More Community Stories:

Crime Prevention- A Shared Responsibility: Community policing is acknowledged by citizens to play a positive role in the safety and perceived safety of our communities. How we design our communities, encourage participation through public events and festivals, and take care of those who are vulnerable also play a role in helping to preserve – and enhance –actual and perceived safety. Creating opportunities for new residents and marginalized groups to participate in – and feel connected to – the life of the community will become increasingly important as our region grows.

>>“The key to continued community safety is to improve community participation and increase proactive policing strategies, by educating community members to be more aware of their own safety, and methods of eliminating the opportunity for crime will greatly assist in citizens feeling and being safe in our communities.”  Kent Moore, Chief of Shelburne Police <<

Safe Communities of the Hill Country
Safe Communities of the Hill Country is one of 31 designated “safe communities” in Ontario.  It provides free access to information and innovative programs to support people of all ages to be proactive about safety. Its information and programs include street-proofing; road-safety, seatbelt and car seat clinics; a senior’s fall-prevention program; internet-safety education for parents and children; and, PARTY – an experiential program for youth that includes a mock “crash site” and interviews with “victims” aimed at preventing alcohol-related trauma.  Says Executive Director Sue Snider, “Our hope is to help residents to be proactive, aware and empowered about safety… not afraid to go out into the community.”  (safecommhc.com)

REPORTS & RELATED LINKS

RELEVANT REPORTS:

• Community Crime Management Through Social Prosperity – This visual was created by Rod Freeman, former Chief of Orangeville Police and a member of HCIA’s Leadership Council in 2005.  It depicts the relationship between strong families and communities and reduced crime.

• Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness Guide  – This guide, developed by the Region of Peel and its local municipalities, outlines steps that you and your family can take right now to best ensure that you are prepared for emergency events in your community.

• Town of Caledon Emergency Response Plan – The Town of Caledon’s Community Emergency Response Plan is a generic and flexible document, adaptable to any emergency situation. It is a tool developed to assist emergency personnel and municipal staff in their response to such situations.

• Dufferin County Emergency Response Plan – This plan outlines how the County and local municipalities will provide a controlled and coordinated response to any type of emergency occurring within or affecting the County.

RELATED LINKS:

• Safe Communities of the Hill Country – SCHC helps people come together in the community to create a sense of awareness, understanding, support and leadership in which to implement effective local programs to eliminate injuries and suffering on the road, at work, home or play.

• SafeGrowth – This blog contains resources about SafeGrowth and Community Policing Through Environmental Design (CPTED) two alternative approaches to community safety and crime prevention where the creation of safe places emerges from designing communities and engaging neighbours to creatively plan for the prevention of crime alongside experts, police and security.

• CPTED Ontario – This association addresses community safety through the identification of crime issues and the promotion of Community Policing Through Environmental Design (CPTED) solutions.

• Dufferin County Emergency Management – This webpage contains information and links for more information about emergency preparedness in the County.

• Be Prepared – Individuals and families play a vital role in preparing for times of crisis and should be able to care for themselves for at least three days.  This Ontario government site offers information to assist you in being well prepared.