The Community Engagement Division's work at the Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD) is guided by the strategic goals of the department: to diversify law enforcement personnel at all ranks, engage the community at historic levels, and reduce gun violence. The Step Forward activities build on each other each year, with outreach, youth services and recreational events creating opportunities for officers and residents to meet in an informal setting. These connections are used to foster the trust needed to invite residents to join more difficult conversations.
During the summer the SPPD partners with local businesses to host Safe Summer Nights (SSN). The SSN program is designed to provide opportunities for police officers to become acquainted with residents of the neighborhoods they serve over a meal rather than during times of trouble. Other programs to engage with Saint Paul youth include the Police Activities league (PAL), the Explorers Program and the Capital City Bike Cops for Kids program.
The Saint Paul Police Foundation (SPPF) plays an important role in our success, as members of our community. They help our department by supporting everything from our connections and outreach with the community to supporting important training and materials for our officers. When we support the SPPF we are directly contributing to programs that provide for our community members, like Shop with Cops, and wellness programs that help our employees live and function at their best. We are extremely grateful for the SPPF and the important programs they help support and provide.
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