New Winnebago County Crime Prevention Fund
The March 5, 2004 issue of the Post Crescent announced that the Fox Valley has been judged by the Morgan Quitno research and publishing company as the second safest area in the nation out of 281 metropolitan areas. Bangor, Maine was named as number one. We have our police departments to thank for this stellar honor. It is their attention to prevention, among other things, that has enabled us to live in such a safe area. In an effort to maintain or create new prevention programs in Winnebago County, a new fund is being established through the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. The Winnebago County Crime Prevention Fund is an endowment fund that is being established to provide lasting financial support for crime prevention activities throughout Winnebago County. The goal is to raise $1 million for the endowment fund, which will generate nearly $40,000 each year for crime prevention efforts, forever.

Although we live in a “safe” area, crime does exist. Crime and the effects of crime cost everybody. The following statistics are provided by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department: For 2002, property crimes which include thefts, burglaries and robberies totaled more than $2.7 million dollars. The costs of violent crimes such as forcible rapes are practically immeasurable to the victims and the community. The cost to incarcerate one Winnebago County juvenile is $85.00/day. To incarcerate one adult in Winnebago County costs $55.00/day. In a single year, Winnebago County spends almost $5 million incarcerating juveniles and adults. Obviously, crime costs.

There are many programs and efforts carried out throughout Winnebago County that focus on reducing crime. To name a few, there are neighborhood watch programs, D.A.R.E., G.R.E.A.T., G.R.E.A.T. K.I.D.S., Charlie Check First, Senior safety programs, Teen Alcohol and Tobacco Diversion Programs, CrimeStoppers/Quick $50. Research shows that for every $1 spent on a quality youth-oriented crime prevention program, residents save $7-$9 in future rehabilitation and incarceration costs. Crime prevention programs are typically funded through federal, state and local government grants. But, these crucial programs are often among the first to be cut from tight budgets. This fund offers a way for these programs to continue in Winnebago County.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation has offered a challenge gift to help get the Crime Prevention Fund off the ground. For every $1, up to $25,000, the foundation will match those dollars raised. These locally raised dollars will stay in Winnebago County and be used to continue the crime prevention efforts that help our communities rank as one of the safest places to live in the nation.

There are many ways to give to the fund including cash, stocks, property, through a trust, or naming the fund in your will. The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation will work with you to find the gift that offers you the best tax benefits. You can contact the foundation by calling (920)426-3993 or view their website at http://www.OshkoshAreaCF.org.

If you would like more information, crime prevention officers in Winnebago County are prepared and willing to come to your group or organization to give a presentation regarding this exciting opportunity. Your local crime prevention officers are listed below. Congratulations to them!                
                   

Because the survey named five Wisconsin cities in the top 10*, congratulations also go to the Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practioners Association members. The current president of WCCPA is Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Officer Steve Herman.

* Morgan Guitno Top 10 Safest Places to Live

1. Bangor, Maine

2. Fox Cities, Wisconsin

3. Wausau, Wisconsin

4. La Crosse, Wisconsin   

5.Danbury, Conn.

6. Stamford-Norwalk, Conn.

7. Sheboygan, Wisconsin

8. Eau Claire, Wisconsin

9. State College, PA

10. Bismark, N.D.

IF YOU HAVE A TIP PLEASE CALL 1(800)621-CASH (2274)

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