Cities across the nation that have made critical investments into key resources and initiatives based on community need, have learned that it is an essential component in changing the future of a city. Like other successful cities, Brooklyn Park and its police department have been investing in initiatives that are tailored to reduce crime and promote improvements in community livability. From the new Village Creek Community Police Station, the Neighborhood Action Program, The Joint Community Police Partnership, Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, and a newly developed team policing concept, our multidisciplinary approach will improve the quality of life of residents. City staff and residents are working hard to bring these various initiatives together in a cohesive and effective model for service delivery.
Please click here to view a chart that shows the activities of the Police Department engaging our youth.
Across the nation, cities and their residents are struggling with concerns about the economy, crime, and other issues that threaten the vitality and livability of their communities. Facing these same challenges, the City of Brooklyn Park has worked to develop new problem solving solutions that transcend traditional governmental business practices. In June of 2007, city leaders invested in a new crime fighting and quality of life improvement initiative called the Neighborhood Action Program. Seeking innovation and new efficiencies, the program has served as a catalyst for infusing problem solving strategies into the work product of all city departments and to enhance communication and collaboration with residents. Since its inception, a core principal of the effort has been to demonstrate that collaboration and the focused application of finite resources can exponentially increase our effectiveness.
As a result of this effort, a number of new crime fighting and quality of life improvement strategies have been developed and implemented. Just a few of these new strategies include:
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The development of data and information sharing processes to analyze and identify specific problem areas in the community.
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The formation of multi-department problem solving teams that focus on “hot spots” or problem individuals.
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Development and implementation of what is now recognized nationally, as a best practice to improve relationships between immigrant residents, the police, and city government.
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Increased information sharing with rental property owners to promote best business practices.
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Improved rental property regulations that promote good stewardship and increase city authority to revoke, suspend or deny a license for problem property owners.
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Focused code enforcement and building inspections in hot spot areas to improve the aesthetic and structural quality of single family homes.
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Improved information sharing with citizens. Citizens are able to work with specific staff members assigned to specific areas of the city.
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New methods to identify, track, and arrest repeat criminal offenders that victimize our citizens.
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Developing remedies to address vacant and foreclosed properties.
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Promoting community pride, enhanced civic engagement, improved information sharing, and teamwork through neighborhood identity. Existing crime watch groups will evolve into neighborhood level organizations that promote quality of life activities.
The Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) is a collaborative effort of the Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center; Hennepin County; and the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. The partnerships mission is to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement officers and multicultural residents of these cities. By building trust and communication between the police and community members, we will ultimately improve safety and livability of our communities.
To build better relations with multicultural communities, JCPP has three main strategies:
1) Improve the community members’ knowledge and understanding of police procedures and laws;
2) Improve police officers’ knowledge and understanding of the diverse cultural communities residing in their cities;
3) Provide more opportunities for positive interaction and two-way communication between police officers and community members.
A few features and accomplishments:
· The creation of the Police Community Liaison Unit.
· Multicultural cadets and community service officers have been hired to diversify the city’s police force.
· Police officers are provided practical information about multicultural residents living in Brooklyn Park.
· Creation of forums and opportunities for police and community to build relationships.
· Officers are provided with Spanish lessons.
· Community members come to small meetings – in their homes, churches, community centers and more -- to learn about laws and police procedures.
· Adults and youth attend academies to improve their understanding of police procedures and laws.
· Pamphlets and videos have been created and translated to help community members better understand police services and laws.
· The creation of the New Americans’ Academy-is a six-week class for adult community members – especially immigrants and refugees – who want to learn more about police procedures and laws. Sessions generally include information about such topics as traffic stops, when to call 911, alcohol and drugs, city code enforcement, domestic violence, and gangs.
- Creation of teen and youth academies are organized in collaboration with area elementary and high schools to provide children and youth with the opportunity to learn more about the police and the laws. Topics include such issues as Internet safety, bullying, illegal drugs, gangs, and dating violence.
- Community meetings and informational Q&A sessions with police officers are periodically held at community locations, including apartment complexes, churches, residents’ homes, and at English Language Learner (ELL) classes. Topics can be tailored to the needs and interest of the audience. Meetings can be as small as 15-20 people or as large as 300-plus people.
- The JCPP Multicultural Advisory Committee meets with police personnel on a monthly basis to discuss topics that are important to their communities. The meetings are an opportunity for two-way communication and to enhance mutual understanding between the police and the community. Committee membership is open to anyone interested in applying.
The Brooklyn Park Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (BPYVPI) emerged from a community concern about juvenile crime and victimization in Brooklyn Park. While juvenile crime and victimization is an issue in neighborhoods and schools across the city, evidence has shown a compelling need for immediate city and community action within an area known as the Zane Corridor.
Previous attempts in Brooklyn Park to develop or implement problem solving strategies that keep kids from participating in crime or from getting hurt by it, lacked the elements necessary for success. We believe now, that all of the essential elements needed for success to reduce juvenile crime and victimization are present. These elements include:
· A clear understanding of the scope of the problem
· The development of successful strategies and remedies
· An Improved organizational capacity to successfully implement best practices and problem solving strategies
· The Unequivocal support of city departments, leadership, and community groups
The core partnership that has taken responsibility for the development and implementation of this initiative are the Police and Recreation and Parks Departments. Both Departments believe that reducing youth violence and victimization cannot be accomplished through enforcement action alone. It must be accompanied by opportunities for safe recreation and personal development.
As part of a menu of strategies outlined in the BPYVPI, the city repurposed the Zanewood Recreation Center during the summer of 2009. The Center is now serving as the “bricks and mortar” through which the two departments and the community will deliver services to include:
- Community and problem oriented policing and crime prevention services.
- Recreation and youth development programs
- A safe and positive environment for kids and teens
- Outreach, service, and youth mentoring opportunities delivered by committed and competent community partners.
- Teen employment opportunities
Please click here to view a Cookbook that was published during the Summer of 2010 during some of the Cooking classes that were held for youth!
