Brownsville Safety Alliance - More Than Patrols
Combating Bias
January 31, 2012, 4:00 AM EST - Brownsville, located in east Brooklyn, has long been one of New York City's most dangerous neighborhoods. However, some residents believe that the neighborhood's reputation is unfairly negative.
Concerns vs. Reality
Residents acknowledge that there are safety concerns but argue that the media and others often exaggerate the danger. "There are noticeable safety concerns, and there are times I don't feel safe," said one resident. "But I generally feel safe. I think the way people make it seem like Brownsville is so unsafe compared to the whole city is biased."
Community Policing Experiment
Brownsville is part of the Brownsville Safety Alliance, a group of neighborhood and city groups, police officers, and members of the Kings County District Attorney's office. The alliance is working to improve safety in the neighborhood through a variety of initiatives, including a community policing experiment that pulled back cop patrols from a strip of Atlantic Avenue for six months. The experiment is now in its second round, and the alliance is hoping to see a reduction in crime as a result.
The Brownsville Safety Alliance is a positive example of how community groups can work with the police to improve safety in their neighborhoods. The alliance's efforts are helping to change the perception of Brownsville as a dangerous place and are making the neighborhood a safer place to live.
Comments