In addition, Deputy Craig has provided camera-ready brochures on domestic violence, rape, and teen dating violence to the department's Victim Assistance Coordinator and helped create more than 100 Neighborhood Watch groups. Tony Queen has built extraordinary statewide support for the PSAs by partnering with businesses, TV stations, advertisers, law enforcement officers, other public officials, faith and business leaders, youth, and civic groups. He and his staff hand deliver PSAs to local television stations. His efforts resulted in billboards, bus ads, and crime prevention booklets being widely distributed throughout the state. The McGruff PSAs carry a local toll-free number connected to the state's Crime Prevention Division.
Callers receive information, advice, and referrals to local community resources.
While the National Conference on Preventing Crime gave attendees nearly 70 workshop choices, many sessions filled quickly and latecomers found themselves standing in the aisles, sitting on the floor, or even turned away in the interest of safety. Issues addressed in workshops covered everything from gangs, guns and drugs to domestic violence, cultural diversity, the Internet, and what businesses, schools, churches, and governments can do to prevent crime and delinquency. These programs provided unprecedented opportunities to hear about effective prevention strategies that are working in communities across the country and learn about prevention training methods and tools, as well as facilitate the exchange of ideas among panelists and audience members. Preliminary analysis of participants' evaluations reveals consistent praise for the sessions on youth issues, gangs, the Internet, community involvement in prevention, and community policing, as well as the chance to network with colleagues. Many attendees also asked for greater involvement by youth in future conferences.