The geographical focus for the project includes two of the highest needs census tracts in Lancaster County (107 and 108), now classified as a Federal Opportunity Zone. The target area covers 4 square miles, home to a population of 6,600 residents, which includes an area often referred to as “The Hill.” These two census tracts represent the epicenter of social distress, poverty, unemployment, crime, and health disparities. The median household income for the zone is $32,000, 43% lower than state average. The area has the lowest adult educational attainment level in the county, with 39% if adults lacking a high school diploma. In addition, an analysis of crime data reveals the highest rates for murder, burglary, sexual assault, and second highest rates for assault, and robbery. In the past five years, the area has seen a staggering 800% increase in drug-related cases.

During the nine-month Planning Phase, a cross-sector team will form to devise strategies to address crime drivers, drawing from a continuum of approaches. The team will develop a 24-month plan detailing the deployment of the selected evidence-based strategies. Other planning activities include: 

• Identifying focus areas within the larger target area through collecting aggregate crime data;
• Recruiting, hiring, and training a project coordinator;
• Finalizing process and outcome evaluation protocols;
• Convening and engaging community stakeholders;
• Conducting community engagement forums;
• Conducting risk terrain modeling;
• Securing InfoUSA data points for mapping;
• Recruiting, hiring, and training community enforcement staff;
• Conducting an environmental assessment training;
• Prioritizing blighted properties for removal;
• Doing risk terrain modeling action planning;
• Conducting training in Cure Violence (Ceasefire); and
• Completing crime analysis and finalize interventions.

Planning activities will revolve around developing an Action Plan focused on two overarching project goals:

1. Reducing crime and improving community safety in Lancaster County.
2. Improving relationships between police agencies and community members.

During the Planning Phase of the grant, the Lancaster BCJI team identified auto theft, burglary, and public disorder as major crime drivers in Lancaster County. To combat these crime drivers, and work toward the project’s goals, the Lancaster BCJI team is implementing the following response strategies:

• Community Policing and Visible Enforcement: Law enforcement officers make planned trips throughout the county, aligned with the geographic areas with the highest density of convenience stores, especially during evening hours.
• Outreach to Business Leaders: An officer employed full-time in the project has campaign to establish a supportive relationship with local establishments that are often the site of crime (e.g., shoplifting, disorderly conduct etc.). To help raise awareness surrounding the increased risk of auto theft when automobiles are left unattended, the officer has asked if flyers can be distributed at the business as part of a broader awareness campaign.
• Community Awareness Campaign - The 9 p.m. Routine: With support and involvement from a committee of key stakeholders, a public awareness campaign has been adapted as the nationally recognized 9 p.m. Routine to inform residents of steps to take to reduce the likelihood of potential risks associated with crime. Social media, traditional media, and flyer distribution is being deployed throughout the county.
• Community Engagement, Visibility and Service: A key foundational element of the BCJI grant, foundational 36 element, further aligned with Risk Terrain Modeling action strategies is efforts to increase engagement and visibility of law enforcement in the community. In response, project leaders devised a series of Community Outreach Fairs.
• Lancaster Pride: Project leaders are actively engaged in a neighborhood revitalization campaign that includes door-to-door canvasing, house painting minor home repairs, distribution of insulated grocery bags with fresh fruits and vegetables along with brochures from local service organizations, mowing lawns, and litter collection. Funded through contributions from local businesses and individuals, this project has helped strengthen pride and build community connections.
• Crime Watch Neighborhood Groups: A key strategy of the Sheriff’s Office is support for the creation of local crime watch groups and neighborhood groups. As volunteers work to serve the community, trust is established which facilitates efforts to build such watch groups.
• The “Blue” House: A house located in one of the highest crime neighborhoods is the epicenter of drug trafficking in the county. During one Lancaster Pride Saturday litter collection event, residents of the house deliberately faced off with volunteers suggesting that they leave the area. Later, graffiti was emblazed on every Lancaster Pride logo throughout the neighborhood. The house was ultimately condemned by the county as a hazardous nuisance and later donated to the project. A campaign is currently underway to raise funds to support renovations, much of which will be done by volunteers. Once complete the home will serve as a base for a wide range of services, supported by the local health department, department of social services, school district, and others.

Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, Lancaster Police Department, Lancaster Mayor's Office, Lancaster County Parks and Recreation, Lancaster County School District, Lancaster Building and Zoning, Lancaster County Health Department, Office of Lancaster County Administration, Lancaster County Department of Social Services, City Council, County Council, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Faith Community, Neighborhood Crime Watch, Coalition for Healthy Youth, Rape Crisis Centers