Make Our Blocks Safer with Community-Building Initiatives

I know from first-hand experience as a community organizer in city and suburban areas that the best way to prevent and address crime is by fostering a caring atmosphere where people watch out for one another. It is essential for Skokie to address fear of the “Other” – often manifested as prejudice against people of color, recent immigrants, people with disabilities and renters – so that we can forge ties of trust and respect.

Back when I was an organizer in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I pulled together a neighborhood “Crimewatch” patrol of resident volunteers in cooperation with the local police precinct. On my own Keating block, I have held block parties and serve as the block captain. Police officers are necessary, but are an insufficient substitute for a cross-sector collaborative approach that incorporates residents, social workers, nonviolence trainers, faith leaders and others.

As Trustee, I will:

• Add mental-health professionals and domestic-violence counselors to the Village staff rather than adding more police officers, given that these are the main drivers of police calls.

• Expand a youth outreach infrastructure and support and advocate for community policing practices overall that build trusting relationships between residents, elected officials and Village staff.

• Operate under the nonviolence philosophy and practices of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which means implementing restorative justice conflict resolution between parties as appropriate, and addressing the root conditions that cause violence.

• Encourage and enhance community outreach and communication between police, residents and businesses to creatively address security concerns and weave a fabric of mutual reinforcement.