3rd Ward News with Council Member Michael Rainville: Week of July 24
Message from Council Member Rainville
Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I want to update you on the report from the recently established Minneapolis Police Department Firearm Assault Shoot Team (FAST).
The FAST team was established to dedicate resources to investigate non-fatal shootings. St. Paul has a similar team and has had positive results. By focusing resources on non-fatal shootings, FAST has:
- Relieved the current workload for the MPD Homicide Unit.
- Reduced violent crime by thoroughly investigating non-fatal shootings and targeting repeat violent offenders.
- Mentored and trained new skilled investigators.
- Increased communication and collaboration in cross-county jurisdiction and the use of resources.
- Helped foster and enhance community trust and information sharing.
- Investigators are now responding to the scene as they would with a homicide, providing immediate and intensive investigative and victim/witness support.
What struck me during the presentation was the willingness of other law enforcement agencies to assist MPD. Members of the FAST include:
- MPD – (7) Officers, (1) Lieutenant
- BCA – (4) Agents
- Ramsey County SO – (1) Deputy
- Metro Transit PD – (1) Officer
- Bloomington PD – (3) Officers
- Multiple agencies involved in intelligence sharing
Last year Minneapolis had 310 shooting victims from 226 incidents. The partner agencies know that by helping Minneapolis solve these incidents, they will benefit as well. Over half of the 310 shooting victims lived outside of Minneapolis.
Not only do suburban communities benefit from solving these shootings, their officers receive valuable training from our investigators.
As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.
Your neighbor,
Michael
