Archive for October, 2010
Care, Connect and Commit
As Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) practitioners we often talk about the subject in 3D – Designation, Definition and Design. We are so passionate about the built environment around us some professionals may be overlooking what I’d like to call the 3 C’s – Caring, Connecting and Committing. We are often so busy, frantically rushing from space to space that we are at risk of missing one or all of the 3 C’s that help ensure a well-balanced approach to CPTED.
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of election candidates and other City officials in Red Deer. The event was organized by the Red Deer & District Community Foundation to kick off the launch of their 2010 Vital Signs Report. This organization continues to truly demonstrate how to Care, Connect and Commit and is a “community catalyst” on issues that matter. The top 3 issues in this years report were Poverty/Homelessness/Hunger, Health Care and Crime/Law & Order.
An excerpt from my talk:
Today, I want to focus on the good because all too often we get caught up on the bad or the ugly. Our city is full of vitality, it’s healthy, safe and we enjoy a great quality of life here.
There are far to many good (great) things going on in our city to discuss all of them today. Here are a few highlights that stand out for me as a crime prevention practitioner living and working here and throughout Central Alberta.
Obviously, the continued use of CPTED in our city. It’s a best practice that focuses on reducing the fear and incidence of crime and improving quality of life through proper design and effective use of the built environment. The City of Red Deer and local RCMP utilize CPTED frequently throughout the various neighbourhoods in Red Deer, not just Downtown! It’s used around the world and although it’s not the silver bullet we all might hope for, it is helping us create Safe Growth and Safer Spaces throughout our community.
Neighbourhood Watch & Citizens on Patrol continue to provide residents with more “Eyes and Ears” throughout our city. Initiatives such as this help us become more diligent and heighten our awareness on the subject of crime prevention and community safety.
Town Hall Meetings help us build relationships with residents around Red Deer and it gives the RCMP and people like myself an opportunity to truly “connect” with neighbourhoods and listen to concerns. It also allows us to provide timely information and build awareness about how important their roles are in our community.
Community Partnerships continue to grow and although we are still recovering from a poor economy, various people and agencies in our city continue to work together, despite some of the hardships such as funding and capacity issues.
Finally, I want to talk about PEOPLE. If we are looking for the best recipe for success, it will be found in the relationships we establish. Firstly, in our own home, then with neighbours and friends and finally with those we work with and interact with in our community. People make the difference!
I have been involved in the We Care project from it’s inception and yes, there is no doubt that “We Care”. However, we need to “CONNECT.”
Jane Jocobs once wrote “You don’t really get a clear picture until you get out of theory-land and get into the street for a closer look.”
I suspect that some of you have attempted this and residents as well. However, for the most part many people don’t. They go about their business daily and rarely make these “connections” with those they are often critical of.
To really understand, we need to challenge ourselves every day!
We need to do more than just CARE, we need to CONNECT and COMMIT!
Those of us that are truly passionate about community safety and preventing crime are “dedicated” and we realize that this is not a part-time “gig” – We are “action” oriented and in it for the long haul.
I challenge each of you here today.
What will you do to make our community safer and prevent crime?
Remember, it’s not always about politics, spending more money or hiring more Police Officers – it’s often about little things that can make a big difference.
Each and every one of us has a responsibility here and now – this is our city! GET INSPIRED!
Do you really think putting a piano on Ross Street was simply about music?
CARE, CONNECT AND COMMIT – now that’s music to my ears!