Public Safety

The Downtown Alliance's Public Safety force creates a safe and secure environment in Lower Manhattan through a variety of community programs. 

The Ambassador Program

The Downtown Alliance makes a personal connection with the merchants in our district through our Ambassador Program. Our public safety supervisors personally visit every street-level retail business on their beat to meet store owners and make sure they know we can assist in case of any emergency. These supervisors also leave a calling card, inviting business owners to contact us with problems of any size.

Safe Corridor to the Subway

The Downtown Alliance's public safety department operates a "Safe Corridor to the Subway" program that offers extra protection for homeward-bound commuters, especially those returning to their Lower Manhattan residences late at night. From evening rush hour through 9 PM, our public safety officers are stationed on the streets near key subway entrances and nearby residential buildings. Our aim is to create a safer atmosphere for Lower Manhattan residents, workers and visitors heading home for the night.

Public Safety Awards

A normal day on the job for our public safety officers means passing along information to visitors and keeping a protective eye on neighborhood businesses.  But sometimes emergencies arise that go above and beyond the call of normal duty. The Downtown Alliance annually rewards the officers and supervisors who perform special deeds.

Homeless Outreach

Although Lower Manhattan does not have a large homeless population, the Downtown Alliance provides a helping hand as needed. When the city closed the John Heuss House homeless center in 2009, the Downtown Alliance partnered with Trinity Church on a two-year pilot contract with Bowery Residents Committee homeless outreach services to supplement the work of the City’s Department of Homeless Services. The program has generated positive results and led to an outreach effort to help people connect with appropriate social services.