PARTNERSHIPS
Law enforcement ownership and leadership, along with information sharing among key partners, are the foundation for a successful Safe City project. Building a formal infrastructure for partnership with local law enforcement, neighboring businesses, civic and community partners will help to sustain a lasting Safe City.
• Law Enforcement
Safe City will not be successful and sustainable without law enforcement leadership and partnership. Their leadership, local crime knowledge, information resources and public credibility are essential.
• Retail and Civic Organizations
These partnerships are critical and will help ensure that solid information and experience drive the effectiveness of Safe City.
- Neighboring retail / businesses
- Property management / property developers
- Private security teams
• Community Organizations
There are many people and organizations with important leadership roles in the community. They must be engaged and informed about Safe City.
- Mayor/city council/city manager
- County commissioners/county manager
- Local business associations (e.g., chambers of commerce)
- Surrounding neighborhood associations (e.g., neighborhood watch)
- Key community organizations (e.g., Rotary, Lion’s Club)
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Technical solutions are the formal, planned solutions used within a Safe City project that lead to desired outcomes. Some involve technology, and some will focus on process.
Technical solutions will play a vital role in facilitating the effectiveness of Safe City, including components such as:
• Radios
Radios help connect on-duty law enforcement, private security and business organizations within Safe City. Often, Safe City partners already have radio systems in place that can be easily coordinated to provide a stronger network of instant communication.
• CCTV
CCTV allows Safe City partners to achieve a more effective, comprehensive public safety surveillance structure in and around the Safe City area. Programs across the country have included CCTV systems, which have been instrumental in decreasing crime trends and helping to apprehend criminal offenders in Safe City communities.
• Emergency Call Boxes
Call boxes throughout the Safe City area are a visible and effective tool to increase safeness and create a greater sense of security. When visitors see the call boxes located at convenient, strategic places throughout the Safe City area, they are more aware of the efforts being made to increase their safety.
• E-Mail / Information Sharing
Using e-mail communication allows Safe City partners to communicate quickly and frequently. E-mail groups are also a very effective way to communicate with community leaders and/or interested organizations about the most recent projects and successes of Safe City. Keeping stakeholders informed about Safe City will build a foundation of support within the community.
• Environmental Design
Environmental design considerations can be reviewed to identify opportunities to minimize crime. Considerations such as lighting, landscaping and architecture are all elements of environmental design that impact safety.
• Safeness Ambassadors
Partners and guests want to know how Safe City is helping to keep their community and their shopping centers safe. Public safety ambassadors help provide a visible, credible face to the Safe City program, letting the surrounding community know that a solid, diverse partnership is in place to improve and protect their neighborhood.
