The Office of Community Safety is pleased to introduce Will Christenson as the new Director of Design and Implementation. In this role, Christenson will strategically shape and guide the City’s modern, more connected community safety system. His work will focus on designing, launching, and evaluating new programs that strengthen community safety work in prevention, response, and restoration efforts across Minneapolis.
Christenson brings more than a decade of public service experience from Hennepin County, where he held leadership roles in the County Attorney’s Office, County Administration, and Strategic Planning and Initiatives. He has led efforts to expand violence prevention initiatives, develop strategies rooted in data and performance measures, and coordinate responses to community crises, such as the opioid epidemic.
Christenson’s leadership will be key in advancing the City's community safety vision and carrying out the work of the Safe and Thriving Communities Report and Plan, which guides ongoing efforts in safety services focused on equity, coordination, and data-driven decision making. With his experience and commitment to public service, he will help ensure that Minneapolis continues to make steady progress in building a comprehensive, modern, and community-centered approach to safety.
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The Lake Street Safety Center is shifting its operating hours to give community members more consistent access to safety resources and support. Starting this week, the center is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the first Friday of each month, the safety center will close at 4 p.m.
Safety center resources
The Lake Street Safety Center serves as a collaborative space of government and community-based services and resources. It offers services including:
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K-12 school enrollment and education-related resources.
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Resources for victims or survivors of crimes.
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Help with safety concerns or resolving conflicts.
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Housing services, like rental help or rapid rehousing.
- Support recovering from substance use disorder.
- Resources for the area’s businesses and property owners, like help with graffiti issues, lighting concerns, and registering security cameras.
- Connections to social services and case managers.
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Free NARCAN and fentanyl test strips
Stop by during the new weekday hours to learn how the center can support you and your needs. Learn more on the City website.
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 Introducing OCS Stories
The Office of Community Safety has launched a new OCS Stories page to highlight the people, programs, and partnerships shaping a safer Minneapolis. The growing collection of stories shares personal and inside look at how the City is working to create a broader culture of safety.
Behind every community safety effort and initiative are the people making it happen. The new webpage shines a light on experiences, perspectives, and everyday contributions to community safety in Minneapolis. Visit the new webpage on the City website.
 Community Safety Ambassador Willie White shakes hands with a community member at Franklin Market, a halal meats grocery store.
It's a sweltering July summer afternoon on East Franklin Avenue, but that doesn't slow down Abdiweli Isse, Willie White, and Mudi Ali. Wearing their bright blue shirts with large, white letters that read "Community Safety Ambassadors" on the back, the team of three makes their way from storefront to storefront, checking in with local business owners.
The Community Safety Ambassadors are part of a new pilot program from the City of Minneapolis Neighborhood Safety Department. City leaders heard from community members and responded to the need by piloting the community-driven safety response. The pilot is first focusing on addressing safety needs along two historic and culturally rich communities: East Franklin Avenue and East Lake Street.
For community members, the impact is real. “The kids are able to play safely, we see less drugs, more togetherness,” said resident Morr’Quem Patton-Hobson. “It’s a beautiful thing—we need more of it.”
By building relationships and providing an approachable presence block by block, the Community Safety Ambassadors are helping to grow trust and strengthen the everyday safety of Minneapolis neighborhoods. Read the full story on the OCS Stories page.
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The Neighborhood Safety Department (NSD) is seeking proposals for a Blueprint Approved Institute Training and Technical Assistance Provider.
The Blueprint Approved Institute (BPAI) is a contracted NSD program that helps businesses and nonprofits build their skills in violence prevention or intervention work.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) invites qualified organizations to support community-based groups engaged in violence prevention by offering training, coaching, and capacity-building support.
Proposals are due Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. All applicants must apply through the City’s eSupplier Portal.
Learn more about the Blueprint Approved Institute. Click here to view the promotional flyer.
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The CSO program is a direct pathway to becoming a Minneapolis police officer with tuition-free opportunity to earn a law enforcement degree
We’re proud to share some exciting news—MPD now has 55 Community Service Officers (CSOs) serving across the city, the highest number in department history! And we’re not stopping there—more CSOs are expected to be hired this year. Additionally, seven interns are spending the summer with us, gaining valuable experience.
Choose Minneapolis and become a CSO:
- Free college tuition – your education is covered
- Earn while you learn – get paid while gaining real-world experience
- A career launchpad – a direct path to the MPD Academy and a high-paying public safety career
Attend the Aug. 25 Information Session
Ready to start your journey? MPD is hosting an information session about the CSO program and pathway to policing next week.
When: Monday, Aug. 25, 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Special Operations Center, 4119 Dupont Ave. N.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has been honored with the 2025 International Citizen Award, presented by the LaJune Thomas Lange International Leadership Institute.
The prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting understanding, cooperation, friendship and development across international and community boundaries.
Chief O’Hara was selected for his commitment to building meaningful relationships both in Minneapolis and beyond, as well as his efforts to foster trust and transparency in law enforcement.
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Last week, MPD 1st Precinct officers moved into a new home at 330 S. 12th St. The 1st Precinct serves downtown Minneapolis. The precinct covers the Mississippi River to the North and Northeast, Interstate 94 to the West and South and Plymouth Avenue North.
Residents are welcome to stop by the precinct to file a report, ask questions or simply say hello - we are always happy to visit with the community. Learn more about the 1st Precinct.
Remember: For emergencies, always call 9-1-1. Our dispatchers will make sure we respond with the right services.
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Neighbors across Minneapolis joined together this month to celebrate the city’s National Night Out events. Almost 1,200 official events had registered across the city.
Block parties and gatherings throughout the city connected community members with each other and with MPD officers, community service officers, Hennepin County social workers, Metro Transit PD, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department, Park Police, the Minneapolis Fire Department and City elected officials. Together they enjoyed a night of community, and of food, fun and conversation.
National Night Out promotes community policing and enhances relationships between residents and officers. The City of Minneapolis wants to thank the communities that participated, welcomed us and helped make the event a success.
Looking forward to next year, National Night Out – always the first Tuesday in August – falls on Aug. 4. Event registration opens April 1, 2026. Learn more about National Night Out on the City website.
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The Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) welcomed its newest class of cadets during a graduation ceremony at Minneapolis Southwest High School on Aug. 4. The 18 men and women completed an intense, three-month training program that taught them the cutting-edge skills Minneapolis firefighters need to save lives and protect property in the toughest situations imaginable.
 The 18 cadets have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, including:
- Two former U.S. military veterans
- Two former wildland firefighters
- Five cadets with family members who are firefighters, including four children of current or former Minneapolis Fire Department firefighters.
- Former teachers, carpenters, and engineers
The path to becoming an MFD firefighter is anything but easy. The demanding regimen is designed to prepare them for the real-world challenges they will face on the job. Watch the 2025 Fire Academy video and hear why they chose the Minneapolis Fire Department.
 The Minneapolis Fire Department stations recently added a new piece of equipment to their buildings – and it's not for putting out fires. It’s designed to improve the health and well-being of our firefighters.
Thanks to the Minneapolis Fire Foundation and five generous sponsors, firefighters at Stations 6, 7, 11, 14, and 17 now have access to new three-person infrared saunas. The saunas help firefighters to detoxify after fires and other incidents and take time to physically and emotionally de-stress. Plans are underway to equip the remaining firehouses with saunas. Read the full story on the OCS Stories page.
Keeping Minneapolis residents and visitors safe is a team effort. Beyond our first responders, did you know the City of Minneapolis has an Emergency Management Department (EMD) and Health Preparedness team that works behind-the-scenes every day? From helping community members prepare for emergencies to coordinating the City’s response when disaster strikes – EMD is at the center of keeping our City safe and resilient.
Their work includes:
- Coordinating disaster response and recovery
- Training and supporting City staff in emergency operations
- Partnering with county, state, federal, and community organizations
- Planning for large-scale events
- Leading coordination and emergency response during crises
In honor of National Emergency Management Awareness Month, we are proud to recognize the dedication and expertise of EMD and our Health Preparedness team. Their important work protects community members, keeping us prepared, responsive and able to recover quickly.
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Severe weather can happen quickly. Make sure you’re prepared by staying connected to alerts and knowing what to do when warnings are issued.
Ways to stay prepared
Remember, if you hear outdoor warning sirens:
- Take shelter immediately
- Sirens may mean tornadoes, severe winds, or large hail
- Stay inside and stay informed. If sirens stop, it does not mean it is safe yet.
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