NCJ Number
162957
Journal
Catalyst Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: (May 1996) Pages: 1-2
Date Published
1996
Length
2 pages
Annotation
In 1993 the school system in New Bedford, Mass. agreed to the request of the police department to establish a working substation in an elementary school.
Abstract
The substation is located in a highly visible corner office on the first flow and is open 24 hours a day. The substation has transformed the school into a neighborhood hub by brining in other activities, including an after- school program, classes for parents, a community library, a Girl Scout trop, and a place for probation officers to meet with clients after their work hours. New Bedford now has three school-based police stations, which reflect the city's commitment to community policing. The New Bedford Neighborhood Policing Coalition now leads the effort to transform traditional policing. This collaboration involves representatives from the mayor's office, the housing authority, police, parks and recreation department, school system, district attorney, social services, private agencies, and neighborhood organization. The coalition meets monthly at one substation to plan and coordinate strategies to address the diverse needs and issues raised by each members. Decentralizing the police department and solving neighborhoods through multiagency collaborations has reduced crime. Planning is crucial to the effort. Address from which to obtain more information