Our Commitment
Because it can’t be done in a vacuum, our ongoing commitment to keeping Norfolk residents safe and supported includes joining forces with our citizens and organizations via collaborative programs like the Norfolk Nighthawks basketball league, National Night Out, St. Paul’s Advisory Committees and Summer Food Program. These are some of the ways we lift up our residents and embrace community.
Community Partnerships
Newark Community Street Team
The City of Norfolk has partnered with New Jersey based Newark Community Street Team (NCST). NCST was founded by Mayor Ras J. Baraka as Newark’s community-based violence reduction strategy. NCST draws upon an evidence-based, trauma informed approach to violence reduction.
Norfolk Nighthawks
The Norfolk Nighthawks returned in 2022! Focused on residents 18+, Norfolk Nighthawks is a nighttime basketball tournament with an emphasis on positive activities while providing additional information like employment opportunities, professional development, G.E.D. enrollment, healthcare services, and more.
Business Compliance Unit (BCU)
The Business Compliance Unit (BCU) has been operating throughout the City since its creation with the 2023 Budget last July. The team has taken full command of its mission – ensuring new and existing businesses are compliant with City regulations.
In its first six months, the BCU has performed inspections at all hours and in all corners of the City, inspecting businesses ranging from nightclubs to convenience stores and from used car dealerships to short-term rentals. Always performed in a friendly and helpful manner, these inspections serve to inform business operators of regulations, assist them in getting compliant where issues are identified, and confirm compliance moving forward.
Trusted Partners
Trusted Partners is a faith-based leaders group comprised of Norfolk-based ministers, community and faith-based organizations, and city staff that meet monthly to discuss important topical items and updates from the City of Norfolk. The goal and/or mission of the group is to serve as a “thinktank” and an engagement/advisory for municipal government and the City Manager. We strive to facilitate and build community partnerships and serve as informed and trusted purveyors of good news to the citizenry, the church community, and faith-based organizations. Between meetings, we share information and updates relative to city-sponsored events, activities, grant/sponsorship opportunities, and initiatives that enhance livability, strengthen resiliency, and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Norfolk Police Foundation Mini Grants
The City of Norfolk (City) has worked with the Newark Community Street Team (NCST) to design and implement a community violence intervention program. The key near-term objective was to create a mini-grant program while longer-term activities are in-progress.
The City offered a Summer/Fall mini-grant program to provide low-barrier funding to Norfolk communities most impacted by gun violence. The goal of the program is to promote recovery, healing, recreation, and community-building.
The City partnered with the Norfolk Police Foundation (Foundation) to distribute the funding the program.
Norfolk Police Department, Community Affairs
Educating Citizens About Keeping Safe
Community outreach is a regular part of the Community Affairs Section. Members of the unit are in constant touch with residents, businesses, civic leagues, and other organizations in an effort to educate citizens about keeping their property and themselves safe.
Neighborhood Watch
The Community Affairs officers are proactive in contacting civic leagues to encourage the establishment of Neighborhood Watch in their neighborhoods. A strong civic league is important for combating crime in neighborhoods and Neighborhood Watch is one tool that civic leagues can use to assist with these efforts.
Civic Leagues
Community Affairs officers can address criminal activity and neighborhood concerns within the scope of each civic league, and offer education and awareness programs to assist members in recognizing and combating crime.
