» Crime drop:

Residents of Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood are encouraged by another year of crime decreases detailed in a new report.

Residents of Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood saw another year of crime decreases in a new report released this week.

The neighborhood — bordered by N. 27th St., W. Keefe Ave., N. 20th St. and W. Center St. — has seen sustained investment from residents and local anchor institutions, including the Dominican Center for Women and COA’s Goldin Center.

Amani recorded a 10% decrease in overall crime last year compared to 2015, while the drop citywide was about 4.6%, according to a report released by COA Youth & Family Centers. Over the past four years, Amani has seen a 26% decrease in crime compared to a nearly 11% decline citywide. The report looked at overall crime, combining violent and property crimes.

Barbara Smith, president of the Amani United neighborhood association, called the information encouraging and credited high levels of resident involvement for the decreases.

“Neighbors have begun to communicate and know one another, not being afraid to speak up and speak out,” she said in a news release.

Residents have worked with police and taken the lead on block watches, cleanups, vigils and revitalizing a park. Last month, local officials announced such crime-fighting and community-building efforts will continue in Amani with help from a $740,000 federal grant.

“It’s not just about having a march or a building or a garden,” said COA Executive Director Tom Schneider in a recent interview. “It’s a thousand pieces that weave together to form the fabric of the neighborhood.”

COA gathered the information from COMPASS, a city-run public website that displays data related to crime, traffic crashes and property. The Police Department does not guarantee the “accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or correct sequencing” of the crime data that appears on the page, according to the site’s disclaimer. The data includes preliminary information that could change as the investigation goes on and could be subject to mechanical or human error.

Still, Milwaukee police say there’s no doubt progress has been made in the neighborhood.

“Thanks to collaboration with partner agencies like the COA, dedicated police officers and willingness of the residents to work with MPD, great strides have been made in the Amani neighborhood,” Police Chief Edward Flynn said.

“However, hard work and dedication will need to continue from all those involved to maintain and further this decrease in crime and to sustain a strong Amani.”