NCJ Number
249120
Date Published
June 2015
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This is the spring 2015 update for the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program (BCJI), which is entering its third year of funding comprehensive efforts to reduce crime and spur revitalization in 46 of the Nation's most distressed neighborhoods.
Abstract
As the 15 BCJI sites enter their final months of program implementation, they are experiencing a number of ways that BCJI is making a difference in their communities. Although crime conditions vary among the cities, most sites are using BCJI resources to address "hot spots" of violent crime, as well as other drug and disorder issues linked to nuisance properties and problem businesses. The efforts in the 15 sites have included focused deterrence strategies with parolees to reduce gun violence; targeted police foot and bike patrols; the abatement and rehabilitation of vacant and problem properties; blight reduction and beautification efforts that follow the principle of crime prevention through environmental design; drug market intervention; and service programs for at-risk youth and individuals returning to the community from prison. Promising results include a 20-percent drop in Part I crimes along Detroit's Morang Avenue corridor in 2014; a 23.7- percent decline in Part 1 crime at "hot spots" in Milwaukee, while Part 1 crimes increased 2.5 percent city wide; and a 19-percent decline in violent crime in the target area in Buffalo from 2013 to 2014. Other sites have documented notable enforcement actions resourced by BCJI. Achievements are also reported in physical and economic improvements, as well as social cohesion and collective efficacy. Although BCJI funding will end for these 15 sites by early 2016, most are committed to continuing the collaborative, data-driven approach to improving neighborhood safety and well-being that characterizes the BCJI model. 1 figure