Letter to the editor: Everyone must pitch in for safer communities

We have a crisis of substance abuse, crime and gun violence, and Pittsburgh has to be committed to fighting these dangers in our communities. To be successful in this battle, everyone must help, especially our political leaders. As residents, we all need to help find solutions, too.

We need real environmental change, such as employing crime prevention measures for personal and property safety. Prevention must involve intervening with children and youth who are at risk for becoming offenders or victims; measures directed toward those involved in law enforcement; and developmental, community and situational prevention strategies.

We also need new federal laws and programs to put an end to the crime, drug and gun violence crisis.

Alim Howell

Upper Darby

The writer is a community activist with the Race for Peace Committee.