The City of Phoenix continues to make improvements to the safety and quality of life along the Interstate 17 (I-17) corridor, to curb violent crime, sex trafficking and drug crimes.
For several years, the City of Phoenix has implemented strategic initiatives through multi-department collaborative efforts spanning four City Council districts. In 2022, building on the strategic efforts of City Council and community members, the Phoenix City Council allocated nearly $9 million in resources to the Phoenix Community Safety Plans (CSP) to help selected areas along the I-17 corridor from Indian School Road to Bell Road and along Hatcher Road in west Sunnyslope.
“Our Community Safety Plans have been community driven from the start and I am thankful for all their support and patience as we implemented multiple community safety efforts in 2024,” said Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien. “Our I-17 corridor is now equipped with the latest crime fighting technology to aid our Police Department in creating safer neighborhoods and a higher quality of life.”
Local stakeholders, part of a dedicated community committee for each focus area, provide staff with ongoing feedback on the implementation of the CSPs. With this valuable input, the CSPs were able to achieve major accomplishments in 2024, including the establishment of the Real Time Operations Centers (RTOCs) in the Cactus Park and Desert Horizon police precincts. Operational since spring 2024, the RTOCs leverage advanced technologies such as gunshot detection systems, traffic cameras and license plate readers to provide real-time intelligence to officers in the field. This proactive approach has already yielded positive results, enhancing the department’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal incidents.
Through a joint effort between Phoenix PD’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit and other law enforcement partners, the Royal Inn was seized and boarded up. This motel was a prolific neighborhood problem and major hub of illicit activity including prostitution and drug crimes.
The HEAT Unit also conducted more than 60 enforcement operations for prostitution-related offenses, apprehending more than 420 suspects and rescuing 30 juveniles. The City Prosector’s Office and HEAT Unit have worked closely with community leaders to ensure successful prosecution of these prostitution-related offenses.
Councilwoman Betty Guardado said, “The Community Safety Plans have been crucial to enhancing safety and security throughout District 5. We are making strides toward a safer community through our newly opened RTOCs and the collaborative work of multiple City departments along the 19th and 27th Avenue corridors. I am thankful for our residents and neighborhood leaders who advocated for and supported these efforts. We have much work to do but together we will create stronger and safer neighborhoods for our children and families.”
Phoenix PD, Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) and Prosecutor’s Office worked collaboratively to address properties with high levels of criminal/code compliance activity or quality of life offenses within the corridors. Through this effort, 26 properties have been identified with 14 properties already experiencing reduced levels of crime and code compliance activity.
“Recognizing the concerns of our community members, I advocated for a holistic, multi-department approach to addressing the quality-of-life challenges along the I-17 corridor,” said Councilwoman Laura Pastor. “I am excited to see Phoenix PD working hand in hand with our Neighborhood Services Department, Office of Homeless Solutions and City Prosecutor’s Office to address community safety concerns. This citywide approach yielded successful outcomes in 2024, and I look forward to continued collaboration in making our neighborhoods safer.”
Additionally, the CSPs have been focused on implementing multiple crime prevention strategies throughout the corridor. In 2024, Community Action Officers provided nearly 100 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) recommendations at various properties including renewing or enrolling more than 1,200 locations in the Authority to Arrest program which gives officers the permission of the property owner to arrest anyone trespassing on the property if they are not there. CAOs also spread awareness of the City’s new online crime prevention guide for local business owners.
NSD gated an additional 51 alley segments with the CSPs bringing the total number of alleys gated within the CSPs to more than 140 alleys. Additional focus has been placed on the proactive removement of graffiti and blight throughout the corridors as well as increased street lighting in neighborhoods.
“I am very excited about the improvements made along the Hatcher Road Community Safety Plan. We were able to successfully provide services to hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness on Hatcher Road while also working with the business community to activate this area,” said Councilwoman Debra Stark. “I know our continued partnerships with the community will only make Hatcher Road safer and more vibrant in the future.”
The City of Phoenix further strengthened its partnerships with neighborhood coalitions to align CSP goals with neighborhood priorities. Staff from multiple departments are actively engaged with groups such as the Metro Collaboration, VIP Coalition, 19North, the HUB, and the Bell Road Business Alliance, among others. In April 2024, Phoenix PD, NSD, City Prosecutor’s Office, and the Office of Homeless Solutions joined Grand Canyon University’s (GCU) “27Collab,” a neighborhood coalition comprised of schools, churches, businesses and residents along 27th Avenue to synchronize safety efforts and combat criminal activity.
In support of these efforts, GCU launched a new public safety center designed to address crime in areas adjacent to its campus last week.“ These efforts are making a significant impact on safety in what has been a hot spot for prostitution in Phoenix,” Phoenix PD Interim Chief Michael Sullivan said. “This strengthened partnership will bolster safety and reduce crime and underscores our shared commitment to fostering a secure and thriving community.”
The City of Phoenix is working with Arizona State University to study crime incident data for the CSP focus areas. Newly reviewed data will be available later in spring 2025 measuring the impacts of the CSPs and RTOCs within the CSP footprints since 2022.
The City of Phoenix remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing crime and improving the quality of life for residents along the I-17 corridor. Through continued partnerships with institutions like GCU and the active involvement of community stakeholders, the City is confident in its collective ability to create a safer and more prosperous environment for all. We encourage residents to stay engaged, report suspicious activities, and participate in community programs as we work together to achieve these goals.
