The City of Phoenix is implementing smart policing and improved lighting and security measures to combat criminal activities in a city district plagued with road-side antisocial behaviour. The smart streets and policing measures are being combined with an active programme by the Phoenix Police Department (PD), and a joint effort by the City of Phoenix and a coalition of local community groups, residents, schools, university and businesses.

The 27th Avenue Corridor is a heavily residential community and home to approximately 30,000 students at K-12 schools and Grand Canyon University. It suffers from a high incidence of passing street-based antisocial and criminal behaviour by non-residents. This significantly affects residents’ quality of life and security.

The goal of the City of Phoenix and associated community groups is to improve safety in the neighbourhood and attract business development that will serve residents of the community.

The coalition of community groups, known as 27Collab, are working with the City to launch initiatives to provide support services for victims of sex trafficking, better coordinate crime suppression efforts with Phoenix Police, and add additional video cameras and lighting along 27th Avenue properties. They are also working to identify beautification projects, promote business opportunities on vacant properties, and open a police substation to increase police presence in the area.