In January, the SCCA membership heard a presentation from 3rd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Shun Tillman and Crime Prevention Analyst Luther Krueger. The presenters discussed ways that businesses can improve their own safety, as well as contribute to the safety of the neighborhood. MPD relies on the network of block clubs across the city to promote safety.  The map below shows the current block club coverage in Seward. Shaded areas on the map still need a block club leader. Leaders receive emailed alerts whenever criminal activity occurs in a small radius of their address, and share the information with their neighbors. If you are in an area that is already represented, you can contact MPD to find out how to connect with your block’s leader. If you are on an unorganized block, you might consider whether you would like to serve the community in the block club leader role.

Block club leaders will have priority access to an upcoming crime prevention series: 2012 Spring Citizen’s Academy. The trainings are scheduled for Wednesday evenings from March 14 through May 16 and cover a variety of topics, including narcotics, juvenile crime, use of force, and crime analysis. A mini-series of four classes of the ten is also available for new block club leaders. Space is limited for the full series, so contact MPD soon if you are interested.
One final opportunity for Seward businesses is to invite the 3rd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist to do a Security Survey of your space. Officer Tillman is available to do a walk through of your business and suggest ways to improve your security, including safe storage of employee valuables, use of security cameras, access control, and creating a safety plan.

For more information about block clubs, crime alerts, or to set up a Security Survey contact Shun Tillman at 612-673-2846 or shun.tillman@minneapolismn.gov

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