We commend the city of Worcester for its latest crackdown on drug activity through the use of a Zero Tolerance Zone, this time around Dewey, Pleasant, Chandler and Newbury streets. The Zero Tolerance Zone program is a multi-department effort by the city, dependent on the support and involvement of the area's residents. Under the program, plainclothes detectives are assigned to the area and the presence of uniformed police is increased. Parks and public works crews, aided by residents, will clean up the area by sweeping the streets, repairing potholes and removing tree stumps, overgrown branches and abandoned vehicles. The code inspectors will seek out violations and enforce correction.
Plans also are in the works for a community crime watch group.
The Zero Tolerance Zone designation is a major piece of Worcester's community policing program. The zones have been generally successful elsewhere in the city, leading to a decline in crime rates, and other benefits to residents. The strategy is to cover all fronts. Since the anti-drug program was created in January 1995, it has made a real difference in the quality of life in the city. Its success is proof that neighbors and city government can fight back by working together.