The first chapter identifies what is involved in rethinking public safety policy. In addition to moving beyond polarization, it includes finding what works, articulating the goals of the particular city, and mobilizing local resources. Recognizing that effective action hinges on having a firm grasp of the scope and impact of violence on the Nation's families and communities, the second chapter examines some of the statistics on crime and violence. The third chapter advises that to combat trends in crime and violence, it is imperative that all elements of the community cooperate, consolidate energies, and redirect attention toward safe communities and sound strategies. Processes for formulating a community's goals are the focus of this chapter. Chapter 4 describes how municipal government can mobilize city departments to create an effective mix of public safety resources. Effective strategies for engaging grassroots stakeholders are offered in chapter 5. They include creating a constructive environment for problem-solving, enlisting the media, reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors, assurance of safety within families, offering prosocial alternatives, using innovative enforcement in high-risk areas, and helping offenders turn their lives around. 7 resource listings