Scouting/BSA/Crime Prevention Merit Badge

Requirement 1
Discuss the role and value of laws in society with regard to crime and crime prevention. Include in your discussion the definitions of "crime" and "crime prevention."

Requirement 2
Prepare a notebook of newspaper and other clippings that addresses crime and crime prevention efforts in your community.

Requirement 3
Discuss the following with your counselor:


 * A. The role of citizens, including youth, in crime prevention


 * B. Gangs and their impact on the community


 * C. When and how to report a crime

Requirement 4
After doing EACH of the following, discuss with your counselor what you have learned.


 * A. Inspect your neighborhood for opportunities that may lead to crime. Learn how to do a crime prevention survey.


 * B. Using the checklist in this (the merit badge) pamphlet, conduct a security survey of your home and discuss the results with your family.

Requirement 5
Teach your family or patrol members how to protect themselves from crime at home. at school, in your community, and while traveling.

Requirement 6
Help raise awareness about one school safety issue facing students by doing ONE of the following:


 * A. Create a poster for display on a school bulletin board.


 * B. With permission from school officials, create a page long public service announcement that could be read over the public address system at school or posted on the school's Web site.


 * C. Make a presentation to a group such as a Cub Scout den that addresses the issue.

Requirement 7
Do ONE of the following:


 * A. Assist in the planning and organization of a crime prevention program in your community such as Neighborhood Watch, Community Watch, or Crime Stoppers. Explain how this program can benefit your neighborhood.


 * B. With your parent's and counselor's approval, visit a jail or detention facility or a criminal court hearing. Discuss your experience with your counselor.

Requirement 8
Discuss the following with your counselor:


 * A. How drug abuse awareness programs, such as "Drugs: A Deadly Game," help prevent crime


 * B. Why alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are sometimes called "gateway drugs" and how "gateway drugs" can lead to the use of other drugs


 * C. Three resources in your city where a person with a drug problem or drug-related problem can go for help


 * D. How the illegal sale and use of drugs lead to other crimes


 * E. How to recognize child abuse


 * F. The three R's of Youth Protection

Requirement 9
Discuss the following with your counselor:


 * A. The role of a sheriff's or police department in crime prevention.


 * B. The purpose and operation of agencies in your community that help law enforcement personnel prevent crime, and how those agencies function during emergency situations.


 * C. Explain the role private security plays in crime prevention.


 * D. Choose a career in the crime prevention or security industry that interests you. Describe the level of education required and responsibilities of a person in that position. Tell why this position interests you.