Mapping Out A Safer Community:
Safe Routes to School
In Detroit, neighborhood crime, gang activity, unrestrained dogs, and declining or dangerous properties affect students’ safety to and from school. To help address a broad range of community safety concerns, the Urban Safety Program partners with schools and community groups to implement the “Mapping Out A Safer Community” program.
In this program, Detroit middle and high school students receive instruction in state-of-the-art computerized mapping (a.k.a. GIS-geographic information systems) using Google Earth and portable computing equipment (PDAs and cameras) to study neighborhoods near their school.
Students take photographs, map locations using global positioning systems (GPS) data, and research property ownership. They also set priorities and identify the most problematic locations near their school. Properties with the most egregious violations, known as “The Dirty Dozen”, offer a compelling picture of hazards Detroit children face daily. This information is presented to community leaders and city officials who attempt to correct dangerous situations.
To date, the Urban Safety Program has worked with students from numerous schools and community organizations including: Detroit Community Initiative (DCI), The Southeastern Village, Foch Middle School, Butzel Middle School, Spain Middle School, Finney High School, Southeastern High School and various summer programs.
