The VCPA was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization to establish a network in Virginia to share information about crime prevention programs and services. It is one of the largest statewide crime prevention associations in the country. The VCPA has over 400 members. Membership is open to any individual or organization with an interest in crime prevention. The VCPA partners with local law enforcement agencies, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Virginia State Police, the National Crime Prevention Council and other organizations to provide programs and services. The VCPA promotes crime prevention by providing training, technical assistance, resource material, research and advocacy. The VCPA is a charter member of the Crime Prevention Coalition of America. The Executive Director represents the VCPA on the Executive Committee of the Crime Prevention Coalition of America; the Neighborhood Watch Committee of the National Sheriffs? Association; the Technical Committee on Premises Security of the National Fire Protection Association; the National McGruff House Network; the Board of Directors of the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation the Operating Council for the Virginia Center for School Safety and the Virginia Citizen Corps Council.