Explore criminal laws, conduct security surveys, research crime prevention tactics, and learn online safety strategies to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Laws & Society

    Laws and Society

    Do all
    Discuss the following with your counselor:
    1. a Why we have criminal laws.
    2. b What are types of crimes, including property crimes, crimes against people, white collar crime, and environmental crime.
    3. c Why people commit crimes.
    4. d Why everyone should follow the law even when no one is watching.
    5. e What is the meaning of crime prevention.

  2. 2. Crime Prevention Partners

    Groups Working to Prevent Crime

    Do all
    Research how the following groups contribute to crime prevention and share your findings with your counselor:
    1. a Citizens, including youth
    2. b Schools
    3. c Neighborhood, social and civic groups, including youth groups
    4. d Private security
    5. e Law enforcement agencies
    6. f Courts
    7. g Corrections and rehabilitation programs

  3. 3. Crime in Your Community

    Do all
    Crime in Your Community, State, and Nation. Do the following:
    1. a.

      Researching Crimes

      With your parent or guardian’s permission and the approval of your counselor, research local, state, or national news coverage of three crimes of different types. Research how common these types of crimes are in your state or in the United States.
    2. b.

      Analyzing Your Research

      Record notes on which law enforcement agencies and courts were involved in the pursuit of justice for the victims and the accused person, why you think these crimes were committed, and what could be done to prevent similar crimes. Review your research with your counselor.

  4. 4. Home & Neighborhood Safety

    Do all
    Home and Neighborhood Crime Prevention. Do the following:
    1. a.

      How Communities Prevent Crime

      Do all
      Discuss the following with your counselor:
      1. 1.

        How participation in activities of families, churches, sports teams, and clubs prevents crime.

      2. 2.

        How designs of houses, neighborhoods, public buildings, stores, streets, and parks prevent crime.

    2. b.

      Conducting a Security Survey

      Conduct a security survey of a home, a neighborhood, a park, or a camp building with adult supervision and following youth protection guidelines using a security checklist in the Crime Prevention merit badge pamphlet or one approved by your counselor.
    3. c.

      Teaching Crime Prevention

      Use information from your survey for requirement 4(b) and the EDGE method to develop a lesson about how a family or Scouts can protect themselves from crime. Review your teaching plan with your counselor, then present your lesson to your family or to Scouts.

  5. 5. Retail Crime Prevention

    Retail Crime Prevention

    Do all
    Research the following topics and review them with your counselor:
    1. a.

      The impact of shoplifting and employee theft (also known as shrinkage) and loss prevention on retail finances, customer service, and reputation.

    2. b.

      Techniques used by retail stores to prevent shoplifting.

  6. 6. Reporting Crime

    Reporting Crime

    Do all
    Discuss the following with your counselor:
    1. a.

      When and how to report a crime or an impending crime.

    2. b.

      The warning signs for child abuse and domestic violence and how to report these situations.

    3. c.

      The three R’s of personal safety and protection and how to apply them.

    4. d.

      How reporting a crime can help law enforcement provide resources for crime victims.

  7. 7. Peers & Crime

    Peers and Crime

    Do all
    Discuss the following with your counselor:
    1. a The role that peers play in crime, crime prevention, and experiencing crime.
    2. b How to resist peer influence.
    3. c Bullying and hazing behaviors and signs that a friend may be bullying you or someone else.
    4. d Explain the impact of gangs on communities.

  8. 8. Substance Use & Crime

    Substance Use and Crime

    Do all
    Discuss the following with your counselor:
    1. a.

      The legal and health consequences of using alcohol, tobacco and vaping products, illegal drugs, and diverted prescription drugs.

    2. b.

      How substance use contributes to violence and property crime and increases a person’s risk of becoming a victim of crime.

    3. c.

      How drug abuse awareness, prevention, and recovery programs help prevent crime.

    4. d.

      How to get help if you or someone you know needs help with drugs or alcohol.

  9. 9. Online Crime & Safety

    Online Crime and You

    Do all
    Discuss the following with your counselor:
    1. a How to avoid being the victim of online crimes.
    2. b Common online financial scams.
    3. c Effective online security.
    4. d Identity theft and how to prevent it.
    5. e How criminals use social media to target victims.
    6. f How bullying, texting, and sharing photos can become crimes.

  10. 10. Career Exploration

    Interviewing a Professional

    With your parent or guardian’s permission and your counselor’s approval, interview a law enforcement officer or a civil servant about their work in crime prevention. Learn about how they chose this career and about their duties. Discuss what you learned with your counselor.

  11. 10. Career Exploration

    Crime Prevention Careers

    Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in the field of crime prevention. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.