The SHOCAP and SAFE POLICY programs are a systematic information-sharing process designed to identify youth at risk and provide appropriate services to them and their families. Both programs emphasize coordination and cooperation as the foundation of effective prevention, intervention, and control to reduce delinquent behavior.
 

Serious habitual offenders commit a disproportionate amount of crime. Without effective controlling intervention they are likely to continue their criminal careers as adults. This control must be a systematic planned strategy to protect the public while insuring that the necessary care, guidance and discipline are provided for the youths to become responsible and productive members of society.
 

 Beginning in January of 1988 the leaders of the agencies who provide services to juveniles in Howard County sat down to talk.  Each agreed that the issues of the "at risk" youths, juvenile delinquency, and habitual offenders were community problems, and these problems could only be effectively addressed by a community based cooperative effort.  This cooperative effort would only be effective if it were to include schools, prosecutor's office, probation, police, juvenile courts, welfare and parole.  To insure success the broader base of all agencies providing juvenile services would need to be included in the concept.

 The lack of timely information was easily recognized as a problem.  However, the perception that this information could not be legally shared was an issue.  After research of the Indiana Juvenile Code and assistance from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, United States Department of Justice no legal barriers were found.  To further the process the Howard Circuit Court Judge issued a blanket court order authorizing the exchange of information.  With legal issues resolved the chief executive officer of each agency met, resolved issues and signed a memorandum of commitment to interagency cooperation.

 In a National evaluation report by Caliber Associates in regard to SHOCAP programs, Kokomo (Howard County) Indiana was recognized as a model for other jurisdictions to emulate
 

The Kokomo Police Department, along with the other county youth service providers, facilitate this comprehensive inter-agency community strategy. For technical assistance, or to obtain additional information about these programs, contact Captain John Brown, of the Kokomo Police Department, at (765) 456-7219.