MPD Update
by Community Safety Committee Chair & East Isles VP Shanti Mittra
In a new year and under new leadership, MPD is opening itself to citizens of the Fifth Precinct — first in a April 27th Community MSTAT meeting and second in a May 17th Open House.
MSTAT (modeled after NYC Comstat) is a weekly gathering of all five MPD precinct heads to summarize and review the week's crimes, status of investigations, emerging patterns, neighborhood hot spots, outcomes as well as applaud positive officer conduct. While much of this data is available on MPD's Crime Dashboard, the April 27th meeting provided citizens with an opportunity to see each Precinct head, various investigators and officers describe what they are encountering in our streets.
On a YTD basis, every type of crime is down except the one we've all seen in the headlines — auto thefts, almost 70% of which are related to Kia and Hyundais. The Precincts are handing out free steering-wheel locking devices ("clubs") and are encouraging anyone with these makes of cars to contact them for tips on theft prevention. The new Chief of Police, Brian O'Hara, notably called out how often they arrest the same juveniles and the shortage of officers, but did not point fingers or lay out demands. He plainly reported the state of the city and said MPD needs everyone's help in the battle to keep our streets safe. Special investigators focusing on sex trafficking and arson (recent mosque attacks) and Forensic investigators responsible for analyzing the large amounts of electronic data (video and computer) also reported.
Overall, attendees left with a greater appreciation of MPD's work and the real officers overseeing and doing this work each day.
Community MSTAT meetings are being hosted by Chief O'Hara in all five Precincts. The 5th Precinct Open House on May 17 is worth checking out too.
5th Precinct Open House
Wednesday, May 17 • 4–6 PM
3101 Nicollet Ave S