Minneapolis is doubling down on its efforts to beef up community safety with the launch of two new Community Safety Centers, set to open in the heart of some of the city's most bustling neighborhoods. The push for increased community engagement is at the forefront of this initiative, as city officials, including Community Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette and OCS Director of Design and Implementation Amanda Harrington, have pledged to scale up outreach efforts over the next several months.
The centers are part of a broader "community safety ecosystem," aimed at tackling the root causes of crime by facilitating cooperation between local organizations, services, and residents. In an effort to fully engage the community, the Office of Community Safety plans to start quickly organizing more local events and surveys, providing ample opportunities for citizens to voice their concerns and suggestions. According to the Minneapolis, City of Lakes, input will be particularly sought from those within the 3rd Precinct and individuals who have been deeply impacted by the criminal justice system.
The Lake Street Community Safety Center, a temporary location on E. Lake Street between 35-W and Hiawatha Avenue, will not house a full-time police presence but will still serve as a nexus for local services when it opens in Summer 2024. On the other hand, the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center, which is set to be a more significant, permanent fixture at 2633 Minnehaha Avenue, will include the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct and promises a broader array of services when it opens its doors early next year, as per Minneapolis, City of Lakes.
As part of these endeavors, the OCS is ramping up to increase engagement events, partnering with local organizations to ensure widespread community participation. An electronic survey and a walking interaction survey conducted in high-traffic areas are also in the pipeline to make certain that all feedbacks are captured and everyone's voice is heard. "Later this month and into May, OCS will increase the number of engagement events by partnering with local organizations and community groups," aa reported by Minneapolis, City of Lakes.
