1998 Goldstein Awards Winner & Finalists

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Operation Cease Fire Winner! 

Boston Police Department (Massachusetts, USA)

In Boston, youth homicide increased from 1987 to 1990 and remained high from 1991 and 1995. Youth homicides were mapped geographically, gun markets were analyzed, and the criminal histories of youth homicide victims were collected revealing that most youth homicides occurred in three neighborhoods, 75% of the homicide victims had had been arraigned for at least one offense, and Boston gangs were responsible for 60% of the homicides. Illicit gun trafficking was targeted, and the police disrupted street drug activity by focusing on low-level street crimes, serving outstanding warrants, and cultivating informants. Firearm homicides decreased by 60% among victims under the age of 24.

Nassau County Police Department (New York, USA)

Police officers discovered a pattern of crimes involving scams, cons and frauds targeting senior citizens. A database was developed to track these crimes. As large amounts of cash are involved in the scams, officers have trained bank personnel to ask questions about withdrawals and started educational programs to increase awareness in senior citizens. The utility companies were trained in reporting and recognizing imposter utility workers and notifying 911 using a special form.

Mission Valley River Preserve Finalist

San Diego Police Department (California, USA)

In 1996, police officers were assigned to assist in cleaning up a portion of the San Diego River. The river s problems were the result of illegal lodging activity. Trespassers used the river as a base for criminal activity and were damaging the river's ecosystem. Arrests and clean-ups were not solving the problem. Dense vegetation and a lack of roads and public use made the river an attractive area for criminal activities. This portion of the river has historical significance and is a refuge for endangered animal species and native plants. Agencies and stakeholders cooperated to turn the area into a Nature Preserve. The criminal element has been replaced with citizens who will protect and restore the river, both for the sake of nature and for future generations.

Operation Hot Pipe, Smokey Haze, and Re-Hab Finalist

San Diego Police Department (California, USA)

University Avenue had earned a reputation as a violent, drug-infested den of criminality. The illicit drug market was fueled by word-of-mouth marketing. The police increased enforcement in the area to discourage dealers and users, created confusion among drug users through a disinformation campaign, and developed a community response to bring legitimate business back to University Avenue and place users into rehabilitation programs. Most of the key drug marketers were incarcerated, thus destabilizing the drug market. Surveys revealed that local businesspersons believed the problems decreased, the area was safer, and revenues increased.

Police Response to Incidents of Domestic Emergencies, (PRIDE) Finalist

Newport News Police Department (Virginia, USA)

Between 1976 and 1984, nearly half of the homicides in Newport News were the result of domestic violence. Nearly all of the domestic-related homicides had calls for service to the police prior to the death and more than half of the cases had six or more. Women's advocates, mental health, courts, prosecution, and law enforcement developed a more effective response to help parties resolve the causes of violence before it escalated into homicide. Even though the number of homicides generally increased over the years, the number of domestic violence homicides began to decrease.

San Diego Police Department (California, USA)

A two-block area experienced a steady growth of illegal and dangerous activities including traffic problems and misuse of the 911 emergency system. The San Diego Police Department Crime Analysis unit compiled statistics to identify the underlying causes of the problems, which were demanded an enormous amount of officer out of service time. Many travelers inadvertently dialed 911 instead of 011 as they completed international calls, and criminals use the 911 system to divert police responses. Environmental design and special teams were formed to combat isolated non-violent problems. The community was educated, and enforcement was increased. Crime statistics are down, officer out-of-service time has fallen significantly and changes to the traffic flow have reduced the traffic congestion.

Fontana Police Department (California, USA)

Businesses identified homelessness as the most severe problem in the city. Easy access to the city and extensive charitable groups made the city a desirable destination for the homeless. A partnership was formed between the police department and charities working with the homeless. A referral facility was opened to assist the homeless in getting off the streets. Nuisance laws were strictly enforced. Businesses agreed to supply jobs and training for the homeless, while charitable groups referred subjects to the program. The number of homeless people in the city decreased by 90 percent and calls-for-service related to homelessness were reduced by 50 percent.