How do you feel about public safety in Greenbelt? Nine Greenbelt panelists from all parts of our community discussed public safety at a forum sponsored by Connecting Across Greenbelt (CAG) and Greenbelt Racial Equity Alliance on July 22. Each panelist answered three questions: What makes you feel unsafe in your neighborhood? What makes you feel safe in your neighborhood? What is missing in relation to public safety?
Every panelist felt that their friendly neighbors who look out for each other made them feel safe in their own neighborhoods – across every neighborhood. Knowing Greenbelt police officers personally, they said, can also make a difference. Relationships with neighbors and public safety officers were identified as key to feeling safe in the city.
Panelists stated that they felt unsafe in their neighborhoods when they did not know the police officers that worked in their neighborhood. Community policing, where police officers are assigned to a particular area so that they get to know the residents, was mentioned by several panelists as a solution for making residents feel safer in Franklin Park and other Greenbelt neighborhoods. In addition, it was suggested that Greenbelt police officers take time to sit down and meet residents in all the neighborhoods in Greenbelt to learn about their needs and concerns. One panelist expressed his concern for the safety of his Black teenage sons because of the color of their skin. Panelists also responded that they feel unsafe when there is poor visibility on trails and pathways due to insufficient lighting or broken lights not being repaired in a timely manner. This is especially a problem at night in the Franklin Park complex.
Additionally, drivers speeding through local streets and ignoring stop signs was a concern, especially in Central Greenbelt. It was noted that some public works and police vehicles are guilty of this poor driving behavior, as well. Citizens are concerned about the safety of young children
crossing our streets. Worry about the proliferation of guns in our society has people concerned about the possible negative impact on Greenbelt.
To improve safety, a panelist suggested that thinking more broadly might help by considering difficult predicaments that residents may find themselves in, such as trouble with finances, housing, food insecurity or poor health. “Families should have resources needed for success,” said one panelist. Reducing childhood trauma will also hopefully reduce crime. Another panelist stated that there is a need for better communication among Greenbelt neighborhoods. The community needs to work harder to achieve “One Greenbelt” with equitable services and resources available to all, across all neighborhoods.
It was mentioned that the Franklin Park neighborhood has a need for more activities for all ages. Removing the stigma of living in Greenbelt West was also a major issue. A panelist was concerned about the Police Blotter in the Greenbelt News Review that identified Franklin Park and Greenbelt West as the source of much crime in Greenbelt and thereby enforced a negative perception of the area. It was suggested that more support was needed for Greenbelt CARES to help families and children. In addition, greater advertising of Greenbelt Assistance in Living (GAIL) services for seniors and community policing would improve safety in Greenbelt.
Connecting Across Greenbelt is grateful to the panelists and audience members for sharing their thoughts and ideas. CAG promotes conversations among Greenbelters such as this Forum on Public Safety. For more information contact CAG at communityconnectionsgb@gmail.com.
