Safe Streets

Safe Streets

Credit: Washington Post

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How Does Safe Streets Work?

The Health Department funds community-based organizations to implement the Safe Streets model in identified target neighborhoods. Safe Streets emphasizes the delivery of a unified message that violence is no longer acceptable through community organization and public education. Safe Streets also incorporates and emphasizes a strong street outreach component, with outreach workers canvassing neighborhoods and connecting with high-risk youth and young adults during evenings and weekends to diffuse situations and link them to services. Safe Streets is a tool that communities can use to restore the safety of their streets and strengthen community bonds through community mobilization, outreach, public education, faith, and criminal justice community involvement.

What is the Role of the Outreach Worker?poster

Outreach workers play a major role in the reduction of violence. They are individuals familiar with the community in which they work. Many have a history of involvement with “life on the streets.” This first-hand knowledge is imperative to their success. As a result of their own life experiences, they are better able to engage the high-risk individuals who are the focus of their work.

Outreach workers are working in the community during the hours when, according to statistics, violence is more likely to be committed. They canvass the area, getting to know the residents and the individuals that are at greatest risk of becoming a perpetrator or victim of shootings and killings. It is the worker's responsibility to stay informed of everything that is going on within the community.

Outreach workers are there to intervene in potentially violent situations to reduce the chance that a shooting will occur. They have the ability to carry a caseload of 15-20 participants, and they will assist each participant with changing his life. By linking participants and their families to educational opportunities, employment training and assistance, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, etc., outreach workers help to provide individuals with options besides a life of crime and violence. Their sheer presence in the community weakens the attractiveness and romance of gangs and street life culture that often perpetuates violence.

Who Can Be a Participant?

Participants must have at least four (4) of the following risk factors, but will also be evaluated on a case-by-case basis:

  1. Gang/crew involvement; participant is thought to be a member of a gang or crew known to be actively involved with violence
  2. Key role in gang or crew; participant is thought to have key role in gang or crew known to be actively involved with violence
  3. Prior criminal history; including crimes against persons, pending or prior arrests for weapons offenses
  4. High-risk street activity; participant is thought to be involved in street activity that is highly associated with violence
  5. Recent victim of shooting; client has been shot within last 90 days
  6. Between the ages of 14 and 25
  7. Recently released from prison or juvenile detention; underlying offense was crime against person(s)

What Happens if There is a Shooting Within the Target Area?

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When a shooting happens, the Safe Streets site responds. Safe Streets sites partner with community members and local organizations to spread its message of nonviolence. Within seventy-two (72) hours of a shooting, Safe Streets organizes a community activity to call attention to the shootings and killings and to urge community members to join with others in speaking out against violence. Some examples of these activities, or "responses," are peace marches, midnight barbeques, vigils, and prayer sessions. Through these responses, Safe Streets reaches out to the community to try and prevent retaliation or further violence.

What Communities Have Launched the Safe Streets Campaign?

The Safe Streets initiative is currently operating in four sites: McElderry Park, Cherry Hill, Mondawmin, and Park Heights. 

Community Providers and Partners:

Health Department Contact Information

Dedra D. Layne, LGSW
Director, Safe Streets Baltimore
Baltimore City Health Department
Office of Youth Violence Prevention
1001 E Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 443-984-3566
E-mail: [email protected]

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