On Tuesday, Salt Lake City residents voted to invest in public safety and the well-being of our community. The return realized on that outlay is significant when measured by the cost associated with crime and disorder.

The passage of Proposition 1 to fund a new public safety building represents one of the largest commitments to public safety ever made in our city. I recognize the sacrifice required of each member of the community, especially in this challenging economic environment.

Most frequently, law enforcement success is calculated in statistical declines in crimes or in the ability of the local jurisdiction to apprehend offenders. This analysis is flawed, basing effectiveness upon what seems to be a tolerable level of criminal activity.

But what may be acceptable disorder for society is most certainly unacceptable to a victim or their family members. While we continue to arrest criminals successfully, this response mentality or focus allows victimization and negative impact upon our neighborhoods.

Fortunately, modern policing has noticeably evolved over the past 20 years. There was a long period in history when law enforcement placed community concerns aside; after all, we are the police. We know best how to handle crime and care for the community. We told the public what little bit of information we wanted to and when.

Drastic world events forever changed policing and public confidence in the profession. Not only are oversight and scrutiny demanded by the public but now they expect to participate in the process. Many senior administrators saw these changes as cumbersome and interfering with our crime-fighting mission.

Contrary to that archaic belief, public participation and ownership is the solution to crime and disorder. No one knows better the activity of a neighborhood than those who live and work there. Ask any teacher, local clergy or resident what challenges exist in our neighborhoods or who is responsible for them and they are able to answer without difficulty.

The social contract necessary for success requires active community involvement. Indifference leads to failure. When we turn our backs or close our blinds to crime because it is not happening to us or out of fear, we allow criminals to thrive.

True cooperation and partnerships are established not by designating small numbers or squads of officers as community liaisons but by creating a culture where all members of the organization are empowered to address neighborhood needs. The majority of special enforcement projects are created with the input and involvement of the citizens we serve.

I cannot guarantee a decrease in crime because of the new facilities voters have agreed to finance, but I assure you that with the continued participation of the community we will be more effective and efficient. We should always remember that any crime is more crime than we should tolerate.

Chris Burbank is Salt Lake City police chief.