You may have noticed on your recent visit that Downtown Detroit is bustling with more vibrancy. Whether attending as a visitor or resident to cheer on your favorite sports team, see your favorite artist at a concert, or attend a large event like Detroit Grand Prix, Detroit Jazz Fest or the Detroit Auto Show, safety remains a priority at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. What does this all mean?
The DDP and the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) work collaboratively with a group of 65 local law enforcement, and private business sector agencies, including the Detroit Police Department (DPD) to share timely and pertinent information related to crime patterns in Downtown Detroit. Additionally, the group works to assist operational and safety administrative personnel with planning and deployment resources. The goal is to help prevent and suppress criminal activities by maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.
We have a team of nearly 100 BIZ Safety Outreach Ambassadors that are trained in safety and mental health first aid. Each Safety Ambassador trained directly with the DPD neighborhood police officers on the best communication protocol with the DPD agency.
More recently, the team re-branded Project Lighthouse, nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This innovative safety program that connects Downtown patrons to local 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. We are continuing to add businesses to the program to expand its reach.
A Project Lighthouse location provides shelter from inclement weather, a safe meeting place for friends and family and 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. To become a Project Lighthouse location, contact me via email.
We also encourage visitors and residents to sign up for the City of Detroit’s Detroit Alerts 365 updates. This electronic emergency notification system helps to keep visitors and residents abreast by providing real-time updates on crisis situations that are taking place in their specific geographic location.
As always, the best way to ensure community safety is to look out for one another. As we’re working relentlessly to help ensure a safe, clean and welcoming environment, we invite you to do your part by being an extra set of eyes and ears for the community we share. If you see any suspicious activity, call Project Lighthouse at 313-471-6490. As always, for serious emergencies, call 911.
See you Downtown,
Mike Bruggeman, DDP Chief Safety and Security Officer
Read the full newsletter at the following link: https://mailchi.mp/downtowndetroit/septoct2023ddpnews
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