It will be interesting to determine once the people who did these are apprehended just how many arrest they each had prior to commiting these crimes. If people are wondering what they can do to help, they can send a check to East Phillips Improvement Coalition so they can expand the "off duty" policing hours. It's a tax write-off.
EPIC received a small grant from Allina Foundation to buy "off-duty" police. While the neighborhood has managed to use these funds for some coverage for a few months, they could certainly use more funds to expand the coverage. At the very least it sounds like they need to have solid police patrol coverage throughout the night. The off duty police augment the overtaxed police service already on patrol. It also allows the neighborhood to focus the coverage better.
You can also help by calling the Hennepin County judges and tell them to quit letting these people off with no consequences and your state legislator and asking them to pass legislation that limits the judges latitude in escaping the recommended sentencing guidelines.
Barb Lickness
Whittier
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed,
it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
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