Saginaw is on pace to have one of its safest year's in recent history.
Shootings are down more than half since 2006 and homicides are down more than 83% since 2006.
The numbers speak volumes. In 2008, Saginaw had 23 homicides. Last year, there were 12. So far in 2010, 3.
Saginaw Mayor Greg Branch says, "The people of Saginaw I think have decided that it's our city. We're going to take it back."
That "taking back" includes the formation and partnerships of neighborhood groups. Four and a half years ago there were no groups, now 29.
In 2007, when the city had more than 40 arsons around Halloween, the community formed Arson Watch reducing fires to seven the following year.
Also in 2007, a group of pastors came together to form Parishioners on Patrol, going to the roughest areas of the city and talking to young people about their future.
Co-founder of Parishioners on Patrol Pastor Larry Camel says, "We create opportunities for them that make them feel good, giving back to the community, and doing something positive."
The group encourages young people to help distribute food to needy families.
Technology has also played a part. Grant money purchased the RAPTOR system, which uses crime-fighting computers and cameras to identify incidents and suspects.
However, electronics can go only so far.
Saginaw Police Chief Gerald Cliff says, "Technology alone is not going to solve the problem. We can take pictures of crimes in progress until hell freezes over, but if we don't have police officers to go out there and react to those pictures, and utilize the investigation tools that we're developing, we're still going to be going downhill."
That's why the department has tripled its community policing to help crackdown on crime.
The city manager says no one person could have done this. Darnell Earley says, "I'm just glad to be a part of helping reform, and change, and reinvent the city operation. It's been a difficult road and the dividends are beginning to show. People see the difference in this community now."
Saginaw is city steeped in historical heritage, and the statistics show it's breaking through the culture of crime.
Saginaw leaders tell NBC25 they've been invited to Flint and Pontiac to speak about how they've turned their community around.
However, even with the reduction in statistics Saginaw still tops the list as the most dangerous city in the country with one crime for every 39 people.
