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OVERVIEW

Safety is one of the most important livability issues for Nokomis East residents.  Nokomis East suffers mostly from crimes against property:  burglaries, garage break-ins, car thefts, for example.  Our research shows that residents have a perception of danger that is not corroborated by crime statistics.  Although Nokomis East is relatively safe, we do not take this perception of danger lightly.  We will address the perception and reality of crime on three fronts.  First, by empowering people to prevent crime and by organizing neighbors to watch out for neighbors.  Second, by expanding our relationships with public safety officials.  Third, by collaborating with community programs and agencies to develop strategies and implement programs that address identified problems and seek their resolution.

OBJECTIVE #1: TO INCREASE BLOCK CLUB PARTICIPATION

Strategy #1: Recruit new block clubs and McGruff houses and re-energize inactive block clubs.  (First Step)

What:

Block clubs have been instrumental in reducing crime in Nokomis East.  There are 172 established block clubs in Nokomis East’s four neighborhoods:  Keewaydin (57), Minnehaha (59), Morris Park (20), and Wenonah (36).  Many blocks are without clubs and others need to be re-energized because they had inactive block club leaders and/or did not hold meetings.

How:

In partnership with CCP/SAFE, we continue to work toward establishing a block club on every block, identifying at least 25 new block clubs and securing more safe-houses for children.  During Spring/Summer ‘97/’98, we recruited volunteers to door-knock and flyer unorganized blocks.  Special attention was devoted to establishing “building clubs” for apartment buildings in the Bossen area where rental property is concentrated.  We have encouraged existing block clubs to get involved with the neighborhood association and broaden their scope to include community issues beyond topics related only to crime and safety.  An incentive is now in place through which NRP funds are providing free home security hardware (strike plates, double cylinder deadbolt locks, keyed locks for windows, hasps, padlocks, basement bars and motion detector lights) to folks who complete block club leader training.  In addition, a recognition event was held to re-energize block club leaders.

Partners: CCP/SAFE

NRP Resources First Step:

1997                             $2,340 ($900/First Step) + ($1,440 Plan Mod. #3)

Contract Manager:  CCP/SAFE changed to NRP

First Step Implementation Status: Contracted/In-Progress

Plan Modification #3:  Dated June 1, 1998, moved $1,080 from Safety, Goal 1, Objective 2, Strategy 3 (Sponsoring Safety Workshops – pg. 13) and $360 from Safety, Goal 1, Objective 3, Strategy 1 (Install Traffic Calming Devices – pg. 15) to Safety, Goal 1, Objective 1, Strategy 1 (Recruit New Block Clubs and McGruff Houses – pg. 11).  This modification allowed Nokomis East to provide security hardware to residents and sponsor a recognition event for block club leaders.

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Strategy #2: Establish Phone Tree (First Step)

What:

Reduce crime by creating a rapid-response communication network to alert residents about criminal activity and prevention methods.

How:

Our phone tree will enlist block club leaders to get messages out by multiplier effect – I call five of my neighbors, then each of them call five of their neighbors.  Before long, every block could be on alert when, for example, a rapist or car thief has been active in the neighborhood.  NRP funds will provide staff and computer resources for data-basing, publicity, and recruitment.  CCP/SAFE will provide us with information to disseminate.  Our phone tree will make block clubs more effective.

Partners: CCP/SAFE

NRP Resources First Step

1997                                $530 ($900 First Step) + ($370 Plan Mod. #1)

Contract Manager: CCP/SAFE

First Step Implementation Status: Not contracted/Under development

Plan Modification #1:  Dated April 1, 1998.  Moved $900 from Goal 1, Objective 2, Strategy 5 (Safety, Organize Tours of 911 – pg. 15) and $370 from Goal 1, Objective 1, Strategy 2 (Safety, Establish Phone Tree – pg. 11) to Goal 1, Objective 3, Strategy 2 (Safety, Hire Off-Duty Police – pg. 16).  The redirection was requested so that Nokomis East could match the hourly rate and maintain the number of patrol hours developed in the scope of services.

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OBJECTIVE #2: TO REDUCE CRIME AND EXPAND OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS

Strategy #1: Sponsor Police Athletic League Youth Teams (First Step)

What:

To increase recreational opportunities for youth by providing team sports at no cost to participants.  NENA is working towards involving up to 120 girls and boys (6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders) in structured athletics, coached and supervised by police officers and Police Explorers.  Mutual respect is being built between police and the kids they coach.  Youth are learning responsibility and sportsmanship.

How:

Through the support of NRP funding, the Police Athletic League was able to extend its program to serve Nokomis East.  A girls team and boys team was created for three sports [baseball (summer), volleyball or soccer (fall), basketball (winter)].  Coaching and supervision was provided by police officers and Police Explorers.  Police Explorers mobilized to recruit youth to play on the teams.  PAL provided two on-duty officers to coach for two hours per week.  We hired Police Explorers @ $10/hour for additional coaching ($10/hour x 2 hours of practices/week x 12 weeks x 3 sports x 2 teams = $1,440).  Teams practiced twice a week for two hours, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Minnehaha United Methodist Church donated its newly renovated gym for practices.  Kids walked to and from practice.  PAL provided transportation to games.  We paid for transportation home from games @ $1,260/total for van rental and $.30 for mileage.  We also paid for uniforms @ $15 per participant ($225 for a roster of 15 x 2 teams x 3 sports = $1,350).  Uniforms will be returned and retained in storage for future use.  PAL provided equipment, court rental and officials for games.

Through this program, NENA offered two seasons of baseball, softball, and volleyball.  There were 123 players in this program.

Partners: Police Athletic League, Police Explorers

NRP Resources First Step:

1997                                  $4,050

                       Uniforms:     $1,350

      Additional Coaching:    $1,440

 Transportation from games:  $1,260

Leveraged Resources: $7,560 ($1,260 per team) from Police Athletic League

                                      144 hours of on-duty police time

                                      Gym space from Minnehaha United Methodist Church

Contract Manager: Minneapolis Police Department

First Step Implementation Status: Contracted/In-progress

Full Plan:  Nokomis East will continue the intentions of this strategy in People Services, Goal 2, Objective 1, Strategy 7 (MFAC Youth Athletics).

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Strategy #2: Establish Community Substation (First Step/Full Plan)

What:

NENA rented and outfitted a community substation where residents are working toward building relationships with 3^rd precinct police, park police, our CCP/SAFE team, and city inspectors.  This space is also home-base for our Citizens Patrol and Citizen Inspectors.

How:

Our Safety Task Force received commitments from 3^rd Precinct Inspector, CCP/SAFE Civilian Crime Specialist Mary Etzioni, and City Inspectors Jose Cervantes and Ken Staloch, to utilize a Nokomis East substation.  Nokomis East has a deficit of vacant storefronts and the substation’s proximity to the NENA office has given it visibility and traffic.  The Police Explorers donated the labor to completely renovate the office space.  NRP funds provided space rental, remodeling supplies, furnishings, and telephone service.  A grand opening celebration was held on National Night Out to encourage residents to use and volunteer at the substation.  We are waiting for the 3^rd Precinct Police Department to install a lock for which all Minneapolis police officers have the key.  We are also developing training materials for substation volunteers.

Partners:                                            3^rd Precinct Police, CCP/SAFE, City Inspections, Edythe Bluske (landlord), Citizen Patrol, NENA residents

NRP Resources First Step:

1997                                      $4,500

Contract Manager: Minneapolis Police Department changed to NRP

First Step Implementation Status: Contracted/In-progress

Full Plan:  First Step work on this strategy is well underway and the substation is currently in use.  The neighborhood will continue its commitment to this strategy in the full plan.  It will be a place for agencies to exchange information, coordinate events, stop for phone calls and complete reports.  NENA has decided to combine Goal 1, Objective 2, Strategy 4 (Form and Outfit a Citizens Patrol) with this strategy in the Neighborhood Action Plan to maximize efficiency of implementation.  NRP funds dedicated to the sub-station will be used to lease office space, purchase office supplies, phone service, recruit volunteers to staff the sub-station, and publicize and promote the use of the sub-station.  NRP funds dedicated to the Citizen Patrol will be used to purchase necessary equipment and supplies, recruit volunteers, and publicize the existence of a Citizen Patrol.  The substation is located in the Keewaydin neighborhood but services the entire NENA community.  Funds for this strategy are interchangeable between the substation and stroll patrol.

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Strategy #3: Sponsor Safety Workshops (First Step)

What:

Sponsor five safety workshops held in Nokomis East to empower residents to protect themselves and their property.  This will counteract the perception of danger and feelings of isolation, victimization, and inability to act effectively or safely.

How:

Workshops will be taught locally by CCP/SAFE on personal safety, home security, automobile security, and safety for seniors.  Police Explorers will coordinate and help teach an additional workshop on gang activity and graffiti interpretation/removal.  NRP funds were to be used for printing and promotion of workshops for maximum participation by block club leaders and other residents.  Ads were to be purchased in the local newspaper.

Five workshops were held in Nokomis East [Personal Safety (April 29, 1997), Home Security (May 28, 1997), Automobile Security (September 25, 1997), Personal Safety for Seniors (October 7, 1997), and Graffiti/Gang Activity (July 9, 1998)].  Nokomis worked with CCP/SAFE to provide these workshops without the use of NRP funds.  NRP funds were redirected.

Partners:  CCP/SAFE, Police Explorers

NRP Resources First Step:

1997                       $0 ($1,080 First Step) – ($1,080 Plan Mod. #3)

Contract Manager:  CCP/SAFE

First Step Implementation Status:  Redirected – workshops are being conducted by CCP/SAFE without the use of NRP funding.

Plan Modification #3:  Moved $1,080 from Safety, Goal 1, Objective 2, Strategy 3 (Sponsor Safety Workshops – pg. 13) and $360 from Safety, Goal 1, Objective 3, Strategy 1 (Install Traffic Calming Devices – pg. 15) to Safety, Goal 1, Objective 1, Strategy 1 (Recruit New Block Clubs and McGruff Houses – pg. 11).  This modification allowed Nokomis East to provide security hardware to residents and sponsor a recognition event for block club leaders.

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Strategy #4: Form and Outfit a Citizens Patrol (First Step)

What:

NENA has developed and is maintaining a neighborhood patrol to build community and increase the safety of public areas.  Citizen patrols deter crime with their visible presence and serve as additional eyes for the police.

How:

NENA trained residents to report suspicious activity to police by using two-way radios, cellular phones, and the 911 network.  NENA also coordinated training in safe intervention and other appropriate areas, utilizing CCP/SAFE and the Lyndale and Jordan neighborhood models.  NRP funds provided cellular phones, air time, radios with microphones, uniforms, flashlights, recruitment publicity, and staff resources for organizing and monitoring.  NENA owns, maintains, and loans equipment to patrol volunteers.  We have applied for cellular phones donated by the Community Policing Consortium through its Communities on Phone Patrol (COPP) Program.

Partners: 911 network, 3^rd Precinct Police, CCP/SAFE

NRP Resources First Step:

1997                      $9,000

Leveraged Resources:  Cellular phones from Community Policing Consortium

Contract Manager: CCP/SAFE changed to NRP

First Step Implementation Status: Contracted/In-progress

Full Plan:  This strategy will be combined with Goal 1, Objective 2, Strategy 2 (Establish Community Substation) in the Full Plan.  First Step activity will continue as implemented during the First Step implementation phase.  Continuing activities for the Citizen Patrol will be conducted in conjunction with the substation activities.

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Strategy #5: Organize Tours of 911 (First Step)

What:

Coordinate and publicize monthly tours of 911 to educate residents about how emergency police, fire, and ambulance calls are handled.  Residents will be taught how to properly use 911 – for non-emergency as well as life-threatening crises.

How:

Tours are conducted at the 911 Command Station, where guests can observe 911 operators and learn correct utilization of the network.  Tours take 35-45 minutes and include a 13-minute video and time for questions.  Many residents are not aware that 911 can be used for non-emergency purposes; for example, to report curfew and truancy violations.  NRP funds will provide transportation, publicity and organizing for 12 tours serving up to 144 residents.  WE will encourage tours as a field trip for block clubs.  Tours will expand our relationship with public safety officials and make block clubs more effective.  Work continues on this strategy.  It was determined that this strategy could be accomplished without the use of NRP funds.  NRP funds were redirected.

Partners: 911 network, CCP/SAFE

NRP Resources First Step:

1997  $0 ($900 First Step) – ($900 Plan Mod. #1)

Leveraged Resources: One-time van transportation donated by Fairview Riverside

Contract Manager:  CCP/SAFE

First Step Implementation Status: Redirected

Plan Modification #1:  Dated April 1, 1998.  Moved $900 from Goal 1, Objective 2, Strategy 5 (Safety, Organize Tours of 911 – pg. 15) and $370 from Goal 1, Objective 1, Strategy 2 (Safety, Establish Phone Tree – pg. 11) to Goal 1, Objective 3, Strategy 2 (Safety, Hire Off-Duty Police – pg. 16).  The redirection was requested so that Nokomis East could match the hourly rate and maintain the number of patrol hours developed in the scope of services.

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Strategy #6: Implement the Recommendation for the Citizen’s Concerns Survey Conducted by CCP/SAFE (Full Plan)

What:

NENA and the Safety Task Force will work together to identify neighborhood issues and concerns on a regular basis.  Local public, private, and non-profit agencies/programs will be called upon to help develop strategies and implement programs that address identified problems and seek their resolution.  Programs may include but are not limited to:

•  Parenting series and parenting support group
•  Restorative Justice Program
•  Education, training and support around domestic violence
•  Graffiti information
•  Curfew information
•  Self-defense for children
•  Mentoring program
•  Police buy-back program

Additionally, NENA will look to identify neighborhood people who make a difference and will celebrate our communities efforts to solve their problems.

How:

As issues of concern arise, the Safety Task Force in conjunction with CCP/SAFE and other appropriate agencies will develop a specific action plan to address each particular issue.

Partners:  CCP/SAFE, 3^rd Precinct Police, Park Police, City inspections and other agencies as identified

NRP Resources Full NAP:     $74,500

1999                                      $14,900

2000                                      $14,900

2001                                      $14,900

2002                                      $14,900

2003                                      $14,900

Contract Manager:  NRP

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OBJECTIVE #3: IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN AND AUTOMOBILE SAFETY

Strategy #1: Install Traffic Calming Devices (First Step)

What:

Protect pedestrian and commuter safety at busy intersections and on long stretches of roadway where speeding is a problem.

How:

Public Works will be asked to evaluate traffic problems at the intersection of 34^th Avenue and 51^st Street in our commercial district.  A library, post office, convenience store, and supermarket draw much traffic to this intersection.  Traffic is particularly dangerous for children walking to the library.  The Park Board will be asked to evaluate traffic problems along Minnehaha Parkway near Nokomis Community Center where children play.  Funds permitting, residents have stated a preference for installation of stop or caution signs.

The NRP funds dedicated to this strategy are not able to impact the needs that exist.  Public Works will study and recommend solutions without the use of NRP funds.

Partners: Minneapolis Public Works

NRP Resources First Step:

1997                           $0 ($360 First Step) – ($360 Plan Mod. #3)

Contract Manager: Minneapolis Public Works

First Step Implementation Status: Redirected

Plan Modification #3:  Moved $1,080 from Safety, Goal 1, Objective 2, Strategy 3 (Sponsoring Safety Workshops – pg. 13) and $360 from Safety, Goal 1, Objective 3, Strategy 1 (Install Traffic Calming Devices – pg. 15)  to Safety, Goal 1, Objective 1, Strategy 1 (Recruit New Block Clubs and McGruff Houses – pg. 11).  This modification allowed Nokomis East to provide security hardware to residents and sponsor a recognition event for block club leaders.

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Strategy #2: Hire Off-Duty Police (First Step)

What:

This strategy paired residents with officers in police squads for a traffic enforcement ride-along program.

How:

NRP funds were used to hire police on a “buy-back beat” for 90 hours of police coverage from April 1, 1998 – September 16, 1998.  There were 25 ride-along citizen partners.  Busy intersections, stop signs, and long stretches of roadway were targeted and violators were ticketed.  Residents identified problem areas for the officers.  Squads were also available to monitor other crime-related issues.  Many police officers live in Nokomis East and expressed interest in the “buy-back beat”.  Increased police presence and ticketing are deterring speeding and creating safer streets.

Partners: Police officers working “buy-back beat”

NRP Resources First Step:

1997                 $3,250 ($2,250 First Step) + ($1,270 Plan Mod. #1)

Contract Manager:  Minneapolis Police Department

First Step Implementation Status: Contracted/Completed

Plan Modification #1:  Dated April 1, 1998.  Moved $900 from Goal 1, Objective 2, Strategy 5 (Safety, Organize Tours of 911 – pg. 15) and $370 from Goal 1, Objective 1, Strategy 2 (Safety, Establish Phone Tree – pg. 11) to Goal 1, Objective 3, Strategy 2 (Safety, Hire Off-Duty Police – pg. 16).  The redirection was requested so that Nokomis East could match the hourly rate and maintain the number of patrol hours developed in the scope of services.

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