Orange County neighborhood organizations can apply for the Crime Prevention Grant in any of the following four categories:

• Public Safety Planning
• Safety Training
• Crime Prevention
• Disaster Planning

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is an area of public safety planning that examines the relationship between physical environments and the incidence of crime. Following a CPTED Analysis by a trained crime prevention expert, neighborhoods can better develop strategies to address its vulnerability to crime. These strategies can include projects such as roadway modifications, improved street lighting, lot clearings and improved landscaping.

A public Safety grant allows neighborhoods to undergo a CPTED Analysis and to implement eligible recommendations to improve safety within certain geographically defined boundaries. To be eligible, neighborhoods must define the geographical boundaries of the area to be analyzed. This award is made annually to four neighborhoods (one neighborhood per quarter) on a competitive basis. Awards are based on demonstration of need.

Demonstrated need includes the following:

• Increase in crimes as documented by Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO)
• OCSO crime statistics. Documented crimes can include auto burglary residential burglary, armed robbery, strong-armed robbery, and property
• Destruction/vandalism/graffiti, as shown by crime statistics from OCSO
• Perception of neighborhood as a dangerous place. This can be demonstrated with a neighborhood survey implemented by neighborhood residents
• Falling property values as evidenced by the Orange County Property Appraisers, or statistics from real estate research firms or realtors

Safety training includes projects that increase a citizen's capability to handle situations that pose a threat to the health and safety of individuals or neighborhoods. Neighborhoods can organize safety training sessions or events in conjunction with appropriate agencies or consultants. Neighborhoods sponsoring such events can also apply for funds to purchase items to give away at the event.

 Personal safety activities include:

• Youth swimming lessons & water safety (including home pool safety training)
• Self-defense classes
• Youth escape schools
• Bike safety rodeos
• Fire safety training
• Defensive driving courses
• Safety celebrations, such as National Night Out (excluding food and drinks)

Public safety supplies include funding for signs, caps, safety vests, logo shirts and/or flashlights for neighborhoods with established community crime watch groups. These must be groups sanctioned by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, such as Citizens on Patrol (COPS) or a Neighborhood Watch.

Neighborhoods must demonstrate the need for funding under this category (i.e. the neighborhood organization has not budgeted funds, thereby relying on volunteers to pay out of pocket.) However, communities should not rely on crime prevention funds to support long-term program needs. These should be one-time start up funds.

Home safety items. These items will only be distributed if they accompany training activities/courses and include:

• Child-proofing devices (cabinet locks, socket covers)
• Smoke alarms
• Fire extinguishers
• Electronic barking dog alarms
• Fire escape chain ladders
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• First aid kits
• Curbside addressing
• Gun locks
• 911 only cell phones for elderly and disabled persons

The Crime Prevention funding category can be used to purchase items that educate and raise awareness of crime prevention and safety, with the goal of deterring crime. The items must be distributed at a community event or community meeting that incorporates a crime prevention and safety educational component conducted by an expert in the field. This grant typically will range from $500-$1,000 per neighborhood, per year, depending on the goal of the neighborhood. Eligible give-away items include:

Vehicle theft prevention and safety devices such as:

• Steering wheel lock
• Vehicle window etching of VIN
• Theft deterrent decals
• Bicycle locks
• Bicycle lights and/or reflectors
• Bicycle horns
• Bicycle helmets
• Pedestrian and cyclists reflective safety vests

Self-defense and personal safety items (non-chemical and non-sharp devices) such as:

• Personal body alarm, air horn, or whistles
• Portable strobe light and alarm
• Key chain with light and alarm
• Money belts, hidden security pouches, security wallets, zipper socks
• Child identification and records kits
• Reflective patches or armbands

The Disaster Planning funding category can be used to prepare citizens for emergencies and to raise awareness of natural disasters. Disaster planning will enable neighborhoods to make the safety of individuals and families a high priority.

Disaster planning allows individuals or families to survive or remain safe in the event law enforcement, emergency personnel, or other assistance are not readily available. Disaster planning training must be held at a time and a location convenient for neighborhood residents to attend.

Disaster/emergency preparedness activities include:

• Neighborhood Disaster planning activities
• First-aid & CPR instruction
• Citizen Emergency Response Team Supplies
• Hurricane and other disaster training workshops

Disaster supplies/kits (limited to items on the approved list of supplies at http://www.mysafeflorida.org/prepared.html).

Neighborhood Services reserves the right to limit per item amount and the total quantity of items purchased with grant funds.

The Grant Selection Committee, comprised of County staff members, reviews and scores the applications.  Then, the Neighborhood Grant Advisory Board (NGAB), a seven-member citizen panel, oversees the grants from selection of winners to project completion.  The NGAB meets once a month to conduct its duties.  Board members review applications and conduct site visits.

If your organization is interested in applying for a Crime Prevention Grant, use the link below to check out the grant criteria & guidelines.

• Crime Prevention Grant Criteria & Guidelines (PDF - 82KB)

If your organization already has a crime prevention project in mind, please submit the prequalification form. 

• Crime Prevention Grant Prequalification Form

If your organization is interested in applying for a Crime Prevention Grant but you need some assistance in identifying a project to address your neighborhood's specific crime issues, please contact the Orange County Neighborhood Services Division to speak with the Crime Prevention Grant Coordinator at 407-836-5606.