This report describes two projects designed to reduce fear of crime and improve the quality of life and police-community relations in Houston, Tex., and Newark, N.J.
Strategies implemented in Houston included establishment of a collaborative community response team; creation of a neighborhood information network through publication of newsletters and flyers; establishment of a neighborhood police station, a victim followup program, and a police service user survey; and the initiation of proactive in-person contacts by police. Overall, observation team members were impressed with these strategies, their effectiveness, and the enthusiasm of involved personnel. The Newark project enlisted the support of government, business, educational, and community agencies. Specific activities included a newsletter, a directed-patrol task force to increase police visibility, a community service center providing referrals and a base for a police-citizen contact program, a youth neighborhood cleanup program, a directed police-citizen contact program soliciting public attitudes via questionnaires, and a self-esteem enhancement program providing recreational and educational opportunities for youth. Here too, team members were pleased with their observations and the apparent success of these programs. Appendixes include copies of newsletters and the names and affiliations of observation team members.