MAYOR MENINO AND POLICE COMMISSIONER DAVIS ANNOUNCEEXPANSION OF THE SAFE STREET TEAM PROGRAM
Today Mayor Thomas Menino and Police Commissioner Edward Davis announce the expansion of the highly successful “Safe Street Team” initiative. The expansion of the walking beat program is the latest community policing effort focused on a proactive and preventative crime reduction strategy. The new team will be assigned to the Upham’s Corner area.
\”The Safe Street Team initiative has proven its success in neighborhoods throughout Boston, and the expansion of the program to Upham\’s Corner is a benefit to both this community and the Boston Police Department,\” Mayor Menino said. \”It will strengthen our community policing efforts by establishing sustainable relationships between officers and area residents and businesses. The walking beats provide a reassuring presence in neighborhood, and they will allow our officers to develop unique strategies that reduce crime, enforce public safety, and improve the quality of life in Upham\’s Corner.\”
Police Commissioner Davis stated, “The addition of the Upham’s Corner Safe Street Team reinforces the dedication of both Mayor Menino and I to remain committed to our community policing philosophy. Safe Street Teams citywide have been hugely successful with strengthening ties with our communities, addressing quality of life issues and deterring crime. Commissioner Davis added, “Walking beat officers are focused on creating a clean, safe and orderly environment, increasing positive interaction with resident’s specifically local youth and listening to the concerns of community members while assisting with tangible solutions.”
The Upham’s Corner Safe Street Team marks the 14th walking beat team in the city. The 13 other Safe Street Teams cover the following geographic areas: Eagle Hill (A-7/ East Boston), two teams in Codman Square (B-3 Mattapan/Dorchester), Norfolk Ave and Blue Hill Avenue (B-3 Mattapan/Dorchester), Bromley Heath (E-13/ Jamaica Plain), Blue Hill/Talbot Ave/Franklin Field (B-3/ Mattapan/Dorchester), Lenox/1850 Washington (D-4/ South End), Dudley/Orchard Park (B-2/Roxbury), Downtown Crossing/Boston Common/Theater District (A-1/Downtown) Grove Hall (B-2/Roxbury) and Bowdoin and Geneva (C-11/Dorchester).
The locations of Safe Street Teams are selected using a data-driven process. Working closely with the intelligence unit and district commanders, geographic areas are chosen based upon concerns related to various crime over periods of time. Placing walking beats in these areas lead officers to develop a sense of ownership, engage in strategic problem-solving, sustained presence and guardianship. In addition, officers walking beats develop other competent guardians, such as local businesses owners and community members, who assist in enforcing safety standards.
Safe Street Teams allow officers to have sustained, meaningful contact with business owners and families and provide a valuable opportunity to address quality of life issues effecting local residents. The Sergeants for each team will have the ability to determine whether their team each night will walk the beat or use bicycles. Each ‘Safe Street Team’ is considered a long-term assignment.
