According to Ronald Davis, director of the U.S. DOJ of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and former police Chief of the East Palo Alto Police Department,
"The greatest deterrent to crime and violence is not a community saturated with cops--it is a neighborhood alive with residents. The concept is that a healthy community would be, in fact, a safe community. Whoever controls a neighborhood's public spaces controls the quality of life in that neighborhood. That control must rest with the residents."
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Research suggests
that strengthening communities reduces crime.
And, great news for those of us living around Sausal Creek and just below vast
stretches of open space, exposure to nature reduces crime (Exposure
to Nature Linked to Stronger Communities, Reduced Crime)!
How can you support
building a stronger, safer and welcoming community?
· Organizing
block parties and neighborhood barbecues.
· Inviting
in and visiting neighbors outside of your district
· Walking
in the neighborhood, especially with other neighbors.
· Having neighbors over for dinner.
· Playing
pickup basketball at Dimond Park.
· Volunteering
to take Oakland kids into nature.
· Having
the neighborhood kids over to play and ride bikes and do sidewalk art and shoot
hoops and sell lemonade.
· Being mindful
of our impact on our social media.
· Making
public art that speaks inclusivity
· Offering
a warm smile to every human being they encounter during their day.
· Getting
together to tackle neighborhood issues like racial profiling.
· Seeing
others, not watching them
· Getting
together with other neighbors at local establishments to have a cup of coffee,
talk politics, learn from each other, play a game, laugh.
· Organizing
volunteer groups to respect and support Oaklanders who are struggling.
· Sharing
and taking care of our neighborhood wealth. (i.e. parks, local establishments..)
*Crime deterrents
· Installing
motion-activated light systems.
· Installing
other automated systems that turn on and off lights and radios while homes are
empty.
· Leaving
a radio playing in their homes when they are gone.
· Trim
bushes and trees that block windows and doors
· Remove
ladders and other items that give access to windows
· Remove
valuables from being seen from the sidewalk or driveway
Destinations and Organizations in our Neighborhood
Our neighborhood has a wealth of resources, from our beautiful park and friendly local businesses to community organizations. Here is a list of neighborhood resources. If you would like to add a community organization or other resource, send us an email!
The Dimond Improvement Association
As a non-profit public benefit corporation, the Dimond Improvement Association (DIA) strives to represent everyone in Oakland’s Dimond District including residents, merchants and visitors. We work together on issues and projects ranging from streetscape improvements, business development and crime reduction to beautification and community celebrations. Through the DIA, the community has a unified voice to advocate for improvements with the City of Oakland.
The Dimond Branch of Oakland Public Library
The Dimond Branch Library is closed for remodeling from Friday, December 23 to May 2017.
http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/locations/dimond-branch
http://oaklandunite.org/
Oakland Unite
Oakland Unite violence prevention and intervention programs, funded by the Public Safety and Services Act and other funding sources, work to create a healthier and safer Oakland.http://oaklandunite.org/
