In a groundbreaking initiative, the Circle of Brotherhood, a Miami nonprofit organization, has been contracted to provide security for the Buena Vista public housing complex in Liberty City, marking a shift towards community-centric safety measures.
This collaboration aims to reduce crime and foster positive relationships within the local community by focusing on community policing techniques rather than relying on private security firms or off-duty law enforcement officers.
Managed by Joined Development, Buena Vista has faced ongoing challenges with crime and deteriorating living conditions, prompting the management to seek innovative solutions.
The Circle of Brotherhood has been active in the area since December, supporting efforts to minimize crime in predominantly Black neighborhoods of Miami through mentorship, conflict resolution, and educational programs.
Lyle Muhammad, the executive director of the organization and a graduate of the University of Chicago’s crime lab Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy, emphasized the potential impact of integrating community violence intervention into the public safety ecosystem.
“We know we have a formula that works,” he stated, highlighting the organization’s commitment to reforming community safety in tandem with efforts to reduce gun violence.
The 214-unit Buena Vista development, home to nearly 300 residents, has struggled with safety concerns that have deterred residents from engaging with law enforcement.
Many residents have expressed discomfort with reporting crimes due to the feared repercussions of a perceived “no snitch policy.”
Tina Brown, CEO of Overtown Youth Center, played a pivotal role in connecting the Circle of Brotherhood with Joined Development after recognizing the urgent need for community-oriented policing strategies within the housing complex.
“Our goal was really to ensure that residents felt they had a voice and were receiving the services they needed,” Brown explained.
Muhammad further noted that security personnel from Circle of Brotherhood refer to themselves as community safety servants.
They operate in three shifts throughout the day, working to implement de-escalation tactics during confrontations and engage residents in positive interactions.
“Importantly, we are not there in antagonistic policing mode. We are there to serve,” he asserted, underlining the organization’s commitment to building rapport within the community.
In just three months since their engagement, the Circle of Brotherhood has begun to see positive outcomes.
The organization has conducted activities aimed at building trust among residents, such as a week of Spring Break events that included swimming and field trips for youth in the community.
Muhammad expressed the significance of these activities in cultivating a respectful community atmosphere.
“Every individual situation is treated as an isolated incident, and we are trained to respond appropriately,” he stated, recognizing the vital role of respectful engagement when dealing with illicit activity.
By positioning themselves as community partners rather than traditional security providers, the Circle of Brotherhood aims to create a safer, more connected environment for residents of Buena Vista.
Muhammad summarized the organization’s mission succinctly: “The respect of the credible messengers and our trained individuals allows us to respond, prayerfully, in ways that keep the community safe.”
As the Circle of Brotherhood continues its partnership with the Buena Vista public housing complex, the hope remains that this innovative approach will lead to safer neighborhoods and help rebuild trust between residents and the systems meant to protect them.
image source from：https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/04/19/miami-nonprofit-provides-security-liberty-city-housing/
