Community courts are neighborhood-focused courts that attempt to harness the power of the justice system to address local problems. They can take many forms, but all focus on creative partnerships and problem solving. They strive to create new relationships, both within the justice system and with outside stakeholders such as residents, merchants, churches and schools. And they test new and aggressive approaches to public safety rather than merely responding to crime after it has occurred. The first community court in the country was the Midtown Community Court, launched in 1993 in New York City. Over 30 community courts, inspired by the Midtown model, are in operation or planning around the country; click here for a list of active courts. International interest in community courts is also increasing. For example, based on the success of pilot community court projects in Liverpool and Salford, in 2006 the British government announced plans to create 11 new community courts, all of which were up and running by early 2008. Seventeen community court projects are already in operation in South Africa, and a "Neighbourhood Justice Centre" opened in Melbourne, Australia in March 2007. A community court project in Vancouver, Canada is slated to open in mid 2008.

Deputy Inspector Michael Kemper is the commanding officer of the New York Police Department’s 76th Precinct, one of the three police precincts served by the Red Hook Community Justice Center and the one that incorporates the Red Hook neighborhood itself. The 76th precinct was recently named #1 in New York City in crime reduction over the past two years. In February 2008, Deputy Inspector Kemper spoke to Center staff about this impressive achievement.

Q: How did you achieve this reduction in major crime?
I break it down into three factors. First and foremost, the police officers and the supervisors assigned to this precinct are working harder and smarter than ever before. Technological advances have led to computerized systems being placed in precincts throughout the city, and now police officers can track crimes being committed almost immediately. As a result of this, resources can be moved and shifted in order to address any crime trends observed. The precinct is also assisted by outside units such as Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, the Narcotics Bureau, and the Vice Enforcement Unit.

Second, I believe in building a good solid working relationship with community members, the people who reside or work here. It’s very important that the community we serve trusts us and that we work together as a team. And we often rely on community members to supply us with information and point us in the right directions to improve their communities, whether their issues are more serious criminal problems or “quality-of-life” complaints.

Third, I believe that the Red Hook Community Justice Center has contributed significantly to our success. The relationship we have with them is instrumental and I look forward to working with them in the future.

In my opinion, when you combine the three factors I just spoke about, you get this form of a success.

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