DOJ Grant Awarded to Build Public Trust & Reduce Violent Crime
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EmailMichigan State University is awarded a grant along with the City of Detroit Police Department to Enhance Community Safety and Reduce Crime.
The City of Detroit Police Department is collaborating with Michigan State University (MSU) as the research partner on its Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) initiative funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This project aims to make significant strides in reducing crime and improving quality of life within Detroit’s 10th Precinct by leveraging existing economic development plans, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing safety measures through targeted enforcement. The project focuses on micro-hotspots within the 10th Precinct that have experienced historically high levels of violent and property crime. Members of the local community are taking an active role in identifying and addressing issues of concern. All activities are guided by a Cross-Sector Partnership which includes representation from block groups, neighborhood associations, criminal justice agencies, community-based organizations, and business owners.
This multidisciplinary research project brings together esteemed experts in the field. Dr. Linda Nubani, PI and an Assistant Professor in the School of Planning, Design, and Construction at MSU, is renowned for her expertise in crime prevention through environmental design and community-based participatory approaches. Dr. Nubani commented: "I am honored to be a part of this grant and to contribute my expertise in crime prevention through environmental design, quality of life issues, and community participatory methods. By leveraging these approaches, we have the opportunity to make a real impact in reducing crime and enhancing community safety.”
Joining Dr. Nubani is Dr. Julie Krupa, co-PI and Assistant Professor from the School of Criminal Justice at MSU. Dr. Krupa has been working with criminal justice officials and community partners in the Detroit and Flint areas since 2018 to better understand effective approaches to violence reduction. This includes the evaluation of Detroit Ceasefire and Project Safe Neighborhoods initiatives. "We are delighted to be working alongside the Detroit Police Department once again, building upon our previous collaborations and continuing to conduct high-quality research and evaluation to better understand how we can improve quality of life and enhance safety” said Dr. Krupa.
The research team at MSU is joined by Dr. Alaina De Biasi, an Assistant Professor from the School of Criminology at Wayne State University. Dr. De Biasi has been working with Detroit communities and the Detroit Police Department since 2016 on the development and evaluation of violence prevention initiatives. “Our collective experience in understanding crime patterns and identifying hotspots will be instrumental in developing targeted policing strategies and allocating resources effectively,” said Dr. De Biasi.
Through this grant, an exciting partnership has been established with Life Remodeled, a Detroit non-profit that remodels lives and aims at providing community residents with job training, financial planning, and other essential human services. Furthermore, other non-profit organizations such as the Faith and Blue 10 and the Center for Success will actively participate, fostering a strong sense of community and empowering individuals to thrive. By combining extensive research, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, the research team is committed to working closely with the Detroit Police Department to improve the safety and well-being of the residents in the 10th Precinct. This collaborative effort will harness the power of data-driven insights, enhance community connections, and provide valuable resources to foster lasting positive change.
