Giving Compass' Take:

• Research shows that investment in community programs that focus on increasing public safety can bring about progress. A new report from the Urban Institute has recommendations for best practices for community-driven safety initiatives. 

• How can donors become aware of community public safety issues that require funding? 

• Read more about criminal justice reform strategies. 

The United States incarcerates more than 2.3 million people and almost 5 million more are under correctional control, resulting in skyrocketing criminal justice budgets, far-reaching collateral consequences, and a negative impact on community stability.

There is widespread, bipartisan agreement that it’s time for a change, and a growing number of states and local governments are finding ways to support community-level innovation to tackle crime and safety challenges.

Research shows that neighborhoods with more local organizations promoting public safety and community well-being experience greater reductions in violent and property crime. But too often, communities are equipped with the solutions, but not the resources, to lead efforts to address public safety needs. Some communities are finding creative ways to access state and local funding to support their efforts. Our new report details several examples and offers lessons for policymakers and advocates.

What should Investing in community-driven public safety initiatives look like? The practitioners we talked to offered several recommendations:

  • Support community partners in determining public safety priorities
  • Invest sufficient resources in organizations deeply embedded in communities
  • Build sustainable funding streams to support long-term goals
  • Consider a funding intermediary to bridge agencies and community-based organizations
  • Document and communicate results

Read the full article about promoting public safety through community investment by Chelsea Thomson and Leah Sakala at Urban Institute