alice smith's blog : The Next Section Of The Community Safety Act Defines
Community safety
is a top priority for the federal government, but the federal government
allocates billions to punitive programs and not much to programs that improve
community safety. The federal government should expand its funding for
community safety initiatives, while at the same time building a flexible
funding stream that is more likely to be able to scale up successful
interventions. Developing and leveraging an evaluation component in grant
funding would be a good start.
For starters,
Congress should create a new program at HUD to support community members in
developing place-based project plans. The HUD program would also have to be
aligned with local, community-driven processes. This program would allow funds
to be allocated locally, while at the same time supporting community members in
transforming underutilized lands.
In addition, the
United States should invest in a non-carceral agency dedicated to
prevention-oriented public safety. This agency could serve as a conduit between
community safety agencies and the federal government to share resources and
coordinate inter-agency work. It could also be the hub for non-carceral
survivor safety programs, as well as research and development on the prevention
and reduction of violence.
Another thing the
federal government should do is develop a "jobs guarantee" program.
Creating this program could help rebuild a workforce and provide stability for
vulnerable workers during economic downturns. A jobs guarantee program may be
the best way to prioritize investments to improve employment outcomes, while at
the same time highlighting the most effective approaches.
You are curious
to know more about community safety act, click here. The Occupational Safety and Health Act is a federal law that helps
states to assure the safety and health of their workers. This act includes
research, training, and enforcement of occupational safety and health
standards.
Investing in
youth is a promising route to reduce violent crime. Research indicates that
investing in young people can cut violent crime by 45%. According to a poll by
the Vera Institute of Justice, schools are the most important factor in making
a neighborhood safer. Investing in youth can also reduce the likelihood of
violent behavior in the long run.
While these are
all promising strategies, the most meaningful approach to community safety is
prevention. This is not to suggest that investing in prevention is the answer
to every challenge, but the most cost-effective way to build public safety.
Providing training to local law enforcement officers on how to recognize and
respond to domestic violent extremism is an example of a good idea. And
providing economic empowerment to formerly incarcerated individuals is a
worthwhile goal, as is reducing recidivism.
While many cities
and counties already have central agencies devoted to promoting community
safety, the federal government can help to make it a national priority. Central
agencies like HUD can be an example to other states and municipalities, while
at the same time ensuring that local communities have access to evidence-based
programs and strategies. One such example is Oakland Unite, a collaborative
within the Human Services Department. This collaborative works with youth at
the highest risk for violence and provides services to help them reintegrate
into society.
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