti everywhere reminded me of my UN peacekeeping tour in Croatia….the same landscape. How can this exist in Canada!

Last year, Hobbema was racked with gang violence which culminated in the murder of a young adult struck by random gunfire. The community had enough and began working closely with the RCMP, Government and they engaged the youth. Social disorder would not be tolerated…was the message. Graffiti was promptly removed, gang members were identified and counseled and some were even arrested. Everyone got involved!

A year later there had been a dramatic improvement. Cultural public art is now seen throughout this community, and the youth are kept busy. The community should be recognized for their efforts. By tackling the small issues one at a time they took care of the larger issues. A community that does not tolerate petty crimes will mitigate bigger problems. New York is another excellent example on a large scale; Petty crimes will not be tolerated.

Communities must give careful consideration to nuisance crimes, loitering, trespassing, vandalism and graffiti. Early intervention in these types of crimes WILL help mitigate the more serious crimes of assault, theft and homicide.

Spring has, somewhat, arrived in Alberta. In the crime prevention world the season of nuisance crimes has also arrived. We must not let social disorder take over. Our community’s must work closely with the police and municipal bylaw services. We must deal with such things as illegal parking, late night partying, vandalism and graffiti.

The City of Edmonton has ramped up their Capital City Clean Up program. This is an effective City Organization that is an excellent resource for home and business owners to deal with graffiti. Literature, phone numbers, strategies and cleaning kits are readily available. You can find many resources by exploring the City of Edmonton Graffiti Management Program and be sure to view the video clip and other related documents that can help you.

Dealing with petty crimes is not just a Police problem…it’s our problem! Get involved, enjoy your summer and remember that Alberta Crime Prevention Week is from May 9th – 15th.

Greg Smith is a leading CPTED expert located in the City of Edmonton.  For more information on Greg click here.

Ogden Point - Victoria, BC

Recently, I attended The Anti Graffiti Symposium (TAGS) in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Hosted by the Victoria Police Department and the Township of Esquimalt it proved to be an interesting couple of days with a variety of exceptional speakers, both local and International. The objective of the 2009 TAGS event was to educate law enforcement agencies, government, crime prevention professionals and the general public about issues of graffiti crime in their communities and to clarify some of the following questions about this type of vandalism: Who is doing it, what does it mean, how do we investigate it, how do we prevent and control it?

Speakers from as far away as Sweden and Australia joined other experts from various US cities and Canadian authorities from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to offer their insights on the subject. As a Crime Prevention practitioner specializing in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), it provided me with an abundance of information that can now be shared with my own community and others throughout Central Alberta. 

Recent Graffiti in Red Deer, AB

The lingo that “taggers” use is part of a subculture that has been around for years and is still evolving. As Constable Valerie Spicer of the Vancouver Police Department suggested, the more connected a person is to graffiti subculture the more likely they will become involved in violence. There is no doubt that she is considered an expert by her peers.  With many credentials she is also a PhD candidate in the Criminology program at Simon Fraser University and co-initiated the RESTART program which is a restorative justice art program for graffiti offenders. Education and awareness is key and she points out that this problem typically begins in Grades 8 – 10, with 94% of the offenders being male.

During the symposium, I sensed the dedication and passion that many of these speakers possess and it reminded me of how important some crime-related issues really are to the overall health of our communities. Graffiti impacts our quality of life and contributes to the fear of crime. That being said, without the social development element or what we now refer to as 2nd Generation CPTED being utilized, standard CPTED practices will ultimately fail. This problem is far reaching, from risky behavior and the theft of spray paint from retailers to more violent crime.

There is a lot to be said for utilizing best practices, especially when they support more than just CPTED. Often, the writing really is on the wall, we only have to look for a well-balanced approach to find a solution. Is Graffiti art?  Absolutely not, in fact all of the speakers agreed that the difference between art and graffiti has everything to do with one word – PERMISSION!  If there is no permission, it is vandalism.  There is no doubt that murals work well in many cases and add an artistic element to our communities.  So how about a Graffiti Mural Competition?  Brilliant!

Did I leave the best for last … you bet I did.  TAGS 2010 will be held in Calgary, Alberta

Case in point, Mickey Warkentin, this month’s guest contributor for our blog.  I first met Mickey earlier this summer while downtown having a bowl of soup at Potter’s Hands.  No, I’m not homeless but I like to be inclusive and get to know other members of my community.  This is something I highly recommend for anyone that doubts the potential we all have to change and become more accepting of ALL our neighbours … every single one of us.

Mickey is one of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, Red Deer Chapter’s most giving and reliable volunteers.  She has impacted our community in many ways and continues to shine bright, volunteering for organizations such as United Way of Central Alberta, Potter’s Hands Ministries, Canadian Mental Health Association, Crisis Pregnancy Care Centre, Women’s Emergency Shelter and more.  Recently, I asked Mickey to share some of her insight as it relates to safety and crime prevention.  Mickey writes:

Is it true that the general public believes people with mental illness are dangerous? That they are the main cause of crime that happens within our community? Do we seriously believe that they are more dangerous than the average person?

Honestly, from what I’ve seen, this particular population tends to be quite mild, they tend to keep to themselves quite a bit. Many of my friends, family members and even myself – live with mental illness.

Stereotyping is not the key to a safe community. Any population mixed with drugs or alcoholism is ugly. If you’re a person with Schizophrenia or a person who just got laid off work from the rigs – you’re still going to get a little ugly if you chose to cope with a jug of beer every night.

I‘m NOT saying, if we took away alcohol and drugs this community would be crime free! No. There are still people who do stupid things out of anger, frustration or loneliness, jealousy, etc.  There is no one answer to create a perfect peaceful world. BUT I do strongly believe in two key elements: Equality and Inclusion.

So … how do we treat people equally and include them if we are afraid of them? Well … what is the key to overcoming fear?  FACE IT. Does that mean inviting the new guy at work to your house for tea? If you’re a female it may not be a smart idea to invite a “stranger” to your home.  I have found (as a female) it’s not a good idea to invite any man to my house unless I have a family member with me or if they are someone I’ve known and trusted for many years!

If a few of your coworkers are getting together after work at Timmies – this is a good time to invite the new guy – include him and get to know him.

As far as the poor population in our community that may not get a chance to work with you – I find it helps to get to know them by volunteering in the community. Serving at soup kitchens, volunteering a night to help supervise a winter’s inn program, handing out hampers at the food bank, sorting clothes at the clothing bank – there are many ways you can get involved.

In the meantime – “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”. I have stayed at our homeless shelters, I have eaten at our soup kitchens, I have received immense support from the Schizophrenia Society – and I do NOT perceive myself to be a threat to anyone.  I was awarded Volunteer of the Year and have done a lot of guest speaking all over this community on behalf of the United Way. I work when I can and I now know where to go if and when I need help.

I still do NOT feel equal in this community but do feel more included since finding a way to maintain adequate, safe housing and food for myself.  I have been given some GREAT opportunities that most people in my shoes – don’t get.

Please take time to stop and really talk to people – get to know how they are really doing. It’s so easy to quickly say “I’m good … how are you?” When the truth is that life is not “good” at that moment but they know you don’t have time for the truth … or do you? How important is “Community” really to you anyway? Perhaps it’s easier to blame the mentally ill or the severally addicted eh.

Submitted by: Mickey Warkentin

Arnel Pineda of Journey

This is an inspiring story indeed and one that should be shared, especially among those who could use a little good news now and then.  All too often, in communities throughout the world we hear about our homeless and those living in poverty.  Many stories are negative but as we give thanks today for all that we have, we should celebrate, for there are those that refuse to give up and serve as beacons of hope. Here is a success story that will inspire all of us and demonstrates the strength in those who “Don’t Stop Believing“.

Many communities, including Red Deer, Alberta have identified Homelessness as a priority.  City council recently endorsed “Everyone’s Home” – a 5 year community initiative towards ending homelessness from 2010 – 2015  Many people and various organizations have taken the lead in getting people off the street and into necessary shelter.  A social marketing campaign is also well underway in an effort to reduce discrimination and hopefully change the way we treat some of our most vulnerable community members.

In Red Deer, the 3rd edition of our Vital Signs Community Annual Check Up for 2009 was recently released.  It’s a snapshot of what our community deems some of it’s most important issues.  The Top 3 issues identified are (1) Crime/Law & Order, (2) Health Care and (3) Poverty/Homelessness/Hunger.  Also making headlines this past week was Canada capturing the No. 4 position on the United Nations “Quality of Life” index. The UN’s description for quality of life is – “notion of human welfare (well-being) measured by social indicators rather than by “quantitative” measures of income and production.”

Community Crime Prevention efforts makes all of this very relative as the Top 3 community issues in Red Deer are likely a concern among many communities around the world. It raises many important questions as citizens or as crime prevention practitioners.  How are you addressing these concerns as a resident of your community?  How are parents engaging their children to become part of a solution? Is your employer playing an active role or simply concerned with creating an impressive bottom-line for it’s shareholders?  For those of us focusing on crime prevention in our communities we need to take a closer look at how we can make an impact.  Can we improve the built environment (CPTED) by making places safer for our homeless and vulnerable populations? Can our public servants be more understanding and respectful of those less fortunate?  It’s important that we continue to ask ourselves these types of questions but critical that we make the necessary adjustments that will bring about changes in our behavior.  I encourage everyone this Thanksgiving to “believe” that they can be part of the solution and to demonstrate this in some small way each day – this is community spirit in action!

Alberta Venture magazine is a resource I often refer to and glean information for my business.  Their September issue provided a definitive report card on corporate Alberta. You know, the best of the best, the biggest deals, the largest employers and so on.  It’s always interesting as well as informative. However, last weeks breakfast talk by Brett Wilson provided me with a new perspective on corporate wealth in our country and throughout the world. The event was hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Red Deer, another bright light in our own community.

When you look at Alberta Venture’s ranking of the Top 100 companies for 2009 and the revenues these corporations have generated, it’s nothing short of staggering. Yet, with all this wealth we still face big community issues such as crime, homelessness, addiction and poverty.  The good news, as Brett pointed out, is that we all have choices and one of these is charitable giving.  He described this as an opportunity,

not an obligation. Corporate philanthropy, what a concept!  Even more incredible is his willingness to practice what he preaches and demonstrate how companies might share their wealth and support community initiatives, health, arts and political causes. The slogan for this event was “Rebel with a Cause” and it was certainly fitting for a man that continues to give so much.

Brett Wilson

Giving back, helping to change the world may sound rather difficult – but is it really?  We often measure what we can give in dollars and cents and we’re missing the point.  While many of the Top 100 corporations and other businesses can provide that financial muscle that is needed, every one of us has something to offer. Wilson pointed out that “we can all change the world through small acts of kindness.”  Another refreshing thought was that “giving while living” can be more rewarding than trying to guide from the grave, said Wilson.

Hopefully, the mentality that “Greed is Good” from the 1987 flick Wall Street no longer exists. However, I’d be rather foolish to truly believe that’s the case.  After all, we have certainly seen some corporate leaders fall the last few years suggesting that greed is still alive and kickin’ in many organizations and beyond. Stay tuned for the new sequel which Oliver Stone began filming in New York this week.  I’d rather see a film that focuses around the issue of social responsibility and community spirit but it would not likely be a block buster at the box office. Somehow, I don’t see business leaders and philanthropists like Brett Wilson supporting this idea.

I often refer to Mark Anielski’s book titled “The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth. His insight and dedication to the subject of economics is truly inspirational and life changing, if you embrace many of his concepts.  Mark writes that ” businesses today have an important opportunity – indeed a responsibility – to make their actions contribute to the well-being of communities. The future belongs to business leaders who understand, at the heart level, the need for social and environmental responsibility for the common good.”  He also highlights various progressive businesses that are leading the way to a Genuine Wealth economy.  If your asking yourself how this all relates to crime prevention and creating safe communities, you’ve probably missed your first opportunity to become a community builder.

The synergies that can be created as a result of this type of organization is what every community needs!

Mission Statement: To engage and empower citizens and strengthen our community through efficient and effective information, development, and support.

Their Vision: A strong thriving volunteer sector (Community Services) through leadership and partnership.

CiRS works with individuals and agencies to find the help they need. They offer leadership for conference management, promotion of educational opportunities, volunteer management and program development. This type of organization brings information alive and so can you!

Recently, CiRS produced a great video about “Community”. Various leaders and residents from our community shared their thoughts and I’m sure you will find it as inspiring as I did. Please visit our Community Information Referral Society (CiRS)

Feeling extremely compelled to offer some support to the Stettlerite I found myself commenting on the newspapers blog, here is what I wrote:

” Your concerns are being voiced in many communities throughout our province. Trust me when I say, you are not alone. There are certainly solutions but they are not overnight remedies, they do take time and a commitment from the community. You may actually hold the key by being the catalyst for change or as some people like to refer to them, an Agent of Change.

The Police are doing their part and the government is doing theirs.  However, we are often critical of both and I attribute this negativity to our frustration with the crime we see in our communities. Make no mistake, they are challenged, just as we are by issues such as funding and capacity. They need people like you and I to step forward and be a support. We are only limited by our own creativity when it comes to community-based crime prevention.

The more each of us play a role, the less crime there will be in our communities. We must take ownership and be good stewards of crime prevention. Carefully consider new alternatives or best practices such as Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. Be an advocate for change and suggest utilizing some of these techniques as we have done in Red Deer. The challenge for everyone is to build a feeling of oneness, of dependence on one another, because the question is not how well we work alone, but how well we work together.”

Let’s not be complacent, keep the river flowing no matter what!  For those afraid of change and who often follow the path of least resistance, consider this quote by John Welwood: “The most powerful agent of growth and transformation is something much more basic than any technique: a change of heart.”

A former Police Officer himself, Greg’s expertise is quite diverse. He is a criminologist as well as an urban planner and was one of the Co-founders of the International CPTED Association. His wealth of knowledge and his commitment to creating safe communities is evident and I encourage you to visit his SafeGrowth Blog and share your comments.

“Only in growth, reform, and change, paradoxically enough, is true security to be found.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh

City Hall Park, Red Deer, Alberta

An old 1972 classic titled “Concrete Sea” by songwriter/musician Terry Jacks got me thinking about how important color really is in our communities.  In the main verse of his song, Jack’s sings “No one is meant to be living here in a concrete sea”.  If you look around many cities you will understand where his thoughts came from.  This is especially true in many urban downtown areas of our cities, but this is starting to change and that’s encouraging.

City Hall Park in Red Deer, Alberta is a prime example and a popular gathering place throughout the summer months. Think about how you feel and act when you see color and you will appreciate how important it can be in various settings.  As crime prevention practitioners, urban designers, architects and anyone dealing with the built environment, learn to utilize more color. Colorful landscaping arrangements in our green spaces, textured pathways that incorporate color, and murals are only a few great examples of how we can use color to brighten up our lives.

Color psychology as it is often referred to is another valuable tool we can use to help reduce crime and improve quality of life.  Color evokes many memories and mental associations that can drastically alter how we feel.  The various hues can produce the power to recall sounds, smells, textures and other sensations that can comfort, calm, or intimidate.  It’s difficult to predict with any certainty how someone may react to a specific color but there are some basic guidelines that can help us as professionals.  Choosing proper colors can help us create moods that are more “positive” and therefore support safer environments to live, work and play.  Red for example, is considered one of the boldest colors because it demands our visual attention.  However, where this color is used could be very important as it is associated with rage, confrontation, blood, aggression and ferocity. Red is not a good color choice for prisons or hospitals. Orange, my favorite color tends to make people feel rushed, or in a hurry.  Hmm, that explains a few things!  People tend to feel that blue is clean, crisp and airy like a cloudless sky.  Blue is a color for relaxation, it lowers the heart, pulse and breathing rates and has a cooling effect.

We interact with others in private and public space on a daily basis.  It makes sense then that we understand more about color.  This is another great tool for all you crime prevention practitioners out there.  Alright, I surrender, according to Carol Ritberger I’m considered a “green” personality.  She points out that “Greens live in a world of hopes, dreams, and emotions where the intangibles of life are the most important.  Their rich imaginations thrive when using their creative abilities – their minds work quickly, bouncing from one thought to another.  Greens think in metaphors and analogies, painting vivid pictures in their minds; greens see life from a holistic perspective that allows them to see the complete picture.  They love creating ideas and exploring possibilities”.  As a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) consultant I found this interesting.  Ritberger, points our that Greens “focus on what things could be rather than what they are or intended to be. Greens also rely on their hunches and insight to get a real feel for what is happening”.  Most encouraging was that Greens along with many CPTED practitioners are “driven by idealism and the belief that their purpose in life is to make the world a different and better place.  They feel they must influence the quality of life for others”, according to Ritberger.  This takes the whole idea of going green to a new level.  Smile!  What color is your personality?

The reality is cyber criminals are continuing to target us and if your radar is not picking up the fact that these crimes are on the rise, then you better lock down the hatches before it’s too late.  These criminals, many of them professionals are stealing “bits” & “bytes” (computer lingo for digital data ), not to be confused with the popular snacks.

Victims range from large corporations to those folks like you and I that may be at risk of identity theft.  It’s safe to say that many of us own and operate computers and they are certainly an essential part of every office environment. The Canadian Press has reported that these criminals are forming “pseudo corporations” and hiring people to compromise high-traffic, trusted websites, resulting in threats growing dramatically on the Internet in 2008, says a report from Symantec Inc.

Fortunately, there are security measures we can all take to reduce these threats, protect our information and our pocket books.  However, it’s up to you to take the first step in preventing losses associated with computer crime.  Getting informed should start by visiting the Centre for Securing Cyberspace and finding out more about how we can be successful in fighting the multilateral nature of cyber crime; locally, nationally and internationally.

Large corporations and all businesses need to consider their levels of risk and stay informed, diligent and most importantly proactive!  There are numerous groups that can help you stay on the cutting edge of security technology and protect your assets.  When you carefully examine the potential losses associated with an information breach, joining an organization such as the Security Professionals Information Exchange (SPIE) is a great investment of both time and money.  This also provides new opportunities for learning and networking. The upcoming TriLateral Security Conference would be a great start and will be held in Calgary, Alberta from June 16th – 18th, 2009  The theme this year is “Securing a Sustainable Society” and will highlight a dynamic range of guest speakers, those who are actively engaged in securing our cyber frontier.