Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jon Collins, 612-919-5918
May 4, 2017 (MINNEAPOLIS) – The Hennepin County
Sheriff’s Office announced its participation as an affiliate member in the New
York Police Department’s nationwide “Shield” program during a press conference
at today.
The Shield network leverages partnerships between law enforcement and private sector security for
information sharing, suspicious activity reporting, and crime prevention, while
also respecting and protecting the privacy rights of county residents.
“The Sheriff’s Office Shield network is a front-line
strategy for protecting residents against public safety threats both large and
small,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek. “The ability to quickly and
effectively share crime trend information with our private sector security
partners gives us another prevention tool to ensure the highest
level of safety and security for the residents of Hennepin County.”
The Shield network connects public-private partners for
information sharing among security organizations. Several other law enforcement
agencies around the country have adopted a Shield network of their own,
creating a national network for communicating national crime trends.
The Sheriff’s Office Shield network is part of the highly
effective NYPD Shield that consists of nearly 17,000 members at 6,800
organizations in all 50 states and 48 countries.
 "We are excited and thrilled to take part in the Shield
program being implemented in Hennepin County. Since opening in 1992, safety and security of our guests, tenants, and employees has always been a top priority
for us," said Spencer Fenton from the Mall of America Security Department.
"The Jewish community deeply appreciates the resources,
expertise, and concern that local, state, federal law enforcement have
committed to addressing anti-Semitic incident. To confront these continued
threats, partnerships between law enforcement and private sector security is
critical to enhancing safety," said Anthony Sussman from the Jewish Community Relations Council.
The Sheriff’s Office Shield network was launched last month.
If private sector security partners are interested in applying for membership,
they can do so by emailing info@hennepincountyshield.org.
Partner with us to fight crime
Tipsters are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office with
information concerning suspicious activities or the whereabouts of fugitives by
calling 1-888-988-TIPS.
Anonymous Tips
-
Submit
an online form
– which can be found at www.hennepinsheriff.org.
-
Text
us at 847 411
– begin your message with the keyword HCSOTip and then continue entering
your tip.
-
Download
an app for iPhone or android phones. The apps can be located by searching for
HCSOTip or Hennepin. Clicking on the app will bring up a tip form that you
fill to provide information.
Texting or using an app does NOT replace 911 and should
not be used in an emergency.
Suspicious Activity Reporting
-
If
you see something, say something – contact law enforcement if you see suspicious
behavior. Call 911 or use anonymous tip methods.
- Reports
should focus on behaviors and situations. A person's race, religion, or
ethnic background should not be the focus or basis for a report to law
enforcement.
Learn more by watching this video.
- HCSO -
Look for more news on
the Hennepin County Sheriff's website at http://www.hennepinsheriff.org.
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