Sheriff seeks certified crime-prevention-community designation; board approves resolution

Sheriff Chilton told the Board of Supervisors on June 3 that Culpeper County will apply to become a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certified crime prevention community and the board approved a resolution supporting the effort.

Chilton said the program — created by an executive order in 1998 and updated by DCJS guidance — recognizes jurisdictions that implement community safety plans, broaden neighborhood-watch efforts and perform site surveys for businesses and residences. He said the 12-step certification resembles a mini-accreditation and includes reassessing and updating plans, conducting site surveys and improving community partnerships.

Chilton told the board the designation could be used for marketing to attract families and businesses and said DCJS had noted potential insurance premium reductions tied to specific measures such as deadbolts and security systems. He said the sheriff’s office will provide site surveys and other services countywide outside the town limits and that the program would require additional staff effort.

After discussion, Supervisor Bates moved to support the resolution on the board docket; the motion received a second, a voice vote and the chair declared the motion carried.