Safety
The DDP/BIZ Safety Program aims to facilitate a Downtown Detroit that is safe and welcoming to everyone in collaboration with Downtown public and private safety professionals, social service network, property owners, businesses and other stakeholders.
We work to implement a comprehensive safety strategy that builds upon the strong professional relationships between public and private safety and security partners established through Project LighthouseTM.
Project Lighthouse TM
Project Lighthouse, nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is an innovative safety program that connects Downtown patrons to a network of safety partners ready and able to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 18 Project Lighthouse locations throughout the Downtown are identified using banners and window clings with the Project Lighthouse logo and can also be found on the digital information kiosks throughout the city.
Right now, we are working to add new businesses as participating Project Lighthouse partners. As a Lighthouse location, your business acts as a safety ambassador by providing shelter from inclement weather, a safe meeting place for friends and family, a place to request police assistance, get directions, use the restroom or request help for your vehicle. In short, Project Lighthouse aims to create a safe, connected and protected community for the entire Downtown Detroit neighborhood.
As a participating Lighthouse location, safety experts will provide the proper training to you and your employees and introduce you to the Neighborhood Police Officers who will be additional points of contact for ongoing support.
Safety Ambassadors
The Downtown Detroit Safety Ambassadors are part of Project LighthouseTM and are equipped with radios that allow the team to quickly call on the Downtown safety community, including the Detroit Police Department, for emergency and non-emergency assistance. Funding support provided by Hudson-Webber Foundation.
CompStat
The DDP/BIZ convenes a group of 65 law enforcement and private business sector agencies, including the Detroit Police Department to share timely, and pertinent information related to crime patterns in Downtown Detroit to assist operational and administrative personnel with planning and deployment resources. The goal is to prevent and suppress criminal activities.
CompStat (Computerized Statistics) is a management process within a data-driven framework that synthesizes crime analysis and disorder data, strategic problem solving, and a clear accountability structure. Ideally, CompStat facilitates accurate and timely analysis of crime and data, which is used to identify crime patterns and problem areas.
Outreach Ambassadors
The BIZ launched a Safety Outreach Ambassador project in 2022 to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all Downtown patrons. Eight additional Ambassadors and an Outreach Specialist, a licensed social worker, were hired at the start of the project. The Safety Outreach Team has already connected with more than 300 Downtown patrons and has provided important information on available social services offered by Detroit’s network of providers.
Downtown Detroit AEDs
A natural synergy between DDP and the BIZ is Downtown safety, including the strategic placement of AEDs. The devices can be found at various locations Downtown – the BIZ headquarters, BIZ Ambassador vehicles, and key Downtown parks like Campus Martius Park and DTE’s Beacon Park. AEDs are registered in PulsePoint, a public registry with more than 180,000 devices across the US, ensuring rapid access in emergencies. Click here to learn about downloading the PulsePoint AED Registry App which will help you find available AEDs in Downtown Detroit.
Downtown Detroit Safety - Testimonials
Erin Goodman
SODO Business Improvement Area (Seattle, WA)
Another huge Thank You to Gina Cavaliere and the Downtown Detroit Partnership for your gracious hospitality, and for all you do to make Downtown shine.
But what struck me the most about Detroit was the overall attitude of cooperation. When asked how they achieved the revitalization- every single person, no matter which sector or level responded- "We worked together."
Detroit Alerts 365
Safety in Downtown Detroit
Safety Stories
65
Law enforcement agencies DDP convenes
34
Project Lighthouse Partners
379
People served through our social worker
Downtown Safety
Project Lighthouse™ Member Spotlight: Ilitch/Olympia
March 24, 2025
Project Lighthouse™ Member Spotlight The success of Project Lighthouse™ cannot be achieved without its members. Hear from Melissa Lesperance from Ilitch Companies/Olympia Development about the importance of collaboration and communication in . . .
Business Improvement Zone
Downtown Detroit BIZ Safety Ambassador Outreach Team
March 11, 2025
If you’ve spent time in Downtown Detroit, you’ve likely seen the Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) Ambassadors in their signature yellow jackets. This dedicated group of professionals work tirelessly to create . . .
Downtown Safety
Safety Update: Meet Your Neighborhood Police Officers (NPO)
February 28, 2024
Safety Updates: Meet Your Neighborhood Police Officers (NPO) Downtown Detroit is buzzing with people and the crowds are just beginning. As we prepare for an uptick in visitors in the . . .
Downtown Safety
BIZ Safety Video – Be Prepared, LCA & Stadium Safety
November 15, 2023
Downtown BIZ Safety [Video] – Be Prepared, LCA & Stadium Safety The Downtown Detroit BIZ and DDP work diligently to ensure the safety of the Downtown community. Part of that . . .
Downtown Safety
Downtown Safety
Downtown Safety a Priority
June 1, 2023
The DDP continues to work with our public safety partners to implement strategic safety efforts throughout the Downtown. We are committed to building upon a clean, safe and welcoming community for all . . .
