This is a response I received from 3rd Precinct Inspector Sharon Lubinski on concerns raised over this issues list last week.
Jana L. Metge Hi, Jana. Thanks for passing along the comments below. If you would, please, forward my response to the senders, and the Minneapolis Issues group if you feel that is appropriate: The Third PCT, like the rest of the city, is experiencing a rise in crime so far in 2002. The biggest increase is in burglaries, mostly residential. We are keeping a close eye on narcotics trafficking.There are concerns that increased airport security would cause a rise in the cost of narcotics and more street violence. According to our 3rd PCT CRT (Community Response Team) led by LT Thomas and SGT Ron Stenerson, we have not seen an increase in drugs in 3's. The street drug trade is still going strong in many areas of the Precinct. In 2001 the Third Pct made over 1,200 narcotics arrests and we expect to keep up that high level of enforcement in 2002. When I took over as Precinct Commander in July of 2001 there were no beat cops at that time specifically assigned to Bloomington and Lake. I made a commitment, however, when I got to the Third PCT to rejuvenate the use of officers on bikes in the neighborhoods and along Lake Street and Franklin Avenue. We got a great boost from Phillips Weed and Seed Funds this Fall. We now have a couple more Police bicycles, repair space and equipment set-up in the Franklin Safety Center, and we are training more cops to do patrol on bikes. I am a firm believer of cops on bikes - they can cover tremendous distance on bikes, can ride up to drug dealers and nab them, and are more accessible to citizens while on a bike. As for SAFE, they are firmly a part of our department and our neighborhoods. Due to budget shortfalls we may not be able to do all the things we've done in the past, but the "heart" of SAFE is critical to reducing crime in the city. As a final comment, as people "hear" of things due to budget cuts, etc. I encourage them to check out the rumours directly with me on e-mail ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or call me directly at (612) 673-5786. We all can work better if we have accurate information, and I'd be happy to provide that. There are a few uncertainties right now, but we're are here at the 3rd PCT Precinct to do the best we can to help out. _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
