Crime Prevention - Building cooperation between citizens and cops - Building cooperation between citizens and cops

 At a recent neighborhood meeting I was asked how Northside residents could show greater support for the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). One great way to show your support is to join the 4th Precinct Advisory Council (4PAC). 4PAC is a nonprofit community organization with representatives from nearly every corner of the 4th Precinct.
 Their goal is to promote cooperation between the MPD and the community on law enforcement issues, crime prevention strategies, community problems and criminal justice issues. 4PAC educates citizens on their role in law enforcement and the criminal justice system and works toward improving police services and citizen participation in crime prevention. 4PAC also provides a discussion forum for residents and businesses concerning crime and justice issues. 
 4PAC members also show their support for law enforcement through participation in projects and services for the precinct, recognizing the outstanding efforts of officers and civilians, and providing funding for special events, equipment and amenities for officers and precinct personnel. Each year, 4PAC also hosts a bar-b-que for 4th Precinct Officers.
 4PAC meets on the third Tuesday of each month in the 4th Precinct Community Room, 1925 Plymouth Ave. N. People are encouraged to arrive at 6:30 p.m. for an informal meet and greet. The meeting is called to order at 7 p.m. 
 Monthly meetings usually begin with a presentation by Precinct Commander Inspector Mike Martin (or his designee). Inspector Martin provides an update on precinct crime statistics, alerts, trends and other notable events in the precinct. 4PAC members have the opportunity to ask the Inspector questions and share their concerns or issues. This is followed by one of several guests who speak on a variety of police and criminal justice topics, including criminal prosecution, parole and probation, domestic abuse, restorative justice, problem properties and more. Upcoming presentations include the Citizen’s Police Academy, Minneapolis Public Housing and the Police Activities League. 
 To become a 4PAC member you need to live, work, worship or own property in the 4th Precinct and sign in at the meetings. Membership entitles you to vote on the committee’s business matters, run for and elect board members and officers, and serve on any 4PAC committees.
 The 4th Precinct Advisory Council offers residents many opportunities to support the men and women of the 4th Precinct, and provides a forum for education and discussion of a wide variety of law enforcement and criminal justice issues. Show your support for the officers of the 4th Precinct by joining 4PAC. For info visit www.4pac.org or email 4pacmpls@gmail.com.