This fall, Uptown will get two additional resources to improve public safety.
City Ambassadors on Patrol
The first is the Uptown launch, planned for November, of the city’s Community Safety Ambassadors program. The program, which is funded in Uptown through December 2027, will put city employees trained in public engagement and conflict resolution on the streets, patrolling regular routes.
The ambassadors will provide safety escorts, wellness checks in public areas, connections to city services, help filing police reports, support for businesses and basic first aid.
After the program was announced in April, Monica Herrera, a senior public health specialist who will oversee it for the city met with area businesses and community members to get their input on priorities and on the best routes and times for the ambassadors to be on duty.
“ Stuff is still happening, particularly at night.”
Private Security for Uptown
The second new resource will be private security officers assigned to Uptown and funded by the Uptown Special Services District (SSD). Currently, the SSD uses tax money paid by Uptown businesses to provide snow removal, graffiti removal and general upkeep in the neighborhood. By adding private security to that list, the city will be expanding what the Uptown SSD does and putting more eyes on the street.
Judy Longbottom, owner of The UPS Store in Uptown, supports this new priority for the SSD. While acknowledging the improvement in public safety since the arrival of the 5th Precinct’s dedicated patrol, Longbottom said, “Stuff is still happening, particularly at night.”
Working Together
Both groups will coordinate with the Minneapolis Police Department’s 5th Precinct, Uptown businesses, neighbors, the Uptown Association, Uptown United and other community groups.
“ Crime numbers are down.”
Stefani Pennaz, executive director of the Uptown Association, welcomes the new resources. “The Uptown Association has seen what a huge difference the 5th Precinct’s dedicated patrol is making,” she said. “Crime numbers are down. We are excited about these new partnerships between the business community, the neighborhood, the city and the MPD to continue this progress in Uptown.”
Ellen van Iwaarden writes for the Hill & Lake Press. She lives in East Isles.
