Assaults, car crashes and other alcohol-related crime decline when residents get actively involved in community prevention efforts, according to a new study from the PIRE Prevention Research Center.

The study focused on the Sacramento Neighborhood Alcohol Prevention Project (SNAPP), which works to reduce access to alcohol and related problems through community mobilization and awareness, server training, and enforcement of underage-drinking and intoxicated-patron laws. The project was established in two low-income minority communities.

Researchers found that calls to emergency medical services and police fell after the intervention was put into place; illegal alcohol sales to minors also declined. However, sales to people who appeared to be intoxicated were no different than in neighborhoods that did take part in SNAPP.

"These are neighborhoods that are most vulnerable to alcohol-related problems," said study author Andrew Treno, Ph.D. "Even these rather tough neighborhoods can take control of their own environments and reduce the negative effects of alcohol."

The study was published in the March 2007 issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.