For those adrenalin junkies this may sound like fun but the risk factor is right up there with entering a battle zone in some far off jungle wearing nothing but a “speedo” and a bright red tank top.  Yes, those entering the danger zone must sign waivers acknowledging that they could be taking their last bus ride. As an added precaution, organizers use an “unmarked” chartered coach.  Wow, I bet that provides a lot of comfort to those on tour. Take cover, there is more …

There is no doubt that many people are intrigued by the subject of gangs. For some of us, including police officers, community workers and various crime prevention practitioners we must possess a certain amount of knowledge on the issue. However, I trust that none of us are putting ourselves in the direct line of fire intentionally. This seems like common sense 101.  South LA is known as a breeding ground for some of the cities deadliest gangs, according to a recent article by ABC News. I wonder how long these tours will last once someone has been killed or seriously injured. Maybe they will start providing body armour on the tour or using bullet-proof glass on the bus.

It certainly seems like risky business to me.  However, the founder, Alfred Lomas, a former member of the Florencia 13 gang has probably “tapped” into something here. I hope he has considered a profit sharing initiative with his former colleagues and has invested in some good body armour for himself. It does make one think about the level of risk we are all willing to take … what’s yours?  SEE LA Gang Tours here.

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.

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.”

As an active Crime Prevention Practitioner myself, I’m constantly reminded that some of the most important work being done is by community members and volunteers.  In my experience this ranges from our youth to seniors and also includes various corporations and non-profit organizations that are doing their part to increase awareness and public safety in the communities they serve.  All it takes is a willingness to try and make a difference and the impact can be significant.

There are many Crime Prevention programs and initiatives underway in both our province and throughout our country.  Funding opportunities are also available by tapping into various crime prevention grants that support the prevention of crime in our communities. For further information visit the Government of Alberta – Solicitor General & Public Security or contact your local Police Service for more information on how you can get involved in preventing crime in your community.  

It’s important to recognize that as individuals we all possess unique characteristics and abilities.  This allows for endless opportunities to share our ideas and help create new innovative solutions that may address some of society’s most pressing issues relating to crime.  We live in challenging times and are currently facing tuff economic conditions.  However, it’s important to recognize our potential and adopt an attitude of persistence that is sustained through hope and optimism.  You are important and you can make a difference!

T

The intent is to increase awareness of  the health, social and environmental benefits of reducing our use of private vehicles in favor of other modes of transportation – either self-propelled or multiple rider (car pools, transit).

Activities kick off with a “Street Films” video and discussion on Monday, April 27th at the Red Deer College – Margaret Parsons Theatre from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  ReThink Red Deer will also collaborate with The City of Red Deer in promoting a “Bike to Work Breakfast” on Thursday, May 21st.

The emphasis is on fun events that have positive spin-offs in terms of personal health, environmental health and community spirit – events that encourage people to walk, bike, take transit, car pool, skateboard or find alternate ways to get around the city.

Summer Active Streets will involve a series of events and activities, with each being led by collaborating organizations.  Some may be planned to complement existing community events. Elements that might be included* are: “ride free” Transit Passes for a day or a week, to introduce new riders to transit, demonstration bike-only lanes (temporary barricades and pylons to create short term bike lanes on wide streets like Ross St.), prizes and corporate challenges, charitable fund-raising activities, coupons for downtown businesses, citizen “bike together” groups and more. *All the proposed activities would be subject to approval by involved agencies, availability of sponsors/funding, etc.

How’s this relate to Crime Prevention you ask?  Simple, it creates more “Eyes on the Street”.  In Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), we call this Activity Support - it encourages community interaction, activities and the intended use of public space by residents and other legitimate users discourages criminal acts.  Natural Surveillance by the intended users is casual and occurs spontaneously as a result of the increase in legitimate activity.

Activities such as those noted above help us build safe and healthy communities.  Cycling is a prime example and is being embraced in many countries around the world.  Portland Oregon is one such city, in fact, its called “Bike City“.  A little innovation can go a long way and ultimately leads to more than just better health, it creates a greener environment, less crime, more local business and the list goes on …

Red Deer Express

A new crime prevention community has been developed online in hopes of addressing issues that affect people’s lives, communities and businesses all over the world. Director of SeCure Consulting Solutions Steve Woolrich recently launched the new site at www.targetcrime.ca

“This is a project that I’ve wanted to do for a long time but I’ve never had the opportunity,” said Woolrich. He added his goal is to have people sharing information and resources about crime prevention and security. “The best way of doing that now online is creating a blog and that’s what we’ve done,” said Woolrich.

Natalie Turner, formerly the Graffiti Program Coordinator with the Downtown Business Association will help Woolrich with the blog. “Rounding out my final year of university studying criminology and sociology, I am excited to be part of this organization,” she said.  ”Having worked closely with Steve already this summer I look forward to volunteering as Research and Statisitical Analyst.”  Ron Taylor, owner of Protec Security has also volunteered to write for the site.  There will be other contributors as well who will provide regular features on the site.

“This is what is cool about it – ‘Joe Citizen’ who has a concern about crime prevention in his neighborhood could write. It could be a business owner who has concerns or somebody halfway across the world that could have ideas on how we can combat our crime issues,” said Woolrich. “That’s the beauty of it – it’s collective thought on various issues.”

He added he hopes this website generates a lot of discussion on different aspects of crime prevention and security.  For more information check out www.targetcrime.ca

In today’s Globe and Mail, writer Keith Bradsher addressed the security challenges that face us globally. More specifically, he writes about the recent attacks in Mumbai and the various hotel chains trying to address these types of crimes.  ”For decades, luxury hotels have been oases for travelers in developing countries, places to mingle with the local elite, enjoy a lavish meal or a dip in the pool and sleep in clean safe rooms,” he writes. 

Its difficult not to think about terrorism as it makes the headline newscasts or newspapers around the world. In some cases, we watch it live as it unfolds on CNN or over the Internet.  As the war on terrorism continues many of us are asking ourselves where we are safe anymore.  In today’s age, traveling seems risky at the best of times and security experts agree that there is no system that is foolproof.  As the article points out, most luxury hotel chains have security protocols and are constantly fine-tuning them to meet the the risks they face.  As a security professional myself, I wonder what the other hotels are doing and specifically what Canadian hotel chains are doing.  If there is one thing I’ve learned during the past 25 years its that I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive!

At any rate, the article titled ” We might see cleaning ladies with explosive detectors” is well-written and I’m sure that everyone in the industry will be taking a close look at their security programs and procedures as a result of this criminal act.  We can only hope that things improve!

What more can I say about this book and this “movement” … lots!  It’s one of the most interesting books I’ve read in years.  In fact, it was the catalyst for this website/blog.  When you or anybody thinks about crime your first thoughts should be about PREVENTION.  How can we improve crime prevention and gather information on best practices throughout the world? Recruit “the crowd”, now that’s smart!

In their book titled “WE are smarter than ME”, the first opening page states “In a time where community and social networks are starting to infiltrate every aspect of our personal and professional lives, WE decided to test the notion that a book of business best practices could be written by “the crowd”, and we are excited to have participated in this groundbreaking experience.” Join the community!

I recently spoke to the Red Deer Executive Leads Association on the subject of business crime. This group of business savvy professionals has grown to approximately 55 members since it was founded in 1991. They bring together a group of people who are representative of the best business and professional interests in Red Deer.

I attempted to point out to those in attendance that their businesses are likely experiencing various types of losses and that a “proactive” approach to addressing these issues should be a priority at all times. They were receptive and certainly had questions regarding business crime and protecting their assets.

Read “Protecting Assets has Costs”