Citizen Corps
E very American has a critical role to play in safeguarding his or
her community. Ensuring a more secure and safer homeland and
safe and crime-free neighborhoods requires preparedness, training,
and citizen involvement.
Overview of Citizen Corps
Citizen Corps (www.citizencorps.gov) was created to help coordinate
volunteer activities that will make communities safer, stronger, and
better prepared to respond to hazardous situations. Its mission is to
harness the power of every individual through education and
outreach, training, and volunteer service. It provides opportunities for
people to participate in a range of measures to make their families,
homes, and communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism,
public health emergencies, and hazards of all types.
Citizen Corps is a vital part of USA Freedom Corps
(www.usafreedomcorps.gov). Both share the goal of helping
communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to crime, terrorist
attacks, and other emergencies.
USA Freedom Corps brings together the resources of the federal
government with the nonprofit, business, educational, faith-based, and
other sectors to increase residents’ involvement in their communities.
The USA Freedom Corps Network helps individuals find volunteer
opportunities that match their interests and talents locally, nationally,
and internationally. USA Freedom Corps fosters a culture of service,
citizenship, and responsibility and is working with educators and
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Program BriefBureau of Justice AssistanceDomingo S. Herraiz, Director
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
June 2004
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About BJA
The Bureau of Justice Assistance was established in 1984 as a
component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of
Justice. BJA provides leadership and resources to state, local, and
tribal governments and communities to reduce crime, violence, and
drug abuse and to strengthen the nation’s criminal justice system.
BJA provides this assistance through formula and di