1.  Get as many kids as possible to Target Field to see Twins baseball games.
2. Involve cops from all over the city with the bike giveaways at Minneapolis Target stores.
3. Encourage fellow employees to come on bike-alongs, to involve street cops and expose them to the project's possibilities.
4. Be visible all summer in communities throughout the city. Reach out to kids and put them at the front of the line to receive some positive attention from the police.

 

• 2015 yearbook with memories and stories
• Bike Cops for Kids on wheels, a customized Fed Ex truck with bells and whistles for year-long impact
• Deeper departmental cultural impact with twice as many fellow employees as 2015 engaged in the project
• Ongoing exposure throughout the city at large events and continued positive exposure through general and social media of the great things all MPD cops are doing

 

When a crime is reported, suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. In many crimes, the victim is not blamed for the crime committed against them. But in some crimes, like rape and sexual assault, society at large has taken to blaming the victim. The victim is the one who is presumed "guilty" until proven "innocent," which is a stressful situation for anyone to be in and is only compounded when it involves such a traumatic, personal event.

Because survivors of rape and sexual assault are so afraid of being blamed for the crime committed against them, many don't come forward even to friends and family members, or don't officially report it to police. Nationwide statistics show that about 66% of rapes in the United States go unreported to the police. Even in cases where it is reported, the process of investigation and prosecution can feel long and daunting; and no matter how hard investigators work to help the victim get justice, it's possible that once the case is in the courtroom the court could rule in favor of the accused instead of the victim.

The idea that victims of rape and sexual assault should be put more under the microscope than those who committed the crime against them is something that is pervasive in society at large and is often referred to as "rape culture."

In an effort to help combat this, Fifth Precinct Crime Prevention created three informational brochures/handouts for the City of Minneapolis' website. In order to be more accessible, they are each provided in two formats: a double-sided trifold brochure, and a multi-page handout. Find a short overview of the three topics below. Click the brochure/handout links on each to read more.

Please view and share these resources with everyone. Only together can we help combat this issue, and move forward on the path of supporting survivors and decreasing the number of rapes.

Myths and Misconceptions About Rape and Sexual Assault  ||  Brochure | Handout
If someone's story doesn't "make sense," the first assumption often made is that the person is lying. But did you know that the way our brains and bodies respond to trauma is different than non-traumatic events? And that the actions or memories of a traumatic event may not "make sense" even when it's true? This can affect everything from the way the memories are recorded to the reactions victims physically have at the time (including trauma-induced paralysis known as "tonic immobility"). Another big assumption is that only women can be raped, or that the likelihood of being raped is the same for all. But anyone can be raped or rape someone else, and some demographics are more at risk.

Rape/Sexual Assault: What To Do If It Happens To You  ||  Brochure | Handout
Did you know that there are sexual violence advocates who will help you for free, and can even provide you (and possibly your close friends/family members) with free counseling? Or that help is available in multiple languages? Although in the Minneapolis Police Department we strongly urge you to call 911 as soon as possible after a rape so we can help you preserve any evidence, get you to the hospital for help, and make sure the investigators know about your case, we also understand that sometimes after a traumatic event it's difficult to think about it this way. So, at the very least, we want you to go to the hospital and get a rape kit done so they can help you with any potential medical issues-- and so advocates know about you to get you help.

Risk Reduction: Rape  ||  Brochure | Handout
It's common to see recommendations for how to "prevent" rape by telling people not to wear certain clothing, not to walk in certain areas at certain times, not to do this, not to do that. But that assumes that it's the victim's "fault" for the crime committed against them. It assumes that if only they had worn this jacket instead of that shirt, or walked on this street instead of that alley, that this never would have happened to them. It assumes that they were in control of the event, and in some cases even implies they chose that the event should happen. This is not the way to view it. The only way rape can truly be prevented is if the rapist chooses not to rape. They are the only one in control of preventing this sort of crime. This brochure/handout talks about common trends we see in reported rapes, so you know what a rapist might look for in vulnerabilities-- but it's important to remember that whether or not someone followed any tips, if they are raped or sexually assaulted it is not their fault.

Find the brochures and handouts at the Sex Crimes page, and Crime Prevention Resources

To see more pictures, visit the MPD's Facebook page

Minneapolis was selected after a competitive application process as one of two cities nationwide to receive free, in-depth, adolescent mental health training for its School Resource Officers (SROs).

Over the course of two days, middle and high school SROs received training focused on developing critical skills and response strategies for addressing predictable behavior issues that arise when working with youth with mental health issues.  

This course builds on the extensive training SROs continuously receive to ensure that they are prepared to handle the challenging situations that can arise in a school day.  The SROs learn best practices on how to provide safe learning environments, innovative ways to build relationships with students and how to approach diversity and respect the many cultures seen throughout Minneapolis. This comprehensive training enables SROs to engage with students on a personal level while equipping them with the necessary tools to effectively deescalate potentially dangerous situations.

Officers serve in the City's public schools through a joint collaboration between Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), the City of Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis Police Department.

 Learn more

Visit Inside MPD

• Sea extremadamente cuidadoso en la noche. Conf�e en sus instintos. Tenga en cuenta los extra�os vagancia en su �rea. Tenga especial cuidado al anochecer.
• Ser especialmente conscientes de sus alrededores cuando sacar la basura o caminando a su coche o parada de autob�s en la noche. Si alguien es vagancia en el �rea, llame al 911.
• Evite las distracciones. Celular, iPhones y otros aparatos electr�nicos pueden ser una distracci�n para usted y pueden llamar la atenci�n de alguien que quiera quitarla de usted.
• Llevar s�lo lo que necesita y sabe lo que tiene en su cartera o bolso. Hacer una copia de tarjetas de cr�dito o informaci�n personal que est� llevando a cabo. Si es robado o perdido, le resultar� m�s f�cil de reemplazar.
• No mostrar su dinero. Ha habido algunos casos que las v�ctimas fueron dirigidas debido a otros siendo conscientes de la cantidad de dinero que eran posesi�n.
• Cuando conduzca, mantenga sus puertas cerradas con llave en todo momento.
• Est� atento. La polic�a quiere que llame al 9-1-1 para cualquier actividad sospechosa como extra�os caminando en yardas o entre casas, el sonido de romper el vidrio o golpeando fuerte y camiones desconocidos o furgonetas persistentes en su callej�n. Hable con sus vecinos acerca de estos eventos y les pedimos que est� alerta ante cualquier actividad sospechosa. Necesitamos la ayuda de todos.
• Si usted es una v�ctima de robo, rep�rtelo inmediatamente por llamar a 911. Trate de recordar tanto sospecha informaci�n como le sea posible cuando est� hablando a 911.
• Para m�s informaci�n sobre seguridad personal, clubes de cuadra y otra prevenci�n del crimen, contacta John Reed, Especialista de Prevenci�n del Crimen, 612-673-5579 o john.reed@minneapolismn.gov 

Below, Somali Crime Prevention Outreach Specialist Ahmed Hassan has compiled robbery prevention information, including to be alert of your surroundings, call 911 on suspicious activity, try to remain calm if confronted, report robberies, and more.

• Taxadir dheeri ah samee. Aamin naftaada waxa ay ku leedahay.
• Waz 911 haddii aad aragto wax ku tuhun galiya.
• Ka foojignow hareerahaada marka aad u socotid baabuurkaaga and ama meesha basaska laga raaco, wac 911.
• Kal hadal dariskaaga dhacan/rabiinadan una sheeg in ay ka foojignaadaan wax kasta uu thun keeni kara. Waxaan u baahanahay caawimaada qof walba.
• Waxaad horay u qaadataa lacag yar oo kugu filan. Ha qaadan lacag badan iyo allbo qiimo badan leh
• Haddii u qof ku soo weeraro, is deji khaasatan haddii u qofkaasi hubeysanyahay.
• Haddii aad tahay dhibbane dhac/rabiino loo geystay, islmarkiiba sheeg oo wac 911. Isku day in aad xasuusato tilmaamaha la tuhumaha marka aad la hadleysid 911ka.
  

Here are the remaining 2015 Rental Property Owner Workshops:

All workshops take place at 5th Precinct (3101 Nicollet Av S) in the front community room.

RSVP ONLY. RSVP directly by email to Luther Krueger (Luther.Krueger@MinneapolisMN.gov).

 

Each date has the same workshop agenda. There is no need to attend multiple dates. 

There is a $30 fee for the workshop. We will waive the fee for the workshop for owners of Minneapolis licensed rental properties (or conversions to rental) who are enrolled in our Action Alerts, an email crime alert system tailored to the needs of rental property owners. Luther will sign you up assuming you want to get these alerts, which are provided at no charge.

Luther Krueger, Crime Prevention Analyst
612-673-5371 + Luther.Krueger@MinneapolisMN.gov

Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association's crime and safety committee, in conjunction with their environmental and NRP committees, will be providing information for businesses, property owners, and renters in Lowry Hill East. Learn about loans provided by the neighborhood which will allow you to increase safety and security, and more.

This Crime and Safety Power Hour will be happening at March� in the Lime Apartments, 2904 Lyndale Av S, on Wednesday November 4 from 7-9 pm. The Crime Prevention Specialist for the area will be there at a table to provide information about home security and general safety in the neighborhood.