Buffalo's Promise Neighborhood is fighting back against crime.
The program is using data to fight crime with the help of UB's Regional Institute. As an example, the data examines an eight-block area just south of the university South Campus. Its size is ten percent of the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood but accounts for 62 percent of gang and drug-related activities.
To counter that trend, the program is working with police to establish more patrols and install surveillance cameras.
But there is more to the plan. Community Engagement Director Tanya Staples says there needs to be a focus on other contributing factors.
"We need to bring economic development here. We need to create stable housing conditions for individuals. We need to have safe passages. We need individuals to feel safe when they come into this particular neighborhood."
Staples says a key piece of the effort is making sure kids get the education they need to fill the jobs which are being created in the larger community, starting as early as pre-K and working their way up to create the educated workforce employers want.
