Crime Prevention Merit Badge

Introduction

The Crime Prevention merit badge is all about learning how to protect yourself and others from crime. You'll learn about different types of crime, how to prevent them, and what to do if you or someone you know becomes a victim of crime.

Merit Badge Requirements

1. Explain the role of citizens, including youth, in crime prevention.
2. Discuss the following with your counselor:
1. The crimes of burglary, robbery, assault, cyberbullying, and identity theft
2. Ways to avoid being a victim of these crimes
3. The role of law enforcement in preventing and solving crimes
3. Prepare a notebook of newspaper and other clippings that discuss crime and crime prevention efforts in your community.
4. Do TWO of the following:
1. Visit a jail or detention facility, or a criminal court hearing.
2. Write a report on a crime-prevention program or project in your community.
3. Take part in a police ride-along or attend a neighborhood watch meeting or other crime prevention meeting in your community.
5. With your parent's and counselor's approval, do ONE of the following:
1. Watch a movie that shows how the actions of one or more citizens can have a positive effect on crime prevention, or that demonstrates how criminals are brought to justice.
2. Read a newspaper or magazine article that discusses crime prevention.
3. With your parent's and counselor's approval, watch a television show or online program about crime prevention.

Lesson

Hey there, scouts! Are you ready to learn about crime prevention? Great! Let's get started.

First off, let's talk about the role of citizens in crime prevention. Do you think you have a role to play in preventing crime? Of course you do! You can start by being aware of your surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. You can also help prevent crime by being a good neighbor and looking out for others in your community.

Now, let's talk about some specific types of crime. Have you heard of burglary, robbery, assault, cyberbullying, and identity theft? These are all serious crimes that can have a big impact on people's lives. But don't worry, there are things you can do to avoid being a victim of these crimes. For example, you can lock your doors and windows, be careful with your personal information online, and avoid walking alone at night.

Law enforcement also plays a big role in preventing and solving crimes. Do you know what the police do to prevent crime? They patrol neighborhoods, investigate crimes, and work with the community to develop crime prevention programs.

Now, let's talk about your notebook of newspaper and other clippings. This is a great way to learn about crime and crime prevention efforts in your community. Have you found any interesting articles or stories? Share them with us!

Finally, let's talk about the activities you can do to complete this merit badge. Which two activities do you want to do? Visiting a jail or detention facility can be a really eye-opening experience. Writing a report on a crime-prevention program or project in your community can help you learn more about what's being done to prevent crime. And taking part in a police ride-along or attending a neighborhood watch meeting can give you a firsthand look at how people are working to prevent crime.

Questions

• What are some ways you can help prevent crime in your community?
• What are some things you can do to avoid being a victim of burglary, robbery, assault, cyberbullying, and identity theft?
• What do the police do to prevent crime?
• What did you learn from your notebook of newspaper and other clippings?
• Which two activities do you want to do to complete this merit badge?

Remember, if you have any questions or need help completing this merit badge, don't hesitate to reach out to your merit badge counselor. Good luck!

Schedule

Week	Task
1	Read about the role of citizens in crime prevention
2	Learn about burglary, robbery, assault, cyberbullying, and identity theft
3	Research law enforcement's role in preventing and solving crimes
4	Collect newspaper and other clippings about crime and crime prevention efforts in your community
5	Complete one of the activities listed in requirement 4
6	Complete the other activity listed in requirement 4
7	Watch a movie, read an article, or watch a TV show or online program about crime prevention