Program Philosophy

Watch Out! Help Out!

The Youth Crime Watch program relies on the principle of good citizenship, where youth take an active role in addressing the problems around them. They are a part of their community and must be a part of the solution to their school's and community's needs.

The program provides youth with the tools, guidance and self-confidence to prevent crime, violence and drug abuse.

Through its nine components, the program promotes Watch Out activities, such as crime reporting, and Help Out activities, such as mentoring and mediation.

Students own the program

Most students want to learn, to grow, to be well liked, to enjoy self-respect and the respect of others. They want to succeed in school and prepare for the future. They want to do all of this in a safe environment and have some fun while they're at it.

They feel cheated when they realize that others, by being involved with drugs and crime, are putting everyone's safety, health and well-being in danger, spoiling their fun and destroying their future. Nobody likes to be ripped off, and everybody would like to stop crime and other disruptive behavior.

Students don't want to be the victims of theft or to be threatened at school, the playground, an athletic field or neighborhood. When they are offered an enjoyable and effective way to prevent these disturbing and disruptive incidents, like the Youth Crime Watch program, they quickly and easily become inspired to put an end to youth crime in their schools and neighborhoods. Once students start to see positive results, they become even more dedicated to keep the program working successfully.

Related materials

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