The Harvard Park Community Safety Advisory Council will celebrate five years of the Community Safety Partnership on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Jackie Tatum Harvard Park, 1535 W. 62nd St., in Los Angeles.
Participants include the Office of Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, the Community Safety Partnership Bureau, led by Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides, and the Harvard Park Community Safety Advisory Council.
Tommy the Clown, a South L.A. legend, will perform during the event kick-off. Activities include skate and dance competitions, skateboard giveaways, free health screenings and resource booths for the community. Also, mascots from the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Kings will be on hand for selfies.
According to the council office, the program is successful because of its collaborative and inclusive approach to community safety, which includes gang interventionists and preventionists via the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD). GRYD offers a variety of programs designed to reach every member of the community from youth to seniors with an intentional and compassionate approach to public safety, which has changed the texture of this neighborhood.
In five years, The Harvard Park CSP has successfully eliminated homicides in the area and reduced violent crime by nearly 50%. At the same time, the program has made inroads to bridge the gap between the community and LAPD.
CSP started as a pilot program in response to a public safety crisis at this neighborhood recreation center. Now it has flourished into a permanent institution for LAPD and the City of Los Angeles. The partnership, facilitated by Harris-Dawson and his team, along with Deputy Chief Tingirides has helped build relationships, strengthen community ties, and reduce crime through an innovative, relationship-based policing strategy.
“Our goal is to celebrate the progress made through CSP while showcasing it as an innovative and effective model for public safety. We invite residents and stakeholders to join this exciting community partnership to enhance public safety, civic participation, and community development in and around the Harvard Park community,” said Harris-Dawson.
