National Cartoonists Against Crime Day

National Cartoonists Against Crime Day, observed annually on October 25, honors the work of cartoonists, comic strip creators, and illustrators who have used their art to support crime prevention and public safety.

History of National Cartoonists Against Crime Day

The observance first appeared in 1991, created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, and since then it has been marked each October 25 as a day for recognizing how cartoonists and their characters have contributed to encouraging safer communities.
Though the documentation is partially sparse, the underlying idea is that illustration and humor can play a role in raising awareness about crime prevention, empowering citizens, and communicating public safety messages in an accessible way.

Why is National Cartoonists Against Crime Day important?

When I reflect on this day, what comes to mind is how art and storytelling—especially cartoons—can traverse barriers of age, culture, and language to deliver important messages about safety, prevention, and responsibility. Cartoonists, often working in accessible media, can bring attention to often overlooked issues like neighborhood watch, youth engagement, or making wise choices. Recognizing their work reminds us that crime prevention isn’t only about policing or legislation—it’s also about culture, social norms, and everyday choices.
Also, this day invites us to see the cartoonist not merely as an entertainer, but as a kind of public educator and communicator. In times of social change, economic stress, or shifting community dynamics, the role of accessible visual narrative becomes more important. By honoring cartoonists involved in the “against crime” cause, we highlight a creative dimension of civic engagement—drawing out messages, sparking discussion, and sometimes even humorously making our way into serious topics.
Here are five plain reflections on why this day matters:

• It affirms that cartoonists have a role beyond fun and humor—they can support positive social change.
• It raises awareness that crime prevention is part of community life and every citizen has a part.
• It reminds us of how visual art, comics, and cartoons reach younger audiences or people who might not respond to conventional campaigns.
• It gives credit to creators whose public‑safety messages may go unnoticed but still influence culture.
• It encourages us to support local artists and illustrators who engage with civic themes, making the link between creativity and community stronger.

How to Celebrate National Cartoonists Against Crime Day

You don’t need a formal event to observe the day—simple, thoughtful actions can make a difference. Perhaps you could visit a school or youth group and invite a local cartoonist to present work on crime‑prevention themes, or even host a small drawing workshop where participants create their own “crime‑prevention comic panel” based on safe‑community ideas. If you’re online, you might share favorite crime‑prevention comics, tag the cartoonist (if you know them), and use the hashtag #NationalCartoonistsAgainstCrimeDay to spotlight their work.
Another option is to support cartoonists whose work contributes to public awareness: buy their prints, share their illustrations, or simply thank them for using their craft for social good. On a personal level, you might reflect on what crime prevention means in your community and how creative expression can play a role—maybe even sketch a little poster yourself!
Here are five easy ideas you might try:

• Find and share a cartoon or comic strip that addresses safety or crime prevention.
• Reach out to a local cartoonist or illustrator and ask if they’d speak on the topic or create a small piece.
• Post your own mini‑comic or illustration about community safety and tag #NationalCartoonistsAgainstCrimeDay.
• Organize a drawing session in your neighborhood center with young people: “What does safe community look like?”
• Support a cartoonist by purchasing their work or commissioning a piece around crime‑prevention themes.

National Cartoonists Against Crime Day Dates Table