Youth Crime Watch of America Asks Student Leaders to Step Forward

Youth Crime Watch of America, College Crime Watch Offer Condolences and Support to Virginia Tech

April 16, 2007, Washington, DC: Youth Crime Watch of America, the largest student-led organization devoted to preventing crime in over 750 locations throughout the United States, issues sentiments of profound regret and support for the students, faculty, staff and parents of Virginia Tech.

Terry Modglin, executive director, said, "The massive tragedy at Virginia Tech continues to raise the awareness of the safety of our young people that require enforcement, intervention, and most of all prevention." Modglin suggests five key things students can do to make themselves safer:

1. Be aware of your surroundings
2. Recognize people or things that are out of the ordinary
3. Reach out to students who are under intense emotional stress who may become a threat to themselves or others
4. If you're not sure, report it
5. Be sure to share this information with your peers

Youth Crime Watch of America is a national organization that has a proven record of preventing school shootings and other crimes in schools and local communities. The direct involvement that its members take in implementing programs to better their environment includes nine components. College Crime Watch, the youngest of youth crime watch programs, focuses on student leaders acting in concert to prevent campus violence. Experts agree, increased safety allows for progress and a better learning environment.

Contact

Kyle A. Rosenbaum
Media Relations Coordinator
Youth Crime Watch of America
1200 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 404-825-0068
Fax: 202-466-4559
kyle@kylearnett.com

Related Training

In response to the Virginia Tech massacre and as a matter of enlisting our college campus leaders in protecting and helping their collegiate bodies, Youth Crime Watch of America has scheduled College Crime Watch trainings in Northern Virginia May 15 and 16; in North Florida May 22 and 23; and in South Florida May 24 and 25. Registration will be through the website. More details to come. (4/17/2007)

In the News

Monday, April 16, 2007: Two shooting incidents on Virginia Tech's campus left 33 dead. Thirty-one, including the gunman, died at Norris Hall; two died at West Ambler Johnston Hall. Fifteen other victims from Norris are being treated at area hospitals. The university remains closed Tuesday. A public gathering will be held Tuesday at Cassell Coliseum at 2 p.m. (Source: Virginia Tech)