James Craig: Detroit’s Crime Trending Downward, but Hard Work Still Left to Do
March 7, 2017Fostering a safe city for residents, businesses and neighborhoods remains a top priority for Detroit Police Chief James Craig. In an intimate conversation with Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley, Craig outlined his vision to reduce crime and strengthen the city’s neighborhoods.
With several crime-fighting initiatives launched under his tenure, Craig said crime in Detroit has been steadily decreasing over the past five years. Detroit’s award-winning Project Green Light, also discussed at last year’s Conference, is now operating at more than 100 businesses across the city and is being replicated in Brazil.
“I get asked all the time what makes the Detroit Police Department different,” Craig said. “I say, we are making policing exciting and innovation is the key.”
Craig said the police department welcomes collaboration and partnerships with businesses and neighborhood leaders to better fight crime.
“The neighborhoods that are safest are the ones where residents are more engaged,” Craig said. “This is important because it allows for open communication and transparency.”
MORE: Read more about the innovative work that is being done to ensure Detroit’s comeback continues.
Additionally, Craig cited team collaboration and improved police morale as key factors in the drop in crime. The department also reports improved response times and more than 200 officers in academy training, however Craig said there is more work to do.
“If we are going to continue to turn this city around we must all work together,” he said, adding that he would like to see more cooperation with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
The conversation was sponsored by Comcast Business.
Read more from the 2017 Detroit Policy Conference: