Fighting Crime Takes Teamwork

Police and community leaders know organized neighborhoods can stop drug dealers, gangs, graffiti, prostitution, burglary and domestic violence. The question is, why haven’t city leaders made organizing a top priority in high-crime neighborhoods?

Destructive behavior can begin at an early age with vandalism and petty theft. Organized neighbors can deal with minor problems as they arise. Crime isolates citizens, and gangs can become better organized than residents.

City leaders must address fear and isolation. They should consider a citywide plan that will designate a block leader in every neighborhood to increase information and communication. They also should hire and train “community coaches” to help knit the social fabric of the city together.

Just as a football coach teaches skills to develop a winning football team, a “community coach” develops teamwork to prevent crime.

In Oakland, Calif., two young brothers were stealing and smashing mailboxes. The neighborhood group found counseling to help the single mother. The neighbors worked with the boys. They are now in college.

In San Ramon, Calif., where a rapist attacked two women within a week, rumors spread and citizens were arming themselves. The police chief called an emergency meeting of 43 block leaders. They went back to their neighbors and passed out fliers with accurate information. The rapist was caught within 10 days.

In Richmond, Calif., Abraham saw crime increasing. With the encouragement of a “community coach,” he took the initiative and identified 21 block leaders in his area. As residents took charge, crime decreased dramatically.

In San Pablo, Calif., Barbara got angry when the City Council voted to fence off the park because drug dealers had taken over. She went door to door organizing an informal citizens’ patrol. They worked with the police taking down descriptions and documenting drug deals. Within 3-1/2 months, residents took back the park. Neighbors went to the City Council requesting that money for the fence be used for new park benches and tables. Their request was granted.

In 1969, Orinda was an unincorporated community of 17,000 residents experiencing 400 burglaries. The volunteer association president appointed a citizens’ committee to tackle the problem. They organized neighborhoods and sponsored community forums. Crime decreased 48 percent within 2 years. Orinda didn’t have a local police department at that time.

I was a “community coach” for the Citizens’ Crime Prevention Committee in Contra Costa County. When I walked into El Sobrante, I didn’t know one person. Within six months, we had an active committee calling on neighbors and organizing meetings. Businesses donated funds and a local Realtor supplied office space and a phone.

Committee members helped neighbors deal with police complaints and domestic abuse, and they assisted victims. Three years after the project began, El Sobrante received a crime prevention award from the California attorney general at a dinner attended by 360 residents.

Let’s give citizens the support they need so they can create a safe environment for their families.

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