Trenton is strongest when residents, community organizations, and law enforcement work together toward the same goal: safe neighborhoods and a higher quality of life for everyone. Improving public safety requires a balanced approach that supports our police officers while also strengthening trust and collaboration across the community.

Public safety is not a one-size-fits-all challenge. Effective strategies combine prevention, accountability, and modern policing. Cities across the country, including Newark, Baltimore, and Cleveland, have demonstrated that when violence is addressed as both a public safety and public health issue, meaningful and lasting reductions in crime are possible.

The Newark Model: Investing in People

Newark is a national example of what thoughtful, community-centered public safety can achieve. Since 2000, Newark has reduced violent crime by recognizing that residents play an essential role in keeping neighborhoods safe.

Programs such as Newark’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery rely on trusted community members to help mediate conflicts before they escalate. Trenton can benefit from empowering similar credible messengers who understand local dynamics and can intervene early.

Newark has also expanded community-led crisis response programs that involve mental health professionals responding to behavioral health emergencies when appropriate. This approach ensures residents receive the right support while allowing police officers to focus on preventing and solving serious crimes.

My Plan for Trenton

As your Councilman, I will work collaboratively with residents, law enforcement, and community partners to strengthen public safety across Trenton.

I will prioritize clean and well-maintained neighborhoods by advancing place-based prevention strategies. Improving street lighting, addressing vacant lots, and revitalizing neglected spaces has been shown to significantly reduce gun violence while improving neighborhood pride.

I will also work to expand the City-Stat public safety forum - a monthly, in-person meeting where residents can share concerns directly with department leaders. This will promote transparency, responsiveness, and collaboration across every neighborhood.