News Flash

Police Department to Kick Off National Crime Prevention Month with Citizen Police Academy Graduation Tonight

A Variety of Events in October will mark the Observance

DURHAM, N.C. – The Durham Police Department (DPD) is holding several events in October in observance of National Crime Prevention Month:

• Citizen Police Academy Graduation - Tonight, October 1, 7 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 101 City Hall Plaza. Twenty citizens will graduate from DPD’s six week Citizen Police Academy. The graduation will also be broadcast live on the City’s Durham Television Network (Spectrum channel 8, Google Fiber channel 8, Frontier channel 70, AT&T U-verse channel 99 and live streamed to the City’s YouTube channel). Highlights will include reflections from class representatives; presentation of graduation certificates by Executive Commanders; as well as awards for the best sessions as ranked by class members.
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• Coffee with a Cop - Wednesday, October 2, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at various locations. Durham Police Department officers will sit down and chat with residents over a cup of coffee during National Coffee with a Cop Day. Coffee with a Cop Day is a national initiative designed to help break down the barriers between residents and officers, build trust, and to discover mutual goals for the community. This is an opportunity for residents to speak with Durham officers in a friendly, casual atmosphere without agendas, presentations or speeches. Coffee with a Cop Day events will be held at five locations:

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• District 1 District 2
• Biscuitville Biscuitville
• 1806 Holloway St. 3203 N. Roxboro St.
• 8 a.m.-10 a.m. 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
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• District 3 District 4
• Biscuitville Starbucks
• 2822 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. 1119 Slater Rd.
• 8 a.m.-10 a.m. 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
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• District 5 
• McDonald’s
• 102 W. Morgan St.
• 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
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• Seniors vs. Police Olympic Challenge - Thursday, October 17, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Durham Center for Senior Living, 406 Riggsbee Avenue. This friendly rivalry among police officers and Durham’s seasoned citizens promotes fun and games, and helps to strengthen police-community relationships. Activities include billiards, table tennis, checkers and more. In recent years, seniors have out-ranked police in most categories!
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• DPD Promotion Ceremony - Thursday, October 17, 6 p.m., Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan Street. DPD will commemorate the promotion(s) of sworn officers throughout the ranks and non-sworn employees who have been promoted during the past year.
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• Workshop: Safety…Taking Care of Business - Tuesday, October 22, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This workshop is for Durham businesses who have registered in advance. Key sessions include Robbery Prevention; Burglary Prevention; Active Shooter Response; and Alert Durham.
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• Trunk or Treat Safety Fair – Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walmart (1525 Glenn School Road). Event highlights include assorted candy treats; in-costume photo ops with first responders; and Halloween safety resources. Children should be accompanied by an adult. The Durham Police Department is hosting the safety fair in partnership with WalMart, the City of Durham Fire Department and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.
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History of Crime Prevention Month 

In 1984, the National Crime Prevention Council designated October as Crime Prevention Month. Every year since then, government agencies, civic groups, schools, businesses, and youth organizations have reached out to educate the public, showcase their accomplishments, and explore new partnerships during this special month.

October has become the official month for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention, while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities. The month-long celebration typically spotlights successful crime prevention efforts on the local, state, and national levels.