NCJ Number
125958
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 59 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1990) Pages: 2-5
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A program started by the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP) and the Multnomah County (Oreg.) Sheriff's Office in 1989 provided a law enforcement team called the Safety Action Team to reduce fear of crime and help residents of a public housing project reclaim their community from the gangs and drug dealers that had rapidly increased crime and violence.
Abstract
The Columbia Villa Housing Project had become a notorious focus of gang violence, drug dealings, and drive-by shootings. HAP provided office space and the sheriff's office assigned one lieutenant, three deputies, and two community service officers to the project. The team members communicate with project residents, allow only residents to park in project parking lots, identify and warn drug dealers and gang members, enforce trespass ordinances, train residents in crime prevention techniques, encourage children to stay in school, and coach athletic teams. The program has increased community pride and crime reporting. Gang activity and open-air drug dealing have declined. The pilot program shows how law enforcement can take the lead in reducing crime. Photographs.