Start or Enhance a Neighborhood Safety Program

Description

Neighborhood safety programs such as Block Captain Programs, National Night Out, Neighborhood Watch Organizations, and the popular Neighborhood Ownership Model can establish a system for residents to work together with Metro Police and with the Neighborhood Stabilization office to reduce crime and make residents safer. The Neighborhood Ownership Model establishes a way for residents to work with police officers, prosecutors, and judges to reduce crime. These kinds of programs, when well organized, have been shown to have a major positive impact on the safety and security of neighborhoods in St. Louis.

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1. Research & Contact There are numerous resources available to you for starting your neighborhood safety organization. The Neighborhood Ownership Model has proven successful throughout the City. It is a citizen-led partnership between police, prosecutors, and neighborhood volunteers to reduce crime. Each neighborhood tailors the plan to fit their unique circumstances and needs. It has three general categories: 
   1. Citizens-based solutions including citizen's patrols, neighborhood safety boards, and neighborhood planning teams. 
   2. Government partnerships including Neighborhood Orders of Protection, dedicated neighborhood liaison officers, and victim impact statements.
   3. Technology-based solutions including cameras, crime alert emails, and phone chains.
      
      Mike Petetit of Lafayette Square has guided many neighborhoods through the process of starting the Neighborhood Ownership Model including places like Forest Park Southeast, Dutchtown, the Ville and Greater Ville, and Shaw. If you're interested in learning more about the Neighborhood Ownership Model or to request a comprehensive copy, call the Circuit Attorney's Office at 314-622-4941. More information can be found here.
      
      The St. Louis Neighborhood Stabilization Office is also a good resource for citizens to work with the City and their Neighborhood Stabilization Officer to address physical and behavioral neighborhood issues.
2. Choose the Best Scale Depending on your neighborhood, it may be best to start at the smaller scale of the block to address safety and community issues. The Block Captain Program is a way to get started. An NSO Team publication says, 'Block units create the foundation for a stronger, safer, and more vital neighborhood.' A good summary of duties and responsibilities can be found at the FPSE website. You can also reference the FPSE Block Captain Handbook and talk to your Neighborhood Association and your NSO. This handbook on How to Organize Your Block is a good starting point.
3. Create a Group A Neighborhood Citizens on Patrol Program is another effective tool for improving safety in your neighborhood. Neighborhood groups will assign neighbors to organized units to patrol streets. These members are trained by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to identify problems and engage law enforcement to intervene when they believe a crime is occurring. To set up training, you can contact Sergeant Catherine Dennis at the SLMPD by calling 314-444-5638.
4. Host an Event National Night Out is also a positive way to improve safety, reduce crime, and get to know your neighbors. Each year, this unique crime/drug prevention event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. These block parties are also often sponsored by the City NSO. Visit the website to get more information and register your neighborhood.  

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