Sample Support Letter

February 4, 2003

Representative/Senator Name

Address

Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1991

Dear Representative/Senator _______________:

We are striving to improve the quality of life within Maryland districts 19 and 20. Over the past several years, communities across Maryland have implemented comprehensive community-based crime prevention initiatives, also known as the HotSpots program. Through these time-tested programs we have discerned that the most effective way to holistically prevent crime is through locally-driven, community-coordinated strategies that bring together a wide spectrum of stakeholders to analyze concerns and implement solutions.

We also have achieved results. Throughout Maryland crime dropped by 17% from 1996 to 2000. To examine the impact of our community initiatives beyond what the rest of Maryland experienced, our changes in crime are adjusted by the change experienced in the rest of our respective counties. By 2000, crime rates in our communities dropped 35%; declining twice as fast as the rest of the State.

We urge you to continue to make available those funds needed to establish strong local crime prevention networks. As these community-based crime prevention networks become self-sustaining, more and more communities across the state can join the effort. Equally important, we recommend that relevant State Agencies participate fully and at every level, but especially at the local level, in community-based crime prevention.

In order to make Maryland a safer, healthier, and more prosperous state, we need you to support continued funding for community-based crime prevention. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(your name and contact information here)