The total cost of crime in the U.S., according to Wikipedia, was $4.9 trillion in 2021. The epidemic of loneliness, as reported by the Center for BrainHealth, costs taxpayers $406 billion annually and affects 62% of Americans. Loneliness was declared an epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, in 2023.
What if we could reduce both crime and loneliness, save taxpayers’ Money, and improve lives—all while saving billions of dollars? Here’s a proven way to make that happen!
Imagine planning a gala event for a thousand people, but only two waiters show up to serve the hungry crowd. Police encounter similar odds daily, with only 1.4 officers per 1,000 citizens nationwide. (Source: Worldatlas.com) To make cities safer, police-community relations could be greatly improved.
If we want safe neighborhoods, we must encourage and involve citizens to support one another, which also helps reduce loneliness. City leaders can cut crime and violence, easing Anxiety, fear, and the urge to carry guns, as neighbors build trust and support.
The most effective way to cut loneliness and crime is by bringing people together in their neighborhoods. City leaders should hire and train citizens who reflect the community’s demographics and speak its language—helping neighbors connect. Involved neighbors are crucial for creating safe and healthy neighborhoods.
A father contacted the police because his 12-year-old daughter and her friends felt unsafe walking a few blocks to school because of a drug house and traffic on the corner. He demanded action. As a crime and violence prevention specialist working with the police, I helped the father organize neighbors and take charge of neighborhood safety. They created a schedule, collecting license plate numbers and descriptions of cars and “clients” without drawing attention as they walked their dogs, watered plants, played checkers, or strolled around the block. They also took photos because the police lacked enough personnel to gather that info alone.
Within two and a half months, police had enough information to stop drug dealers, arrest “clients,” relocate homeless individuals, and everyone felt safer. The neighbors continued to stay connected through monthly meetings, social events, and youth activities, aiming to prevent gang involvement and deter criminals from returning.
Social isolation decreased, and neighbors felt valued as a community spirit was restored. They even organized a block party to celebrate their success over the drug dealers. During this process, children, seniors, and parents relied on each other for support.
If we want safe and healthy neighborhoods, city leaders need to hire and train “Neighborhood Safety Experts” who look like and speak the language of their communities—bringing neighbors together to protect and empower families.
People who know each other can help prevent crime and gang activity, reduce reliance on police, and address juvenile issues early. Involved neighbors truly make all the difference in stopping social isolation and crime.
Today, we must ask: Who can improve your life—government handouts or personal responsibility? We, the people, need to demonstrate the importance of self-determination to young people as they see democracy in action. The bonus is that we can save billions of dollars in the process!
“As soon as people would rather serve with their money than with their persons, the state is not far from its fall.” The Social Contract
For more information on how city leaders can make cities safer, visit:Â www.safekidsnow.com
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Originally Published on https://safekidsnow.com/
