Crime rates and fear of crime have dropped in response to St. Petersburg's community policing approach. Many of the city's neighborhoods have become very protective of community police officers, finding them office space to work out of and even purchasing bicycles for them. Community police officers have become de facto community organizers, social workers, and civic ombudsmen. St. Petersburg has 48 community police areas, and community police officers have broad latitude to deal with problems they and residents identify as priorities. Community police officers rely on other agencies and government officials daily. For example, getting vacant houses boarded up or removing garbage are problems neighborhood residents ask the police to resolve, but other city departments may be responsible for the needed actions. The possibility for economic revitalization in St. Petersburg has improved with decreased crime and violence and less fear of crime. Community policing efforts in other jurisdictions, including Oregon and Texas, are noted. 5 photographs