LISC , with its dedication to helping CDCs create strong, stable, healthy, and economically vibrant communities, created the CSI to assist CDCs' efforts to make their neighborhoods safe while economic revitalization is underway. In order to be successful, public safety, crime control and community development must be united to combat the long histories of crime many of these neighborhoods have.
Crime generates fear.
CDCs cite a lack of security as the number one threat to the successes they've achieved. However natural the confluence of goals, history tells us that the police and CDCs are not natural allies. Community organizations are often wary of police because of the evidence of racism and brutality, and police often experience the streets they patrol as war zones. The challenge then to the CSI, is to develop a sense of real cooperation. This is accomplished with several program components , including establishing a strong social cohesion among residents, with decent, affordable housing, better schools, solid economic opportunity, and community pride.