The mission of the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit is to educate citizens to take away the criminal opportunity. This is accomplished through public programs designed for people of all ages. The unit works actively with schools, churches, businesses and community groups to present crime prevention education programs.
The crime prevention unit coordinates Project Lifesaver, a search and rescue program for people with memory impairment that reside in the city. The unit also serves as the coordinating agency for the Citizen Corps and Community Emergency Response programs, TRIAD (seniors and law enforcement) and Neighborhood Watch programs.