This program heightens public awareness of the many ways average citizens can help prevent illegal activity. Since its inception, Exchange's Crime Prevention program has been endorsed by nearly every President of the United States as well as leading law enforcement officials. Clubs can choose from a large and varied assortment of proven activities, including Child Fingerprinting, Junior Police, the Blue and Gold Wounded in Service Award, My Day in Court and many more. While any of these vital activities can and should be carried out throughout the year, clubs are encouraged to kick off their anti-crime campaigns during National Crime Prevention Month, observed annually in October.

Also observed during the month of October are Exchange's Fire Prevention activities. Year after year, fires in the United States claim thousands of lives and are responsible for countless injuries and vast amounts of property damage. But in many cases, those deadly and destructive fires could have been prevented. Through Fire Prevention programs Exchange Clubs can help citizens to recognize and eliminate potential fire hazards, as well as teach them how to protect themselves if a fire does occur. In addition, clubs can support efforts to improve and expand fire fighting units in their community or install smoke alarms in the homes of needy families

Purpose

Crime and Fire Prevention, one of the key community service programs, has been a major avenue of Exchange service since the 1940s. Since its inception, Exchange’s crime and fire prevention program has been endorsed by nearly every U.S. President, and many of the nation’s leading law enforcement officials. Exchange Clubs participate in a wide array of related activities, including Law Enforcement Officer/Firefighter of the Year Awards, Child Identification/Fingerprinting and Junior Police programs. The majority of clubs kick off their anticrime campaigns during the October observance of National Crime Prevention Month and National Fire Prevention Week.

The primary objectives of these programs are: