Equipping first responders with the best tools, resources and training to respond to the needs of communities is at the forefront of the public safety agenda. In recent years, the Mayor reopened the West End police station and relocated the Zone 3 police station to improve police response times and better serve the needs of the community. In addition, record investments continue to be made to upgrade the public safety fleet.

In 2008 alone, the City invested more than $9 million to update the public safety fleet. This investment included the purchase of dozens of police cruisers, nine fire trucks and 20 ambulances.

The Bureau of Building Inspection (BBI) has been given double the resources to get down more condemned structures. The demolition strategy has been revamped to include targeted demolitions in key areas of the City with large clusters of condemned structures. Linking quality of life issues with the likelihood of crime, BBI is now working closer than ever with police. To improve enforcement and community relationships, BBI code enforcers will be relocating to the police zones in which they patrol. In addition, code enforcers are now driving official, marked BBI vehicles to increase their neighborhood presence.

Officers and code enforcers have a new tool called the Disruptive Property Ordinance, which holds property owners accountable for continuous code violations and criminal activity occurring at the residence. Since its inception, hundreds of Notifications of Disruptive Activity have been sent to property owners. Although no property has been flagged as disruptive, this is attributable to the powerful deterrent these notifications provide.

Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) have been installed in almost all 150 police front-line vehicles. In conjunction with the new Automated Police Reporting System, police officers are now able to enter reports in their vehicles. This fall, with the installation of in-car printers, the entire system will be automated. By not having to go back to the zone and hand-write these reports, officers will be able to spend more time on patrol in neighborhoods. (link to press release on APRS) By the end of 2010, all frontline police vehicles will have in-car camera systems. Investments in the pipeline include putting patrol rifles in police vehicles and outfitting them with digital audio-video recording capabilities.

The Police Bureau recently launched a new web-based, community-oriented policing tool that enables residents to receive real-time crime alerts and report more information to police. The Emergency Management Bureau now utilizes Facebook and Twitter as a way to inform the public during an emergency. To help deter criminal activity in high-crime areas, a neighborhood camera system is set to be up-and-running this fall.

Providing our officers, firefighters, paramedics and building inspectors with the best training is a top priority. New and improved training includes BBI's first ever new recruit training class. In addition, first responders participated in several training classes on topics such as crowd control to prepare for the G-20 summit.

Keeping our young people off of the streets and around more positive role models is a key component of maintaining a safe community. The Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program employs at-risk teenage youths and incorporates work-readiness training and mentorship opportunities. This year, a record 800 young people will be employed. In addition, the Police Bureau's DARE program went into 45 City schools last year.