Crime Free Programs · Homeowners & neighborhoods
Crime Free Lifestyles
Crime prevention education for homeowners.
Overview
About Crime Free Lifestyles
Single-family homeowners have a larger, longer-term financial investment and are committed to their neighborhood. The Crime Free Lifestyles Program gives every one of them the chance to become “fully certified” — regardless of their neighbors’ participation.
Block watch principles are still presented, but the program goes far beyond “eyes and ears” to teach a complete Crime Free lifestyle: family security, identity theft, internet crimes, home invasions, auto theft and more.
It is not a cookie-cutter program. Every region has crimes in common with the nation, some that are different, and some it may not face at all — the curriculum adapts.
The three phases
From first class to full certification.
Each phase is completed under the supervision of local law enforcement.
- 01
Training Program
8–24 hours over 4–8 weeks
One night per week or Saturdays, 2–3 hours per session, held at a community center. Residents complete the program and receive a certificate of completion. Sessions can feature the 9-1-1 operator, beat officers, K-9 demonstrations and narcotics officers.
- 02
CPTED Requirements
Home security upgrades
- Door viewers
- Solid-core or metal-clad doors
- Deadbolts and high-security strike plates on exterior doors
- Pinned exterior hinges
- Landscaping to police requirements
- Dusk-to-dawn and motion-detector lighting
- Lift-and-slide protection on sliding doors and windows
- 03 Certified
Crime Free Commitment
Signed annually
- Secure the home, vehicles, bicycles and tools
- Close the garage door when unattended
- Engrave valuables (Operation Identification)
- Inventory valuables with model and serial numbers
The police department issues a certificate for a one-year insurance discount, plus window decals and Lifestyle signs.
Why move beyond the old Block Watch model?
- Block Watch requires 50% neighbor participation — many residents are denied membership
- “Observe and report” is meant to be proactive but is mostly reactive in practice
- Residents become apathetic once they “get the sign”
- Multiple officers and meetings per night make it labor-intensive and expensive
- A 100:1 resident-to-officer ratio is far more cost-effective than 12:1
Ready to certify your property?
Contact your local Crime Free Coordinator, or train with the association to bring the program to your jurisdiction.