The current landscape of public safety in Boston’s housing developments faces challenges, including malfunctioning security cameras and a limited patrol frequency.
A pervasive fear of being labeled a snitch deters residents from contacting the police, which complicates efforts from a police agency that is small in size and growing sluggishly, moving from 12 officers to 14, as mentioned by Deputy Chief Jenkins.
Jenkins acknowledged the obstacles they face, emphasizing the department’s commitment to reestablishing a significant presence in Boston’s public housing system. These developments often serve as a crucial lifeline for working families and seniors, especially given the city’s challenging rental market.
The Boston Housing Authority is responsible for 10,000 rental units that collectively house over 17,000 individuals. In these mixed communities, long-term residents, especially senior citizens, coexist with new families, forming an intertwined web of support where neighbors frequently assist one another.
Community engagement efforts have been historically strong, with resident activists, like Mildred Hailey from Jamaica Plain, making considerable contributions to improving living conditions. Unfortunately, recent years have seen diminished efforts in community policing.
Since Jenkins joined the housing police in 2021 as deputy chief, he has overseen a significant transformation, as previously, the agency lacked frontline presence without patrol officers. The budget for the housing police has seen an increase from $1.4 million to $3 million, reflecting the city’s commitment to enhancing safety measures.
The Boston housing police regularly collaborate with the city’s police department, which generally leads emergency response and investigative efforts. However, Jenkins pointed out that his department possesses unique attributes, such as the ability to form critical relationships and a deep understanding of the communities they serve.
Carmen Lopez Feliciano, a member of Franklin Field’s tenant task force, noted an increase in both activity and visibility of housing police since Jenkins assumed leadership and additional patrol officers were hired.
“They’ve been doing an awesome job,” she stated, recognizing the noticeable presence of officers compared to previous times.
Jenkins aims to replicate the traditional policing model known as community-oriented policing, where officers maintain the same neighbourhood beat over time.
This approach also brings a distinctive focus on more humane solutions to issues like drug use and homelessness within the developments.
Instead of pursuing criminal charges for trespassing, Jenkins stated that officers might instead guide homeless individuals to social services when it is relevant, particularly during extreme weather.
“There’s a human element where maybe the criminal process is not the best for everybody involved,” he explained, reflecting a shift in mindset towards more compassionate policing.
In South Boston’s Mary Ellen McCormack complex, Carol Sullivan, a long-time resident and tenant association president, has also remarked on the efficacy of the shifting approach among the police.
She recounted instances of officers conducting patrols and directly offering help to individuals in need, contrasting with previous strategies that focused on simply moving homeless individuals along. The element of funding support services represents a notable cultural shift within the local law enforcement framework.
Over the past decade, major crime reports in public housing projects have steadily decreased, aligning with citywide trends.
Specifically, developments like Franklin Field, Alice Heyward Taylor in Mission Hill, and Mildred Hailey in Jamaica Plain reported crime rates that were significantly below their 10-year averages.
However, some residents still express concerns about their safety. Amber Holden, a mother of three at Mildred Hailey, described ongoing worries regarding her family’s safety amidst broken locks that facilitate unauthorized access.
She articulated a genuine fear associated with navigating the stairwells and hallways due to the lingering presence of drug use and crime. Despite hearing of increased patrols, she did not perceive a corresponding change in her environment.
The emotional weight of isolated violent incidents continues to resonate deeply within these communities.
Lopez Feliciano recounted a harrowing personal experience from a night in mid-September when she witnessed a young neighbour gravely injured.
Such traumatic memories cannot simply be overlooked, illustrating that even with progress, the threat of violence can cast a long shadow over residents’ lives.
Recognizing these complexities, city officials remain steadfast in their focus on public safety as a multifaceted issue that extends beyond mere law enforcement.
Isaac Yablo, a senior public safety advisor for Mayor Michelle Wu, acknowledged the persistent stigma surrounding public housing, stressing that reshaping perceptions requires genuine efforts to build community connectedness.
“It’s been a focus on the public safety team to destigmatize what it means to grow up in public housing,” he expressed, highlighting the need for residents not to feel fearful in their neighborhoods.
To foster community spirit, the city has initiated programs tailored directly to residents, particularly youth.
In Franklin Field, a pilot program has been launched offering counseling and recreational activities designed for the under-18 population.
Currently, around 35 teenagers have enrolled in this after-school initiative, with hopes for broader expansion, reflecting the city’s long-term commitment to reallocate resources toward youth services.
Additionally, plans are in place to reopen a defunct youth center at Mildred Hailey in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to serving the younger generation in public housing.
Jenkins echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of housing police being fully integrated within the communities they serve.
At a recent community meeting, he underscored the expectation that his officers remain active participants in daily life, reflecting what residents need most: community policing.
image source from：bostonglobe
