For a long time, Public Housing was seen as a center for violent crime, with images of brick high-rise complexes in dangerous neighborhoods dominating the media. But violent crime has been on the decline in the United States since 1995. And as violent crime has diminished nationwide, so too has it decreased on Public Housing premises.
Although Public Housing properties can still be a hot spot for criminal activity in some communities, Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) have taken a number of approaches to improve the safety of their residents, and there are a number of things that current and prospective public housing residents can do to improve their own safety.
Studies have found that violent crime is most common in disadvantaged areas. These are neighborhoods with high rates of poverty, segregation and inequality. Neighborhoods with higher poverty are strongly associated with higher crime rates. African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be victims of violent crime, and violent crime is more prevalent in segregated cities. Studies have also suggested that within high crime neighborhoods, violent crime is often concentrated in a limited number of “hotspots,” such as street corners. Public housing properties within high poverty neighborhoods, regardless of the racial makeup of the area, are more likely to have issues with violent crime, while those that are scattered among neighborhoods with low crime rates have fewer problems with violent crime.
High rates of violent crime are fueled by a number of factors, including perceived disorder in a neighborhood (broken windows, abandoned buildings), strained relations with law enforcement and limited access to jobs. Youth exposed to violence are more prone to violence and do more poorly in school, according to this HUD study. PHA and community educational and job skills programs give them an activity off the street, economically viable skills and options for the future. And PHAs have pursued a variety of measures since the 1990s to reduce violent crime and improve safety for all of their residents
Housing authorities began improving the security of their properties with better lighting, upkeep and security cameras. They also often contract with local police to have a dedicated officer for some of their properties, or additional patrols in the area. The shift of many police forces to a community-based policing model has helped the national reduction of violent crime, and has promoted stronger cooperation between police, PHAs and their residents. Housing authorities and their resident councils now work closely with police to monitor and report crime. A reflection of this is that many PHAs organize events such as National Night Out, that bring police and residents together.
Improvements have also been made by transforming the shape of Public Housing. High-rises are being demolished and replaced by scattered, smaller complexes (known as scattered-sites). These redevelopment efforts also include adding a mix of apartments for different income levels, plus retail and commercial space. HUD’s HOPE VI program has been used to facilitate many of these public housing transformations, from large cities like Chicago to smaller communities. Turning large complexes into “smaller neighborhoods” enabled more hands on community policing, added small businesses and made it easier for residents to build stronger social networks that deter crime. Studies of these projects have shown that public housing tenants moving to the scattered site complexes in more affluent neighborhoods experienced a substantial drop in crime and the receiving neighborhoods did not see an increase in crime. Additionally, the redeveloped complexes at the original sites also saw a drop in violent crime.
Some PHAs are beginning to use social media to reduce violent crime in and near public housing properties. In Virginia, the state attorney general, City of Richmond municipality and housing authorities all worked together to post a public service video on Youtube, Facebook and video game networks. Filmed at a public housing property, the music video is about the shooting and death of a teen resident and includes a pop-up ad reminding people that gun violence affects everyone in the community. The video is targeted to high crime neighborhoods and includes tip line information.
Although safety has improved in much of America’s public housing, violent crime is still a concern, particularly for properties located in areas with high poverty. Current and prospective public housing residents can do a number of things to make themselves more safe.
All housing authorities have resident councils that represent tenant interests and concerns. Resident council meetings are open to all public housing residents, and the council works with PHA staff to implement safety measures and help determine where problems are occurring. Resident councils also play a lead role in keeping the community informed about crime incidents and trends. They also provide a forum for public housing residents to organize their responses to crime incidents and safety proposals.
Studies have also shown that strong community organizations can make a large difference when addressing crime issues. An active resident council can be one factor, but tenant involvement in other community organizations also contributes to a safer environment where more people are looking out for each other. These organizations can include youth groups, senior center programs, drug prevention and counseling initiatives, job training programs or church councils.
Tenants can also take advantage of other resources in the community or provided by the PHA to improve the safety of their neighborhoods. Supporting neighborhood watch groups and helping improve coordination with police have an impact on reducing crime. Offering drug education, gun safety and life skills classes help keep youth engaged in productive learning. Graffiti, overturned trash and broken windows also attract criminal activity. When tenants are involved in keeping properties free from trash and graffiti, it empowers the neighborhood and makes it easier for PHAs to target maintenance needs quickly. Reading programs for children keep them off the streets after school hours while improving school performance, an important concern for working parents. Job training programs give youth focus and the prospect for better income. HUD has provided guidance and supported PHA efforts to develop and maintain these programs for public housing residents.
Ultimately, tenant community engagement is the most effective measure an individual can take to stay safe. Stay informed. Talk with your neighbors. Take care of your property. Work with housing authority staff and police. Although violent crime has declined nationwide for some time now, public housing residents and PHAs need to continue working together to keep their communities safe.
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