Do you remember when neighbors knew every child on the block and they called parents if they misbehaved? At that time, neighbors knew how important it was to correct children before destructive behavior got out of control.
Over the years, Americans lost a critical balance between police and citizen responsibility for keeping neighborhoods safe. As citizens backed off, police increased visibility, involvement and technology to control behavior with limited success. Here are 12 ways police increased crime.
1. Police presented unrealistic expectations. National average approx 2.5 officers per 1000 residents. Police cannot keep your neighborhood safe.
2. Police became crime prevention “experts.” Citizens became passive “watchers.” Police and citizens lost a healthy balance of cooperation.
3. Police created dependency by assuming too much responsibility for minor problems including barking dogs, loud music, young vandals and bullies.
4. Police, in some areas, instill fear with local crime statistics. Citizens bought security systems or arm themselves fearing their neighbors.
5. Police increased anger. They received grants and staff support to “fix” neighborhoods. Neighbors backed off. When the money ran out, problems increased.
6. Police assume too much responsibility. Citizens blamed them for not doing their job. Result in some areas…hostility toward police, less cooperation and reporting.
7. Police increased neighborhood isolation. They held meetings and provided home security info. Neighbors arrived as strangers and left as strangers.
8. Police received community-policing grants. Citizens depend on police who didn’t live in the area. Policy shifts, officer leaves and crime, goes up.
9. Police, not parents or adults in the neighborhoods, became the symbol of authority and correction for youth.
10. Police assumed responsibility without understanding the benefits of neighbors solving problems and becoming role models for youth.
11. Police don’t say... it’s your responsibility to keep your neighborhood safe. Police react to crime, citizens prevent crime.
12. Police have many limitations. Residents must take back neighborhood safety if they want to keep children safe.
Americans can restore a healthy balance between police and citizen’s responsibility in the neighborhood. However, neighbors must be involved to help control criminal behavior and correct youth BEFORE they get involved in gangs, drug abuse and violence. Safe neighborhoods require mutual respect and cooperation.
For more information on what you can do to make your community safe, contact: www.safekidsnow.com
The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. -Albert Einstein
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Neighborhood Test
1. Do you know all your neighbors? (10 families around you)
2. Do you talk to the youth in your neighborhood?
3. When you see youngsters misbehaving, do you speak up, and correct them or notify parents?
4. Do you accept complaints about your children?
5. Do you watch your neighbors’ home when they are away?
6. Do your neighbors watch your home when you are away?
7. If you hear or see something suspicious, do you contact neighbors or call the police?
8. Do you and your neighbors work together to solve neighborhood issues? (bullies, vandals, lighting, noise, etc)
9. Do you have a designated neighborhood leader?
10. Do you have your neighbors contact (phone, email) information.
11. Is your family actively involved in your community? (civic, youth, charity, religious groups)?
12. Do you know your elected officials and local police?
13. Do you know what to do in an emergency?
14. Do you know as much about your community as you know about national problems?
Rate yourself:
Are you part of the problem? Your neighborhood needs you and your ideas.
Set a goal for a YES on every question to help keep families and children safe.
For more information on what you can do. Check out:
www.safekidsnow.com or contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
2. Do you talk to the youth in your neighborhood?
3. When you see youngsters misbehaving, do you speak up, and correct them or notify parents?
4. Do you accept complaints about your children?
5. Do you watch your neighbors’ home when they are away?
6. Do your neighbors watch your home when you are away?
7. If you hear or see something suspicious, do you contact neighbors or call the police?
8. Do you and your neighbors work together to solve neighborhood issues? (bullies, vandals, lighting, noise, etc)
9. Do you have a designated neighborhood leader?
10. Do you have your neighbors contact (phone, email) information.
11. Is your family actively involved in your community? (civic, youth, charity, religious groups)?
12. Do you know your elected officials and local police?
13. Do you know what to do in an emergency?
14. Do you know as much about your community as you know about national problems?
Rate yourself:
Are you part of the problem? Your neighborhood needs you and your ideas.
Set a goal for a YES on every question to help keep families and children safe.
For more information on what you can do. Check out:
www.safekidsnow.com or contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
KEEP KIDS SAFE: Why you need to know your neighbors!
1. Connected neighbors respond in an emergency and create community for youth.
2. Disconnected neighbors allow negative people to corrupt kids. Connected neighbors can become great mentors.
3. To stay safe! Connected neighbors communicate by phone or email on changing conditions in the neighborhood.
4. When neighbors are connected and care, youth feel respected and they don’t vandalize property.
5. Connected neighbors don’t tolerate drugs, gangs or criminals. They work together & report. Ignorance is blind & deadly.
6. Connected neighbors speak up to solve minor problems and become role models for kids.
7. Connected neighbors care & correct destructive behavior before kids get out of control.
Add your ideas!
2. Disconnected neighbors allow negative people to corrupt kids. Connected neighbors can become great mentors.
3. To stay safe! Connected neighbors communicate by phone or email on changing conditions in the neighborhood.
4. When neighbors are connected and care, youth feel respected and they don’t vandalize property.
5. Connected neighbors don’t tolerate drugs, gangs or criminals. They work together & report. Ignorance is blind & deadly.
6. Connected neighbors speak up to solve minor problems and become role models for kids.
7. Connected neighbors care & correct destructive behavior before kids get out of control.
Add your ideas!
Monday, June 6, 2011
EVIL: The invisible epidemic
The Jaycee Dugard Case should alert every parent. At age 11, Jaycee was kidnapped by a predator and became a sex slave. When Phillip and Nancy Garrido were sentenced, Jaycee’s statement read, "Phillip, I have always been a thing for your own amusement. I hated every second of every day of 18 years because of you and the sexual perversion you forced on me. What you and Nancy did was reprehensible …to trick young girls for pleasure is evil."
The sad reality is, America has an epidemic of evil as cult leaders enslave followers and pimps force women into sexual slavery. Young girls like Jaycee are vulnerable as men lust over pornography, which can become an addiction. California, alone, has 63,000 registered sex offenders.
Why do men turn evil?
As a community organizer for 36 years, I have seen many adults who grew up with neglect and abuse. As children, they never learned how to handle anger, frustration and fear. They learned to manipulate, lie or bully to survive. Self-gratification became their drug of choice. Without a moral foundation or spiritual understanding of self, they shut down their conscience and victimized others to feel powerful.
Can evil be prevented?
Lack of self-awareness has created a spiritual void. Humans are spiritual beings with the power to overcome any adversity. When people know how to stay spiritually centered, they don’t overreact to negative pressures. It is critical that adults give children the tools they need to handle their emotions. Spiritually centered youth develop a self-protective conscience and inner wisdom.
Responsible parents create a network of family and friends so children have support. Children feel empowered when people listen and care. When youth see a positive direction for their life, they will not take a self-destructive path.
Three things the religious community can do to assist their community:
1. EDUCATE - Members of the religious community can send a message that failure to develop self-awareness and self-discipline can lead to misuse of sex or other addictions.
2. LISTEN - Create neighborhood "Empathy Centers." Offer the community a safe haven for people to discuss anxieties and share experiences.
3. SUPPORT - Reach out into neighborhoods and help the community connect and grow stronger. Social isolation allows evil to go unchallenged.
Jaycee Dugard and her two children, fathered by her predator, were held captive in his backyard for 18 years. Neighbors must communicate and ask questions. Connected neighbors can keep neighborhoods safe.
When the religious community helps to shine a light on evil, the invisible epidemic will be exposed. American families will grow stronger and our communities will be safer for everyone, especially children.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Safe Kids Now!
www.safekidsnow.com
The sad reality is, America has an epidemic of evil as cult leaders enslave followers and pimps force women into sexual slavery. Young girls like Jaycee are vulnerable as men lust over pornography, which can become an addiction. California, alone, has 63,000 registered sex offenders.
Why do men turn evil?
As a community organizer for 36 years, I have seen many adults who grew up with neglect and abuse. As children, they never learned how to handle anger, frustration and fear. They learned to manipulate, lie or bully to survive. Self-gratification became their drug of choice. Without a moral foundation or spiritual understanding of self, they shut down their conscience and victimized others to feel powerful.
Can evil be prevented?
Lack of self-awareness has created a spiritual void. Humans are spiritual beings with the power to overcome any adversity. When people know how to stay spiritually centered, they don’t overreact to negative pressures. It is critical that adults give children the tools they need to handle their emotions. Spiritually centered youth develop a self-protective conscience and inner wisdom.
Responsible parents create a network of family and friends so children have support. Children feel empowered when people listen and care. When youth see a positive direction for their life, they will not take a self-destructive path.
Three things the religious community can do to assist their community:
1. EDUCATE - Members of the religious community can send a message that failure to develop self-awareness and self-discipline can lead to misuse of sex or other addictions.
2. LISTEN - Create neighborhood "Empathy Centers." Offer the community a safe haven for people to discuss anxieties and share experiences.
3. SUPPORT - Reach out into neighborhoods and help the community connect and grow stronger. Social isolation allows evil to go unchallenged.
Jaycee Dugard and her two children, fathered by her predator, were held captive in his backyard for 18 years. Neighbors must communicate and ask questions. Connected neighbors can keep neighborhoods safe.
When the religious community helps to shine a light on evil, the invisible epidemic will be exposed. American families will grow stronger and our communities will be safer for everyone, especially children.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Safe Kids Now!
www.safekidsnow.com
Monday, May 23, 2011
Cyberbullying Tips For Parents
• Give kids a code of conduct. Tell them if they wouldn't say something to someone's face, they shouldn't text it, instant message it or post it.
• Ask if they know someone who has been cyberbullied. Sometimes kids will open up about someone's pain before admitting their own.
• Establish consequences for bullying behavior.
• Monitor their media use.
• Tell kids not to share passwords with friends.
• Use privacy settings.
• Remind them... all private information can be made public.
• Tell kids what to do if they're harassed: Block bullies and inform parents or trusted adults. Save evidence in case it is need for reporting.
Source: Common Sense Media
• Ask if they know someone who has been cyberbullied. Sometimes kids will open up about someone's pain before admitting their own.
• Establish consequences for bullying behavior.
• Monitor their media use.
• Tell kids not to share passwords with friends.
• Use privacy settings.
• Remind them... all private information can be made public.
• Tell kids what to do if they're harassed: Block bullies and inform parents or trusted adults. Save evidence in case it is need for reporting.
Source: Common Sense Media
Friday, May 13, 2011
5 MYTHS - Keeping neighborhoods locked into crime!
For decades, community leaders have perpetuated myths.
Myth #1 Police can keep us safe.
The national average is 2.5 police for every 1000 citizens. The job of police is to react when crimes occur.
Myth #2 Money will solve problems.
Taxpayers spend billions on programs, security, swat teams, training, scanning equipment and surveillance cameras. Money has not stopped gangs, demand for drugs or violence on streets. When an area receives funding, violators move.
Myth #3 Laws control behavior.
Laws have limited power. Law-abiding citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers pay little attention.
Myth #4 Racism keeps the community down.
Blaming people who look different perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent. Gangs, like warring tribes, turn youth into uneducated men who end up in prison.
Myth #5 Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power with an illusion of compassion. The on going, “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs” cost billions. In our zeal to “help” the poor, we can destroy self-confidence and create dependency.
Myths have some truth but they don’t change community behavior.
Crossroads…will security require more surveillance and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthening families?
A national goal: strengthen families.
Children need support to discover their self-protective conscience. When youth have a supportive network of family, friends and church family, they learn they have potential and make responsible choices. Most city youth, do not join gangs, take drugs or become violent but they do need a safe city.
Creating peaceful cities will take:
1. A spiritual awakening to raise children with a conscience.
2. Community participation to build strong neighborhoods.
City leaders can train citizen “community coaches” to work with neighbors to reduce anger and overcome fear. Coaches who speak the language within a neighborhood can educate people so they won’t become victims. Neighbors can stop bullies and destructive behavior at an early age. As people work together, youth see new role models.
Civic and church groups can adopt one block to bring people together and build relationships. They can plan activities; a block party, plant a garden, sponsor a safety fair or prepare for emergencies. Involved neighbors become teachers and mentors.
As community support grows, city residents can heal and cities will become safer for everyone.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Author: “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook: 10 steps to a safe and healthy neighborhood.”
“Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide to building self-esteem and staying centered.”
www.safekidsnow.com
Myth #1 Police can keep us safe.
The national average is 2.5 police for every 1000 citizens. The job of police is to react when crimes occur.
Myth #2 Money will solve problems.
Taxpayers spend billions on programs, security, swat teams, training, scanning equipment and surveillance cameras. Money has not stopped gangs, demand for drugs or violence on streets. When an area receives funding, violators move.
Myth #3 Laws control behavior.
Laws have limited power. Law-abiding citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers pay little attention.
Myth #4 Racism keeps the community down.
Blaming people who look different perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent. Gangs, like warring tribes, turn youth into uneducated men who end up in prison.
Myth #5 Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power with an illusion of compassion. The on going, “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs” cost billions. In our zeal to “help” the poor, we can destroy self-confidence and create dependency.
Myths have some truth but they don’t change community behavior.
Crossroads…will security require more surveillance and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthening families?
A national goal: strengthen families.
Children need support to discover their self-protective conscience. When youth have a supportive network of family, friends and church family, they learn they have potential and make responsible choices. Most city youth, do not join gangs, take drugs or become violent but they do need a safe city.
Creating peaceful cities will take:
1. A spiritual awakening to raise children with a conscience.
2. Community participation to build strong neighborhoods.
City leaders can train citizen “community coaches” to work with neighbors to reduce anger and overcome fear. Coaches who speak the language within a neighborhood can educate people so they won’t become victims. Neighbors can stop bullies and destructive behavior at an early age. As people work together, youth see new role models.
Civic and church groups can adopt one block to bring people together and build relationships. They can plan activities; a block party, plant a garden, sponsor a safety fair or prepare for emergencies. Involved neighbors become teachers and mentors.
As community support grows, city residents can heal and cities will become safer for everyone.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Author: “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook: 10 steps to a safe and healthy neighborhood.”
“Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide to building self-esteem and staying centered.”
www.safekidsnow.com
Friday, May 6, 2011
STOPPING TERRORISM… a winnable challenge!
“Must stay on guard,” (Bay Area News Group 5-2-11), is a message for all citizens. However, Americans need to know what they can do to reduce this dangerous threat to our safety.
Terrorism is an unholy war with evil leaders spreading fear to promote their agenda. Terrorists want to rule the world and convince followers to sacrifice themselves for heavenly rewards. Naïve followers don’t question and become extremely dangerous.
For centuries, charismatic men have twisted religion for their own purpose. American examples include:
- Rev. Jim Jones persuaded followers to relocate from San Francisco to Jonestown, Guyana where 909 people died.
- David Koresh and 74 followers perished in Waco, Texas.
- Timothy McVeigh blew up the Oklahoma City federal building, killing 168.
Dictators and gang leaders also spread fear to manipulate the “spiritually blind.” However, they could not survive without a culture that glorifies ego-driven men who play god in other people’s lives. Uninformed, uneducated citizens allow ruthless leaders to prosper!
The Challenges Ahead for America
Many Americans don’t understand the power of the human spirit to be renewed and enlightened. When citizens are disconnected from support, they may not be self-aware or aware of their surroundings and “on guard.”
Responsible religions strengthen support for families. They discover the human spirit can develop a self-protective conscience and intuition. When we learn to trust our instincts and gain self-confidence, we grow with courage, speak up and take action.
Neighborhood involvement strengthens families. When neighbors communicate, they become observant and pay attention to neighborhood safety. Connected neighbors share information and build trust. In the process, they stop the social isolation that allows criminal behavior to go unnoticed.
Americans must stand together to win this unholy war. Informed, involved neighbors can PREVENT future attacks. When our enemies see how we value families, neighborhoods and communities, we will send a message that we stand for peaceful co-existence for all.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com
Terrorism is an unholy war with evil leaders spreading fear to promote their agenda. Terrorists want to rule the world and convince followers to sacrifice themselves for heavenly rewards. Naïve followers don’t question and become extremely dangerous.
For centuries, charismatic men have twisted religion for their own purpose. American examples include:
- Rev. Jim Jones persuaded followers to relocate from San Francisco to Jonestown, Guyana where 909 people died.
- David Koresh and 74 followers perished in Waco, Texas.
- Timothy McVeigh blew up the Oklahoma City federal building, killing 168.
Dictators and gang leaders also spread fear to manipulate the “spiritually blind.” However, they could not survive without a culture that glorifies ego-driven men who play god in other people’s lives. Uninformed, uneducated citizens allow ruthless leaders to prosper!
The Challenges Ahead for America
Many Americans don’t understand the power of the human spirit to be renewed and enlightened. When citizens are disconnected from support, they may not be self-aware or aware of their surroundings and “on guard.”
Responsible religions strengthen support for families. They discover the human spirit can develop a self-protective conscience and intuition. When we learn to trust our instincts and gain self-confidence, we grow with courage, speak up and take action.
Neighborhood involvement strengthens families. When neighbors communicate, they become observant and pay attention to neighborhood safety. Connected neighbors share information and build trust. In the process, they stop the social isolation that allows criminal behavior to go unnoticed.
Americans must stand together to win this unholy war. Informed, involved neighbors can PREVENT future attacks. When our enemies see how we value families, neighborhoods and communities, we will send a message that we stand for peaceful co-existence for all.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com
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