Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
At the Crime Reduction Institute (CRI), our mission is to reduce crime and improve public safety by empowering communities through specialized training, consulting, and strategic solutions rooted in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. We partner with law enforcement, businesses, and neighborhoods to build safer, more resilient environments through evidence-based crime prevention and community engagement.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to be the nation’s leading provider of training and consulting services in security planning, crime prevention, and community engagement—serving all business sectors across the United States. We are committed to helping our clients implement robust, evidence-based crime reduction strategies through expert guidance and hands-on learning. Our continued success is rooted in building lifelong partnerships with our clients, students, and professional fellows—making the Crime Reduction Institute (CRI) an essential ally in creating safer, more connected communities.
Our Clientele
The Crime Reduction Institute (CRI) proudly supports a diverse range of clients across multiple sectors, including law enforcement agencies, private security firms, property management companies, real estate developers, urban and city planners, commercial and residential property owners, and organizations responsible for asset protection and risk management. Our customized strategies help these partners enhance security, reduce liability, and implement crime prevention solutions tailored to their specific needs.
CRI Leadership
John Gabrielson, CEO & Founder
John Gabrielson is a 21-year law enforcement veteran serving with a major Texas police agency. Currently a District Representative in the Community Engagement and Crime Prevention Unit, John brings deep experience in proactive policing, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and evidence-based public safety strategies. Prior to his work in crime prevention, John served 13 years as a patrol officer, gaining critical front-line experience in community policing and emergency response.
John is a TCOLE-certified Crime Prevention Specialist, CPTED Practitioner, certified TCOLE Instructor, and published author. He is an active member of the International CPTED Association (ICA) and ASIS International, staying at the forefront of best practices in security planning, crime prevention, and risk management. He previously held leadership roles as President of the Central Texas Crime Prevention Association and 3rd Vice President of the Texas Crime Prevention Association.
In 2021, John authored the Responsible Public Space Management Plan for the Austin Police Department, a pivotal document created in response to Proposition B and growing concerns about homelessness in public spaces. This initiative led to the successful clearing of freeway underpasses and reestablished public safety through a strategic partnership between the City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office and APD.
In 2025, John spearheaded the launch of the Austin Police Department’s new Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program, designed to reduce criminal activity in multi-family housing communities through CPTED principles, landlord collaboration, and resident safety training.
John earned his bachelor’s degree in History from The Master’s University in 1997. His professional passions include crime prevention, community engagement, security consulting, urban safety innovation, and thought leadership in evidence-based policing and CPTED-driven design.
Andrew Samarripa, Senior Instructor & Crime Prevention Consultant
Andrew Samarripa brings over 27 years of public safety experience spanning dispatch, corrections, training, patrol, community policing, and criminal investigations. He began his career in the Brazos Valley before moving to Central Texas, where he has continued to lead and innovate in various facets of law enforcement and crime prevention.
Currently serving as an investigator supervisor with a federal law enforcement agency, Andrew is also a certified TCOLE Instructor, dedicated to advancing law enforcement training, crime reduction strategies, and community engagement practices.
Andrew is a former President of both the Texas Crime Prevention Association (TCPA) and the Central Texas Crime Prevention Association, where he played a key role in developing regional partnerships and promoting evidence-based crime prevention. As a member of the TCPA Training Advisory Committee, he was instrumental in modernizing and revising the association’s statewide training curriculum, ensuring alignment with emerging threats and best practices in public safety education.
Andrew's commitment to professional development, crime prevention education, and community-oriented policing makes him an invaluable asset to the Crime Reduction Institute and the broader public safety community.