Since its inception, the partnership has increased the number of neighborhood police officers from six to 21 and has expanded its operations to more than 20 school sites. Schools have become secure community centers open until 8 p.m., hosting many activities designed to reduce crime and break down long-held barriers of mistrust between the police and the community. Activities include adult learning classes, homework nights with tutors from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, and a program where probation officers meet with their clients, integrating law enforcement more fully into the community. Also, police officers belong to specific neighborhood associations, helping to spread the initiative to appropriate parts of the city. To ensure that the community stays involved in the program, a questionnaire was developed for residents to express their feelings about the program and concerns for police to address.
Recent surveys show that residents are pleased with the results.