Establish a Comprehensive Public Safety Program That Reduces Crime

Public safety was at the top of the residents’ concerns about the present and future of the Sharswood/Blumberg neighborhood. The neighborhood is located in the 22nd Police District, which has the highest number of incidents of criminal activity in Philadelphia. Blumberg Apartments is well known for high incidents of drug sales, illegal guns, assaults, gangs, and prostitution. The community Needs Assessment Survey showed that residents believe crime is persistent and increasing.

Sharswood’s plight with crime and drugs, particularly among youth, led to the City of Philadelphia’s development of a Strategic Plan to Prevent Youth Violence in the 22nd Precinct. PHA participated as a partner in the development of the strategies for youth violence prevention. This goal and supporting strategies build on and focus the work of the Strategic Plan for the Sharswood/Blumberg neighborhood. The Neighborhood Health & Safety working groups held a joint session on Public Safety on August 19, 2014, which led to the development of five strategies that are discussed below.

Strategy 1: Use Technology as a Tool for Crime Prevention

• 1.1 Install call boxes and smart lighting systems along neighborhood streets.
• 1.2 Install a text message alert system to warn residents about criminal activity.
• 1.3 Expand the number of closed circuit television cameras in the neighborhood linked to the City’s system.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Reduction in total number of assaults

Strategy 2: Increase Cooperation Between PHA and City Police Departments to Reduce Illegal Drug Activity

• 2.1 Increase cooperative police patrols in the neighborhood.
• 2.2 Station police vehicles in the community during the start and end of the school day.
• 2.3 Share data and intelligence on gangs and gang members participating in illegal drug sales.
• 2.4 Conduct cooperative investigations into gang-related drug sales.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Total number of part 1 violent crimes committed in the CN grant neighborhood

Strategy 3: Establish Programs to Engage Residents in Efforts to Improve Public Safety

• 3.1 Establish a Town Watch Program.
• 3.2 Develop a local security escort service for youth and elderly residents.
• 3.3 Identify funding for the purchase of walkie-talkie radios to connect residents with police.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Reduction in the number of assaults and robberies
• Number of students who feel safe traveling to and from school

Strategy 4: Establish a Strong Police Presence on Ridge Avenue

• 4.1 Coordinate with the 22nd District to install bike patrols on Ridge Avenue.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Number of residents report feeling safe in their neighborhood

Strategy 5: Provide Counseling and Support to Youth and Adults Re-Entering the Community After Incarceration

• 5.1 Establish a Reentry Program for youth returning from juvenile incarceration.
• 5.2 Coordinate with the City on the creation of a community-based detention diversion program.
• 5.3 Develop after-school programs that provide mentoring and organized recreation during peak times of youth violence (between the hours
  of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.).
• 5.4 Create an anti-bullying campaign to raise awareness in the community.
• 5.5 Incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) design guidelines in all redevelopment projects within the neighborhood.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Total number of participants in the Reentry Program
• Total number of participants in after-school programs
• Total number of students reported feeling safe at school

Partners

The following listing of partners were identified by residents and stakeholders as important points of collaboration for
establishing a comprehensive public safety program that reduces crime:

• City of Philadelphia Youth Violence Prevention Collaborative
• Philadelphia Police Department 22nd District
• The PhillyRising Collaborative
• Philadelphia Juvenile Court
• Department of Human Services
• The Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia
• Brewerytown-Sharswood Community and Civic Association
• Philadelphia Housing Authority