Our Vision: The Community Education Center was created in 1994 to provide easier access to law enforcement in order to respond to the changing needs of Larimer County. Several programs have been developed and implemented in the areas of crime prevention, crisis intervention, problem solving and reducing crime, while promoting a feeling of safety within the community. The CEC's success is dependent on the involvement and commitment of residents, business owners, schools, neighborhood organizations and government.
Our goal is to bridge the community with the Sheriff's Office by continuing participation while making better use of existing resources that improve effectiveness. By working together and building relationships with the citizens of Larimer County, our proactive programs will help preserve and revitalize the heart of our community.
The CEC's success is dependent on the level of involvement from members of the community. We encourage everyone to get involved with at least one of the programs. The CEC operates the following programs:
The National Neighborhood Watch program is designed to lower the burglary rate by helping neighbors work together. Community members who develop a neighborhood watch system are educated in reporting suspicious persons, developing systems for recognizing legitimate neighborhood vehicles, and keeping homes safe when owners are away. For more information or to participate in the Neighborhood Watch Program the contact the Community Education Center at 970-498-5159 or send the request via e-mail.
The National Business Watch program teaches business owners and employees how to help each other prevent crime. Officers advise organized Business Watch members on how to develop phone trees and signals to activate in adjacent businesses when someone needs help. Business Watch members also have the benefit of police surveys that identify high crime opportunities in their stores. Business Watch is currently looking for new members. For more information or to participate in the Business Watch Program the contact the Community Education Center at 970-498-5159 or send the request via e-mail.
The Drug Abuse and Resistance Education program tries to reduce the demand for drugs by educating community youth. As part of this program, uniformed police officers talk to children at local schools about self esteem, saying "No" to drugs, stress management and saying "Yes" to positive influences. D.A.R.E. also encourages relationships between parents, teachers and police officers to provide a support system that will help children resist peer pressure. For more information about the D.A.R.E. Program contact the Community Education Center at 970-498-5148 or send the request via e-mail.