Crime Prevention Merit Badge

1. Laws and society Requirement

Discuss (a) why we have criminal laws; (b) the types of crimes, including property crimes, crimes against people, white collar crime and environmental crime; (c) why people commit crimes; (d) why everyone should follow the law even when no one is watching; (e) the meaning of crime prevention.

2. Groups working to prevent crime Requirement

Research how each contributes and share your findings: (a) citizens, including youth; (b) schools; (c) neighborhood, social and civic groups, including youth groups; (d) private security; (e) law enforcement agencies; (f) courts; (g) corrections and rehabilitation programs.

3. Crime in your community, state and nation Requirement

Two parts: research three crimes, then record notes and review them with your counselor.

2 parts

• 3(a). Research news coverage of three crimes of different types Often forgotten
• 3(b). Notes on the three crimes, reviewed with your counselor Usually comes after 3(a). Research news coverage of three crimes of different types.

4. Home and neighborhood crime prevention Requirement

Three parts: a discussion, a security survey, and a lesson built from the survey.

3 parts

• 4(a). How activities and design prevent crime
• 4(b). A supervised security survey Often forgotten The conditions are in the requirement itself: "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." You choose what to survey: a home, a neighborhood, a park or a camp building.
• 4(c). Teach a lesson built from your survey Often forgotten Usually comes after 4(b). A supervised security survey.

5. Retail crime prevention Requirement

Research and review with your counselor (a) the impact of shoplifting, employee theft (shrinkage) and loss prevention on retail finances, customer service and reputation; (b) the techniques stores use to prevent shoplifting.

6. Reporting crime Requirement

Discuss (a) when and how to report a crime or an impending crime; (b) the warning signs of child abuse and domestic violence, and how to report them; (c) the three R's of personal safety and protection, and how to apply them; (d) how reporting a crime can help law enforcement provide resources for crime victims.

7. Peers and crime Requirement

Discuss (a) the role peers play in crime, crime prevention and experiencing crime; (b) how to resist peer influence; (c) bullying and hazing, and signs that a friend may be bullying you or someone else; (d) the impact of gangs on communities.

8. Substance use and crime Requirement

Discuss (a) the legal and health consequences of alcohol, tobacco and vaping products, illegal drugs and diverted prescription drugs; (b) how substance use contributes to violence and property crime and raises the risk of becoming a victim; (c) how awareness, prevention and recovery programs help prevent crime; (d) how to get help.

9. Online crime and you Requirement

Discuss (a) avoiding being the victim of online crimes; (b) common online financial scams; (c) effective online security; (d) identity theft and preventing it; (e) how criminals use social media to target victims; (f) how bullying, texting and sharing photos can become crimes.

10. Interview a law enforcement officer or civil servant Often forgotten Requirement

With your parent or guardian's permission and your counselor's approval. About their work in crime prevention, how they chose the career and their duties. Discuss what you learned with your counselor.

11. Three careers in crime prevention, one researched Requirement

Training, education, certification requirements, experience and expenses; prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals. Discuss what you learned with your counselor, and whether you might be interested.

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. Laws and society, 2. Groups working to prevent crime and 9 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.