Before our agency first met with representatives from the Target Corporation we were entirely unfamiliar with the Safe City program.  Following that brief meeting in May of 2006, we agreed to lead a project that would hopefully benefit our community.  Because it is most often the police who drive problem-solving efforts, admittedly I was somewhat skeptical of the proposed initiative.  However, the project that followed, and the professional relationships that developed along the way, are among the most rewarding I have experienced.

Lower Crime Rate
With the vision and support of a talented staff we embarked on a problem solving effort in the northwest part of our city that would ultimately focus on auto theft, shoplifting, and unwanted persons in commercial areas.  Although our city of 225,000 enjoys a relatively low crime rate, this location was ideal for such a project.

Understanding the Problems
Following a comprehensive analysis of crime and disorder in the project area, we met with business owners and managers to review our findings and propose a partnership to address these issues.  Because these individuals share our vision for a community where residents and visitors alike feel safe, the attendance at our all-partner meetings has consistently been good.  Likewise, several members of the project team stepped forward to participate on the steering committee, and their efforts have been commendable.

Community Partnerships Address Problems
Throughout this project we have looked at different ways to address the various issues identified in our initial analysis.  While technology will certainly be among the tools we use, it is the fundamentals of problem solving - working with the community to better understand concerns and jointly develop effective responses tailored to local needs - that will likely have the greatest impact.  Indeed, the true strength of this project, and perhaps that from which the most value will be derived, is the ongoing partnership that has evolved and the open lines of communication among the participants that have been established. 

Sustaining Success
We are fortunate to have as our Safe City partners the Target Corporation and several other representatives from the private sector.  From the beginning they have been fully engaged in the problem solving effort, and they are largely responsible for its success.  As the torch was passed to us by Target, ultimately we hope to do the same to our business partners.  While we will continue to participate in the project and provide the ongoing support necessary to ensure its sustained success, it is the business partners who best understand their needs, and who will eventually lead these problem-solving efforts.

Getting Started
If you are considering a similar project, I encourage you to contact other communities in which the Safe City concept has been implemented or any member of our own project team.  With a corporate mindset that demonstrates their appreciation for the value of community and the role they play therein, Target has been an exemplary partner.  Their commitment to the Safe City program has had a significant impact on communities across the country, and will undoubtedly do the same for yours.

Gary Wedge
Captain
Chula Vista Police Department