DPD’s Green Light Program Helping Reduce Crime in Neighborhoods

A pilot initiative aimed at curbing violent crimes throughout the city is seeing positive results thanks to the hard work of neighborhood business owners and city government leaders. The Detroit Police Department’s Green Light program partners with eight gas stations in strategic neighborhoods and uses high-resolution cameras and bright lighting to capture clear images of license plates and alleged criminal activity which can then be sent electronically to police patrol cars.

The initiative, along with an increase in the city’s police force under Mayor Duggan and department policy changes under Chief James Craig, is helping decrease emergency response times from 45 minutes to 12 minutes. It is a powerful example of how Detroiters are taking back their neighborhoods, civic and community leaders said during the session titled “Building Safe Neighborhoods: Crime and Vitality.” Throughout the discussion, panelists stressed the need for more community involvement in preventing crime.

“Our neighborhood peace is coming together. Everybody is working together, but the crime piece is what we need to solidify the peace,” said U. Renee Hall, deputy chief of the DPD’s Neighborhood Policing Bureau.

Drawing on examples like The Ideal Group’s effort to transform an empty parking lot into an above ground community garden, panelists encouraged business leaders to get creative in fighting blight. Projects like the community garden tend to build relationships and give neighbors a sense of pride in the city’s revitalization.

Moderated by WXYZ Channel 7’s Chuck Stokes, the panel included Peg Tallet, chief community engagement officer for the Michigan Women’s Foundation; Linzie Venegas, vice president of The Ideal Group Inc.; and James Ward Jr., president of the Greenacres Woodward Community Radio Patrol.