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 Lighthouse®.
Project Lighthouse®
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® partner 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 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 Lighthouse® 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 41 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.
Magnetometer & Security Screening Rentals
Safety is foundational to a successful public experience. DDP offers weapons detection equipment rentals to support safe, welcoming public events. If you are planning a festival, concert, community gathering, corporate event, or large public activation, DDP can provide magnetometers and handheld security wands to enhance your event security plan while maintaining a positive guest experience.
Downtown Detroit Safety - Testimonial
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
41
Law enforcement agencies DDP convenes
18
Project Lighthouse® Partner Locations
379
People served through our social worker
Downtown Detroit Safety Stories
Downtown Safety
Project Lighthouse® Partner Spotlight: Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Department
April 30, 2026
Our next Project Lighthouse® Partner Spotlight features Detroit Police Chief (and DDP Board Member) Todd Bettison. The DDP and BIZ partners regularly and closely with the Detroit Police Department (DPD) to . . .
Thought Leadership
Downtown Public Safety is a Team Effort
April 30, 2026
By Mike A. Bruggeman, CPP Chief Safety & Security Officer, DDP When I was first asked to write this blog on safety measures as we head into the busy summer . . .
Downtown Safety
Ford Field – Project Lighthouse® Member Spotlight
September 29, 2025
Our next Project Lighthouse® Member Spotlight features Darren Johnson, Ford Field’s Senior Director Safety and Security. Darren shares why Project Lighthouse® matters to the safety and security of our community and how our teams work . . .
Downtown Safety
Project Lighthouse® Member Spotlight: Hollywood Casino at Greektown
July 21, 2025
Continuing with our Project Lighthouse® Member Spotlight, Hollywood Casino at Greektown is our featured partner. Project Lighthouse® is a nationally recognized safety program that is co-led by the Downtown Detroit . . .
Downtown Stories
Summer Safety Tips
July 14, 2025
By Mike Bruggeman, CPP Chief Safety and Security Officer Year-round, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) collaborates with local safety agencies to ensure that our Downtown is safe, clean, and welcoming for . . .
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 . . .
Downtown BIZ
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 . . .
Downtown Safety
Project Lighthouse®
March 30, 2023
Learn about Project Lighthouse®, a program run through The Downtown Detroit BIZ and DDP to create a safe Downtown for everyone. Project Lighthouse® is a consortium of public- and private-sector partners . . .
