Crime and Prevention
Stories
In house meetings at Our Lady Queen of All Saints, parishioners have discussed ongoing problems with robberies and assaults at the church and the lack of consistent police presence in the area around the church. At Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, parishioners have discussed the impact of gangs on the neighborhood, problems of prostitution, drugs, and graffiti, and concerns about homeless individuals living in the park next to the church. At both parishes, immigrant parishioners have witnessed collaboration between the police and the U.S. Border Patrol. In one case, police investigating a report of a rape in a trailer park came with Border Patrol vehicles behind them. Residents of the trailer park, many of whom were undocumented immigrants, were afraid to open their doors and report what they had seen.
Research
Multi-institutional strategies including collaboration with law enforcement, neighborhoods, schools, congregations and agencies work best. One example is the anti-crime initiative launched in the Santa Cruz Catholic Church area in the late 1990’s., when parishioners expressed many similar concerns. Problem bars, drug houses, and abandoned houses were addressed. The community pulled together an increase in youth activities and prevention efforts. A 30% reduction in crime resulted.
New problems have emerged as undocumented individuals and families decline to report crimes of all kinds under threat of family separation and deportation.
In many areas, middle school age youth are on the street with no adult supervision for opportunities of engagement. A recent community assessment conducted by United Way revealed that one in three Pima County eighth grade students report being involved in a gang. While important programs such as KIDCO and School Plus Jobs have been directed at elementary school-age kids and high schoolers, few resources are available for after school activities for middle schoolers.
Possible Action Steps