RCA Priority
Public Safety and Quality of Life
Safe streets, peaceful blocks, and responsive public agencies for every Riverside Terrace family — neighbors are calling for action on gunfire, violent crime, and slow police response.
83.3%
of Riverside Terrace neighbors named crime & safety a top concern — the single highest-ranked issue in the survey
From the question: "What are the most important issues you would like to see addressed in Riverside Terrace?" — 2024 RCA Neighborhood Survey
Why It Matters
Gunfire & Stray Bullets
Neighbors report hearing gunshots weekly — and multiple residents have found bullets lodged in window frames, ceilings, and decks of their own homes.
Violent Crime & Carjackings
Armed carjackings, break-ins, and homicides near Southmore & Emancipation have residents on edge, even while sleeping.
Slow Police Response
Hours-long waits, unanswered 311 calls, and visible short-staffing leave neighbors feeling unprotected when they need help most.
Fear & Lost Use of Property
Families avoid walking, jogging, and letting kids play outside — losing the simple freedom to enjoy their own homes and streets.
Safety is the foundation of quality of life. When neighbors don't feel safe walking the block, letting their children play outside, or trusting that help will come when called, every other part of community life suffers. A safe neighborhood isn't a privilege — it's something every Riverside Terrace family deserves.
What Neighbors Are Saying
These are neighbors' own words from the 2024 RCA Neighborhood Survey, lightly edited for length and shared anonymously.
"Gunshots can be heard about once a week. I cannot have my bed in front of the window for fear of being shot. Every time you hear a gunshot you want to duck and cover and run inside."
"Gunshots create a constant sense of unease and fear. It affects when I go outside, how late I stay out, and whether I feel safe inviting guests. These issues go beyond noise — they chip away at our quality of life."
"My family does not walk around the neighborhood. I would love for my son to be able to play in the front yard."
"There has been an uptick in violent crime, including an armed carjacking two doors down. It's a big concern that all of this is happening while we are sleeping."
"When you call, sometimes they don't even show up. It's like you've got to be dead before they come."
"I hear more gunshots than I see police."
"Been here 23 years. Things had calmed down a lot, but now it seems to be picking back up."
What RCA Is Doing
- →Organizing residents and documenting recurring safety concerns by location and time
- →Communicating with HPD, elected officials, and city agencies about response times and patrols
- →Pressing for accountability at the hotspots neighbors flag most, including Southmore & Emancipation
- →Encouraging coordinated civic action so residents speak to officials with one voice
How Residents Can Help
- →Report urgent matters through proper channels — 911 for emergencies, 311 and HPD non-emergency for the rest
- →Document incidents with dates, times, and locations, and share them with RCA so we can identify patterns
- →Attend RCA meetings to add your voice and stay informed
- →Share information responsibly and support RCA's public safety advocacy
Ready to take action? Get involved with RCA or see all the issues we're working on.