What Needs to be Done?
Many residents of Detroit believe the only solution to Detroit's high crime rate rests in the hands of the people. Due to the weak economic current situation in Detroit, there is only so much the government and police department can do to reduce overall crime rates. Residents are beginning the take matters into their own hands. Some common ideas across most Detroit neighborhoods includes reducing the number of illegal firearms on the streets, an increase in the number of community programs, the continued destruction of abandoned homes, an increase in enforcement of curfew laws for the youth, an aid for younger residents to find work, and an increase in after school programs for younger children.
A look into what can be done to make Detroit a safer place. Many people turn to education to look for answers. Keeping kids in school can greatly help reduce the overall crime rate in the city.
A short clip that takes a closer look into gang violence in Detroit. Gang violence results in senseless killing of people including innocent kids and infants. Find out what needs to be done to reduce the amount of gang violence in the city.
Community Programs
According to many citizens of Detroit, one of the biggest solutions to the high crime rate involves the communities coming together to improve daily life for everyone. These communities organizations also look to lead the Detroit youth in the right direction to stay out of trouble later in their lives. For example, ARISE Detroit, a coalition of various community groups in Detroit involves bringing people in Detroit together by volunteering their time to improve the city and those that live in it. ARISE is an acronym for the goal of the organization, Activating Resources and Inspiring Service and Empowerment. The overall mission is to take a stand on issue like illiteracy, high school dropout rates, crime and youth violence, drug abuse, domestic abuse, neighborhood blight and unemployment. According to Luther Keith, executive director of the organization, ARISE Detroit’s goal is to “unite the entire community — nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, the business community and the media — in an unprecedented call to action.” Every year, ARISE Detroit holds an annual Neighborhoods Day, where various community groups, churches, and businesses conduct community service projects and social gatherings to improve the city. These projects include things like rebuilding houses, cleaning up garbage, planting gardens, and hosting back to school events.
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A closer look into ARISE Detroit's efforts during the annual "Neighborhoods Day" |
Ceasefire Detroit
Ceasefire Detroit is another community run organization in which the Detroit Police Department and the community come together to reduce crime. Although various types of crime are being looked at, violent crime like homicides, are the main focus for this organization. Similar programs have shown to be very effective in other parts of the United States, in areas like Boston and New York. Violent street group members on parole or probation are called in to meetings as a condition of their release. During the meetings, they meet with law enforcement officials, social service workers, as well as people from their own communities.