NCJ Number
179627
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the history and achievements of the Red Hook Public Safety Corps in Brooklyn, N.Y., a community service program that works to improve neighborhood safety in a low-income community dominated by one of New York City's largest public housing developments.
Abstract
Launched in 1995 with funding from President Clinton's Americorps national service program, the Public Safety Corps puts 50 local residents to work repairing conditions of disorder, which includes cleaning parks, fixing broken windows, and painting over graffiti. Corps members are also involved in victim assistance efforts, including helping victims of domestic violence obtain protective orders and educating school children about the dangers of drug abuse and date rape. Although the Corps has been successful in recruiting members and attracting community residents for single community events, it has not been able to develop a cadre of volunteers to support the daily work of Corps members. Projects that depend on such volunteers have foundered. In addition to the problem of motivating volunteers, the Corps had many members who had never held jobs before. Most were on public assistance. Work habits and attitudes, such as coming to work on time and respecting authority, were lacking. Before Corps members could change their neighborhood, organizers had to teach them the skills necessary to change themselves. The program devoted two days each month to intensive training. Still, some failed in their Corps responsibilities due to personal problems. Over its first four years, the Corps lost members due to addiction, arrest, domestic violence, and pregnancy. Those who did not drop out struggled to meet the program's expectations of professional conduct. A recent phone survey with program graduates, however, shows that 64 percent of the respondents are currently employed. Many are working to serve the public as educators, victim advocates, and drug treatment providers. Some have found jobs based on their experience in the Corps.