Safety/Crime

The primary focus of DMRA is to help residents voice their opinions and empower them to take action. Initially, community meetings will be organized so that residents can identify safety/crime issues.

After the safety and crime issues have been identified, residents will explore solutions to these issues. Then, residents and DMRA will devise a plan of action to begin these solutions by forming specific committees or participating in the NRP process. Residents, DMRA Board Members, and DMRA staff will work together to implement the safety/crime plan of action.

Residents can begin addressing safety/crime issues by attending the NRP Steering Committee election. The NRP Steering Committee election will be held on Thursday, March 14, 1996 between 7:00-8:30 at Heritage Hall in the Downtown Minneapolis Library.

After the Steering Committee has been established, it will keep residents informed about future NRP community meetings. At these community meetings, residents will be able to further voice their opinion or serve on an NRP task force. The community meetings and task forces will address specific issues that the residents feel are important, including safety/crime issues.

One safety/crime plan has already begun. To improve the isolated nature of the downtown neighborhood, DMRA will encourage better communication between residents, the DMRA Board, downtown security personnel, and the Minneapolis police. It has several strategies.

First, DMRA will work with Community Crime Prevention (CCP)/SAFE to develop a "block leader" or "block club" model for the downtown area. This model will help residents organize and communicate between themselves. It will allow residents to become more involved in the overall organizing process. Also, the "block club" model will encourage leadership roles for residents in the downtown neighborhood who wish to assume a more active role.

Second, DMRA will establish a Fax line so that it can easily inform other agencies about resident-safety/crime concerns. Conversely other agencies will be able to Fax announcements and concerns to DMRA so that DMRA can alert residents by fliers, the DMRA newsletter, or by phone. Third, DMRA will encourage cooperation and alliances with downtown security personnel through bulletins and/or meetings.

Through DMRA, the NRP process, and better communication, downtown residents can address their safety/crime issues. If youhave ideas on safety/crime or want to become involved, call DMRA at 220-3836 and leave a message. Also, please attend the NRP Steering Committee election: Thursday, March 14 at 7:00-8:30 p.m.; Heritage Hall in the Downtown Public Library.

CCP/SAFE TIP

By Luther Krueger - CCP/SAFE

Minneapolis is a relatively safe community. However, it still suffers from the same types of crime that other areas experience. Auto theft is one of the major Minneapolis crime problems. Prevent auto theft before it happens. Make certain that you do not leave any items in your car that are visible from outside. Also, do not let your car run unattended. These tips will help you prevent auto theft.

Take a Bite Out of Crime!!

THE DOWNTOWNER -- Spring 1996 -- DMRA