NCJ Number
184877
Journal
National Institute of Justice Journal Issue: 231 Dated: August 1996 Pages: 13-17
Date Published
August 1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Neighborhood revitalization programs in Savannah (Georgia) and Baltimore (Maryland) combine law enforcement, economic development, human services, and community organizing to improve public safety and the quality of community life.
Abstract
Both cities designed and implemented formal, comprehensive strategic plans. Through the late 1980's and into the 1990's, Savannah emphasized capital improvements, better sanitation and code enforcement, and public safety. The city set formal standards for street lighting and garbage pick-up, mobilized residents to audit properties for code compliance, and identified and disrupted crack dealing locations. In the early 1990's, the city also initiated efforts to integrate health, substance abuse, job training, and other services through family service centers located in the neediest neighborhoods. The situation was similar in Baltimore, where residents were most concerned about crime and infrastructure issues. Baltimore officials hired community advocates, local residents who were assigned issues such as public safety and education. These advocates went door-to-door to talk to people and create a neighborhood revitalization plan that would satisfy everyone. Although programs in the two cities are not complete and have not been evaluated, initial information showed mixed crime control results. By the end of 1990, for example, the 14 identified drug hot spots in one neighborhood had been reduced to 3. Residents worried less about robbery and burglary and the appearance of neighborhoods improved. Both cities demonstrated a capacity to organize their communities, created the idea of municipal beat officers, focused attention on housing and building repairs, and underscored the significant role of community policing in addressing crime and public safety. Programs in the two cities highlighted the need for long-term progress on social and economic issues. 2 photographs