Public Education Programs Safe Streets Now Program

SAFE STREETS was founded on the fundamental principle that few know more about the needs and assets of their community than the people who live and work there. In your effort to protect and maintain the neighborhood in which you live, discovering where to turn for assistance and guidance can be difficult. We are here to help.

Like you, we are determined to restore peace and security to our streets. SAFE STREETS views itself, not as a cavalry ready to ride to the rescue, but rather, we are a campaign of people and ideas committed to the age-old and very human notion that attitude is our greatest tool in bringing about change.

We realize there is no single solution to every problem. SAFE STREETS first strives to guide you through identifying concerns unique to your immediate area. Second, we are available to assist you in formulating and implementing a workable plan of action specific to your needs and resources.

Please accept our invitation to explore the many suggestions, resources, and management tools offered on our site. Included are numerous personal stories of challenge and success from people who helped to make a positive impact in their neighborhoods.

Whether you are a homeowner, an apartment dweller, a business person, or a public servant, your involvement counts. SAFE STREETS celebrates the opportunity to work with you in discovering the true power and value of your neighborhood.
 
 

The SAFE STREETS Mission

To assist neighborhood residents, community-based organizations, and public agencies to organize and achieve safer and healthier neighborhoods.

To build on the philosophy that neighborhood residents have the power to understand their own needs and to take steps to meet those needs.

To contribute toward providing neighborhoods with a new sense of their own worth and power and to open new opportunities for safe and productive lives.

The SAFE STREETS vision: a network of organized neighborhoods, each having the power to take full advantage of its own unique resources, reduce illegal activities, and increase the safety and health of its residents.

The Power of Neighborhood

People working together can:

• Combat, reduce, and prevent criminal activities such as drug dealing, prostitution, gang violence, and vandalism.
• Establish and utilize partnerships with government agencies, law enforcement, business associations, and other neighborhoods.
• Develop youth activity and crime prevention programs.
• Coordinate grafitti removal teams.
• Plan and conduct area cleanup and beautification projects.
• Organize neighborhood activities to promote kinship and a sense of belonging.
• Manage commercial and residential development in the best interest of those who work and live in the area.
• Outline strategies and procedure for accomplishing neighborhood objectives.

Collaboration

By working together we can better accomplish what is difficult or impossible to do alone. Combined time and effort allows for a greater exchange of ideas and information as well as a more equitable distribution of duty and responsibility. The neighborhood that makes decisions and takes action as a group achieves a higher level of security and power.

Communication

Encouraging and maintaining dialogue from neighbor to neighbor, block to block, and community to community promotes awareness and involvement. Each individual person is a vital and necessary component of an effective neighborhood organization. Whether through a simple telephone tree, a monthly newsletter, or regular meetings, getting the word out about area concerns and activities can make the difference between a thriving neighborhood and one that is merely surviving.

Patience

Most neighborhood problems, like blight and crime, have usually taken years to develop. Rarely are there any quick and easy solutions. Change is most effective when it comes in carefully thought-out increments which not only prevent complicating important issues, but also serve as a solid foundation upon which to preserve what progress is achieved. Every neighborhood has its own attributes and challenges. In the long run, spending the time to gather information, assess options, and outline a plan to solve specific problems is worth every minute.

Commitment

For some, commitment means taking a neighborhood leadership role. For others, it means supporting the efforts of those who assume such responsibility. Peaceful neighborhoods are no accident. Where there is respect for property and the right to the quiet enjoyment of that property, the value of the actual real estate remains stable as well as the spirit of community. It is in that spirit that a common intolerance for violence crime, and apathy can best grow.

The SAFE STREETS Partnership

SAFE STREETS can help:

• Unite people with common concerns and objectives
• Dismantle barriers of indifference and misconception
• Build safe and healthy environments
• Develop local business, educational, and government resources
• Provide problem-solving suggestions, guidelines, and options
• Channel anger, fear, and frustration into productive actions
• Coordinate new and existing services and programs
• Serve as a bridge for neighborhood associations

Types of Involvement

Prevention:

• Vigilant neighbors
• Good lighting and locks
• Well-maintained property
• Law-abiding behavior
• Intolerant attitude

• Heed warning signs
• Identify problems
• Document causes
• Report violators
• Propose solutions

• Outline remedies
• Delegate responsibilities
• Set timelines
• Utilize resources
• Implement plan

• Share the load
• Stay in touch
• Take swift action
• Keep authorities posted
• Participate in neighborhood events

• Look the other way
• Hope for a change
• Blame the system
• Be ruled by fear
• Wait for someone else to take action

The Players

SAFE STREETS starts with people who are committed to their neighborhoods. The residents decide upon their issues and concerns.

Organized neighborhood residents dedicated to helping neighbors define their needs and learn how to identify and access their personal resources.

Stakeholder Groups

Besides the people who live in a particular neighborhood, other stakeholders are businesses, schools, churches, government, labor unions, community-based organizations, law enforcement, and medical services, all of whom have something to gain or lose based on the health and safety of a community.

With the input of the neighborhood, the SAFE STREETS Staff analyze the specific needs of a neighborhood, help develop options for meeting those needs, and provide assistance in utilizing a variety of resources.
 
 

The Process

Community Mobilization

Through identification and activation of all available community resources, neighborhood residents, businesses, government, youth, labor, and community organizations are better able to work together and develop a positive environment in which to live, work, and play.

Application of preventative strategies and educational programs encourages neighborhood youth and families to become more solution-oriented.

Neighborhood groups that team up with local government to develop neighborhood improvement and crime prevention programs enhance their quality of living and decrease the incidents and impact of illegal activity.

For further information, contact your local AREA POLICE STOREFRONT or the PUBLIC EDUCATION OFFICER

Public Education Page