A "respectful society" is created when individual behaviors and actions of people in neighborhoods are mutually considerate. Regardless of whether people live in a rural, suburban or urban setting, people want to live in a neighborhood that is safe and civil. Each person who lives and works in Providence shares the responsibility of acting respectfully and reasonably when individual actions impact others. When people do not respect each other, many problems arise that are a nuisance to a civil and peaceful society. These daily intrusions, often called nuisance crimes, promote incivility and disorder and diminish the quality of life in neighborhoods. Nuisance crimes include problems such as: Excess Noise, Graffiti and Litter.

Also important to a respectful society is a positive relationship between the police, who are charged with enforcing the laws regulating intrusive behavior, and the residents of the neighborhoods where the intrusive behavior occurs. In order to establish a peaceful and respectful city, a relationship of trust and accountability must first be established between the police and the people so that they can better work together to bring peace and respect to the entire city. A "Livable Providence" will not be possible without a commitment to a "respectful society". The two go hand in hand.