Police Retreats: Central to One LA - IAF's safety strategy is an effort to address the culture of distrust that exists between law enforcement and residents in many high crime communities throughout Los Angeles. In house meetings throughout the county, residents speak about hesitating to call the police after witnessing, or being victimized by, violence and crime, fearing that their identities will not be kept confidential and that they will face retribution from criminals. Others tell stories of abuse or harassment at the hands of police and thier reluctant to approach law enforcement with legitimate concerns. Many undocumented families speak of their hesitancy to talk with the police for fear of exposing their immigration status.
In an effort to address this culture of fear and build bonds of trust and respect, One LA - IAF has organized several police retreats. In these retreats, which have taken place with the LAPD, the LA County Sheriff's Department and the Pomona Police Department, officers and residents share stories about their greatest challenges and most pressing fears, while families speak about their past experiences with crime and law enforcement in their communities. Through these conversations, community residents begin to see the pressures faced by law enforcement and officers hear the stories of families who live in the neighborhoods where they work. Through this work, law enforcement and community residents begin creating a culture of shared responsibility for safety.
Neighborhood Walks: In Neighborhood Walks, members of a congregation spend a day going door to door talking with their neighbors about their community. They listen to stories from the community and discover shared issues. Neighborhood Walks form the basis for relationships that connect neighbors to their local institutions and build networks of trust that increase public safety.
House Meetings with Officers: Many of One LA - IAF's member institutions have organized house meetings where parents, teachers, congregational leaders and other community members come face to face with law enforcement to discuss crime and safety issues. In these meetings, leaders and officers share stories in order to build strong relationships and information is exchanged that can lead to concrete results in creating safer communities.