Editing McGruff the Crime Dog (section)

=== Campaigns ===
Since his debut in 1980, McGruff has been featured in television, newspaper, billboard, and radio advertisements, helping to raise awareness about crime and prevention strategies. The Ad Council and the National Crime Prevention Council continue to use McGruff in national campaigns, and around 1,500 law enforcement agencies use McGruff costumes as part of their community outreach efforts, particularly with children. McGruff's advertisements follow a "fulfillment strategy," offering contact information for more details. Early ads provided PO boxes, while modern campaigns use phone numbers and websites.

McGruff was well-received in the 1980s, and current campaigns maintain a high level of recognition. A Harris Interactive survey for the National Crime Prevention Council found that 9 out of 10 adults, teens, and children recognized McGruff after being prompted, with 3 out of 4 adults and 8 out of 10 teens and children recognizing him without prompting. The survey also revealed that McGruff's advice was highly trusted, with 8 in 10 children, 7 in 10 teens, and 6 in 10 adults indicating they were likely to follow his recommendations.