Grandmont-Rosedale preventing crime with 'Broken Windows' - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Grandmont-Rosedale neighborhood preventing crime with 'Broken Windows'

Posted: Updated:
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee (Credit: MyFox Detroit) Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee (Credit: MyFox Detroit)
DETROIT (MyFox Detroit) -

Detroit Police have been working to come up with a long range strategy to reduce fear and prevent violent crime. Thursday, the department revealed results from a pilot program tested in one area of the city.

Home invasions, assaults, critical shootings -- violent crime in Detroit have escalated in 2012. Can the problem be fixed?

An attempted answer to that question was to implement a program called "Broken Windows" in the Grandmont-Rosedale neighborhood.  The premise of the program developed by the Manhattan Institute of Public Policy relies on citizens getting more involved.

At a meeting to check on the status of the program was implemented a few months ago, Inspector Vicki Youst was asked whether there has been any progress catching individuals suspected of robbing North Rosedale residents while they were doing yard work.

"The pattern was essentially that people were doing yard work, they were in their driveway, that someone was coming up and pulling off gold chains or jewelry from the individuals. We have made some gun-related, firearm-related and robbery-related arrests in this immediate area, and because we have not seen that modus operandi reappear, at this point I'm cautiously optimistic that we have caught the people responsible."

Detroit Police released stats showing improvement in decreasing the number of home invasions in the Grandmont-Rosedale community -- a 32 percent reduction in home invasions in the last 120 days.

"This is simply fantastic. This is how you build a safe community," said Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee.

This area is strong on neighborhood watch and citizens' CB radio patrol.

George Kelling of the "Broken Windows" program attended the meeting. He reiterated the premise of asking police and neighborhoods to crack down together on all crimes, even smaller crime in an effort to keep more serious crimes from developing.

"As you heard in the presentations, some of these criminals are very, very busy. They're stealing tires. They're carrying guns, and they settle disputes by shooting each other, and so, yes, I think 'Broken Windows' can help." says Kelling.

Godbee says this program will go from a 'pilot phase' to full implementation starting soon in northwest Detroit.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:45 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:45:05 GMT
    Invision/AP photo
    The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
    The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
    Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
    Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
  • Superstorm Sandy

    Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:15 GMT
    More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
    More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices