INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN   -   MUNICIPAL LINKS:

Community Services

The Community Services Unit is part of the Staff Services Division and is responsible for proactive policing programs to prevent crime and reduce the opportunities and causes for crime to occur. As demonstrated in a recent Rand Study, law enforcement agencies that utilize proactive strategies such as crime prevention and problem solving are more effective and efficient in reducing the number of crimes and improving the quality of life in their communities than those that employ only a traditional reactive response in dealing with crime problems.

The Community Services Unit is responsible for PROACTIVE policing programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, McGruff Safe House, and Project Red Ribbon. The unit also represents the Sheriff’s Office in area crime prevention organizations including: Central Michigan Crime Prevention Association, Crime Prevention Association of Michigan, Tri-County Financial Alarm Response Committee, Capital Area National Night Out Committee, Central Michigan Gang Task Force, Youth Violence Prevention Coalition, Project Red Ribbon Committee, Mother’s Against Drunk Driving Project Red Ribbon, TRIAD and the Lansing Area Safety Council. All of these are cooperative efforts involving law enforcement, other government agencies, business, schools and communities. They all concentrate on raising awareness to reduce the opportunities for crimes to occur. The unit also functions as a mentor for Community Policing Officers, providing information and resources for Community Policing programs.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective tools we have to combat residential crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Community Police Officers continue to set up new Neighborhood Watch groups they are assigned to. Neighborhood Watch is the fundamental building block in creating the network Community Policing requires. Watch groups may be tailored to meet the needs of apartments, mobile home parks, etc. Anyone wishing to set up a new watch group or revitalize an old one should contact the Community Services Unit or you Community Police Officer.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT America’s Night Out Against Crime

National Night Out is celebrated across America on the first Tuesday in August. It is meant to celebrate neighborhoods and raise awareness of the need and success of neighborhood crime prevention efforts such as Neighborhood Watch. Locally, we join with other law enforcement agencies from throughout the Capital Area to promote the event. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Citizens are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights and get together with neighbors to "celebrate" NNO with block parties, cookouts, visits from local law enforcement, parades, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs. National Night Out 1999 is August 3rd.

BUSINESS WATCH

Similar to Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch involves members of the business community. Businesses join together to share information, learn how to reduce business related crime and work together to prevent crime in their business community. Active Business Watch groups exist in Alaiedon and Delhi Township. For information on how to start a Business Watch, call the Community Services Unit at Sheriff’s Office or your Community Police Officer.

TRI-COUNTY FINANCIAL ALARM RESPONSE COMMITTEE

The Tri-County Financial Alarm Response Committee grew out of the need to respond to the very special security needs of financial institutions. The committee is made up of Federal, State, County and Local law enforcement, financial institutions and companies providing security services. This organization is a nationally recognized model for reducing robberies and the violence that often accompanies them. Financial Institutions can obtain more information by contacting the Community Services Unit at the Sheriff’s Office.

COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS

Officers from the Community Services Unit are available to present crime prevention talks or programs to businesses, service clubs, schools, churches, or neighborhood groups. Contact the Community Services Unit or you Community Police Officer for Additional Information.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN GANG TASK FORCE

The Central Michigan Gang Task Force meets monthly at the Sheriff’s Office. Membership includes, law enforcement from federal, state, county and local agencies, probation and parole officers, probate and family court personnel, prosecuting attorneys, private security and schools. Working with groups such as the Youth Violence Prevention Coalition, the Task Force provides a forum for networking and is raising community awareness about youth violence and the things that must be done to eliminate it. The Task Force can provide speakers and information on Youth Gangs and Youth Violence. Contact the Community Services Unit for additional information.

YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION COALITION

The continuing rise in crimes involves youth and youth gangs and the need to focus prevention efforts on youth at risk lead to the formation of this group which is sponsored jointly by Ingham County and the City of Lansing. The coalition is involved in identifying the Risk Factors that cause of youth violence and creating or enhancing Protective Factors to prevent it.

Pilot projects being operated by the Youth Violence Prevention Coalition (YVPC) at Otto Middle School in Lansing and Stockbridge Middle School work to promote peaceful conflict resolution and reduce violence. The master plan call for the implementation and enhancement of this program throughout Ingham County. YPVC and the Gang Task Force work together to sponsor training and community dialogue on youth violence issues. Gangway is one of those programs. Funded by a Drug and Violence Free Schools grant to the Lansing School District, the program includes materials, a video and handouts, to present a program to parents of fifth and sixth graders to help them learn how to help their children avoid gangs and violence. For addition information contact the Community Services Unit.

For more information on crime prevention visit the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan (CPAM) and the Central Michigan Crime Prevention Association (CMCPA).

For additional crime prevention information and McGruff the Crime Dog visit the National Crime Prevention Council.