Operation: Safe Community Forum
Recap
Thursday, May 13, 2010
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Welcome and Crime Commission Overview…….......…………Ms. Linda K. Miller
Ms. Miller opened the forum at approximately 5:45. She provided a brief introduction to the forum, highlighted the various speakers for the evening and gave an introduction to the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission.
Operation: Safe Community Progress …………........................…DA Bill Gibbons
D.A. Gibbons provided the audience a brief history of Operation: Safe Community. He shared that former Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton, Sheriff Mark Luttrell and D.A. Gibbons had several meetings to discuss initiatives to address the growing crime problem in 2006. Those meetings, plans for a crime summit by then U. S. Attorney David Kustoff, and invaluable input from Memphis Tomorrow and the community helped to develop the formal plan to address crime, Operation: Safe Community.
D.A. Gibbons also gave an overview of the 15 research-based strategies including the suppression, intervention and prevention areas of focus. He then provided an explanation of Part I crime trends and shared the annual and first quarter crime trends for the City of Memphis and Shelby County. The D.A. suggested that we have made great strides with the various OSC initiatives and when compared to 2006 Part I Crime is down 16% in the city of Memphis and 2.8% in unincorporated Shelby County.
Strategy 12: Problem Properties and Blight..................................Mayor A C Wharton
Mayor A C Wharton provided an update on the city’s plans to address blight and several problem properties in our community. He shared that there is a distinct correlation between blight and crime and conversely clean environments and the reduction in crime.
Mayor Wharton shared that the Marina Cove apartments will be demolished and become a redeveloped community complex by Power Center CDC. The area is planned to include a charter school, housing and community facilities.
The large abandoned space between Jefferson and Watkins will be demolished and the developer is planning to create inner city retail. Manassas School will be demolished and potentially re-developed as a police precinct. The Mayor also mentioned plans for approximately five additional areas of concern for the community and affirmed that they would address problems as quickly and efficiently as possible and provide solutions for each site.
Strategy 2: Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)............U.S. Attorney Larry Laurenzi
Mr. Laurenzi provided a brief recap of Project Safe Neighborhoods and an update on it’s effectiveness thus far. Since 2006, crimes with firearms used for homicide are down 9.3%, used for carjackings down 55.4% and used for kidnappings down 27.5%. Mr. Laurenzi also shared the various strategies of PSN including ceasefire meetings, training initiatives, media campaign and the drug market intervention.
Strategy 6: Drug Market Intervention (DMI).................U.S. Attorney Larry Laurenzi, Assistant DA Amy Weirich
Mr. Laurenzi continued his presentation by sharing the Memphis Drug Market Intervention being implemented in Hollywood-Springdale with a host of partnerships. He provided the audience an overview of the DMI concept, how the area was determined, undercover operations and the program’s effectiveness thus far. Five federal cases, 38 state indictments, 8 have been sentenced and five are undergoing intervention opportunities.
Ms. Amy Weirich continued to the DMI presentation providing an overview of the family notification and call-in which invited six candidates to a meeting to redirect their lives. She shared how this program was different than the “hug a thug” concept and how it is working effectively to rehabilitate the neighborhood thanks in large part to the community. Ms. Weirich also shared a clip from the call-in in which she provided a hard-hitting message to the attendants that the MPD, the community, the city were all tired of the drug market in their community.
Strategy 6 cont.: Project SAFEWAYS..…………………Professor Richard Janikowski, Mr. Pierce Ledbetter, Ms. Olliette Murry-Drobot
Professor Richard Janikowski provided an overview of Project SAFEWAYS stating that it was designed to clear out criminal activity, hold on to resources and local services and rebuild the community. He provided an overview of the neighborhood that was chosen for Project SAFEWAYS stating that it had the highest crime rate in Memphis prior to the program. Since inception of the program there has been a 33% drop in crime, a 28% drop in violent crime and a 57% drop in property crime.
Professor Janikowski highlighted the importance of community-based intervention to maintain vital neighborhoods. He described it as a law enforcement, community development and human services partnership.
Ms. Olliette Murry-Drobot provided an overview of the partnerships with the Southeast Memphis CDC to provide site-based services including outreach and social support to remaining residents.
Mr. Pierce Ledbetter, gave a brief history on Autumn Ridge Apartments restating that at one time they were one of the least safe communities in Memphis. In partnership with the D.A.’s office, Autumn Ridge has implemented the “No Trespassing Program” and in partnership with the MPD, there are currently cameras on site, regular patrol, monthly meeting with MPD, neighborhood watch groups and CyberWatch.
Mr. Ledbetter, showed a brief clip from all four news stations highlighting the launch of Project SAFEWAYS in Autumn Ridge. He then shared that the program was working in both communities it is currently being implemented in Autumn Ridge and Kensington Manor. There is a 56% reduction in crime in Kensington Manor.
Mr. Ledbetter shared next steps for the program which includes the creation of a non-profit to develop a replicable model for other properties and managers to utilize city and then potentially nationwide.
Strategy 8: Mentoring Program…………………............…………….Mr. Harold Collins
Mr. Collins provided an overview of the D.A.’s truancy-based mentoring program. The program is currently in 8 Memphis City middle schools. Approximately 800 students have been referred to the program, 64 currently have mentors and the program and constantly looking for additional mentors. Mr. Collins expressed gratitude to Mr. Barry Baker of Pinnacle Airlines for the partnership which has resulted in 36 mentors for the program. Mr. Collins also shared a news clip showing parents that were summons to court for their truant children. He urged the group to get involved and become a mentor.
Community Engagement……. …………………….………..………Judge John Fowlkes
Judge Fowlkes provided a compelling recap of the evening’s speakers and opportunities for engagement including the D.A.’s mentoring program and providing solutions to address blight and respective neighborhoods. He also encouraged the audience to do their part in making Memphis and Shelby County safer.
Operation: You……………………………………..……………………….……….Ms. Miller
Ms. Miller thanked the panel of speakers for their participation and encouraged participants to visit the various organization and resource opportunities in the foyer. She also opened the floor up to the audience and invited them to share what they are doing to make their neighborhoods safer.
Approximately eight individuals shared their opinions and initiatives.
The Operation: Safe Community Forum adjourned at approximately 7:30.
OSC Forum Press Coverage (click here)
OSC Forum Partner Organizations (click here)
OSC Forum Pictures (below)
