Costa, Ciscomani Launch Bipartisan Push to Make Crime Prevention a National Priority
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Co-Chairs of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, today introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate October as National Crime Prevention Month, a nationwide effort to put prevention at the forefront of public safety.
“Crime prevention is not partisan idea – it’s a promise we owe every American,”said Congressman Costa. “Safe communities don’t just happen by accident; they are built when neighbors, law enforcement, and leaders work together to stop crime before it starts. Declaring October as National Crime Prevention Month affirms prevention as the foundation of public safety – keeping kids out of gangs, protecting seniors in their homes, stopping scams and organized crime, and supporting victims. Every American family deserves peace of mind. That’s the future we’re fighting for, and it starts now.”
“Preventing and combatting crime in our communities is something every American deserves,” Congressman Ciscomani said.“This commonsense, bipartisan resolution acknowledges our support for every law enforcement officer, first responders, educators, community leaders and so many more. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring National Crime Prevention Month.”
BACKGROUND
The resolution underscores a simple truth: keeping families safe begins with preventing crime before it happens, and ensuring every community has the tools to build safer streets and strong neighborhoods. In short, prevention is action. It means:
- Stopping violence before it starts – tackling the roots of crime before it turns deadly.
- Keeping kids on the right path – steering young people away from gangs, drugs, and cycles of violence.
- Building trust in public safety – strengthening the partnership between police and the communities they serve.
- Standing with victims – making sure they have the resources to heal and rebuild their lives.
- Fighting modern threats – protecting families from scams, counterfeits, and cybercrime through awareness and education.
The urgency is clear. According to the FBI, a violent crime is reported every 25.9 seconds in the United States. Experts estimate crime drains $2.6 trillion from families, businesses, and taxpayers each year.
First launched in 1984 by the National Crime Prevention Council, Crime Prevention Month has a proud legacy of mobilizing communities. The bipartisan Costa–Ciscomani resolution renews that mission and challenges the nation to recommit to prevention as the surest path to safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and peace of mind for every family.
The full text of the resolution is available HERE.