PPT Slide
? Instant no-cost communication: Most businesses now have e-mail availability. This allows Downtown security personnel, property managers, residents, owners, and workers receive suspect photos or significant graphics files (which "lose nothing in the translation" to flyers and fax), significant meeting notices for MPD presentations or block clubs, and alerts of emerging crime patterns.
? Unlimited capacity: As of January 2001 there were over 1400 participants in the Downtown Command, vs. the DTC's fax machine with max. of 170 speed dial #s pre-programmed. The expense of printed flyers and the uncertainty of delivery of faxes is virtually eliminated.
? Flexibility: Can restrict alerts to types of businesses, level of management, or to a geographic area. We have not restricted it to crime alerts. On two occasions we have sent traffic advisories when an unusually large event during a workday brought thousands of extra vehicles Downtown.
Virtual Block Clubs: Organizing a Crime Watch via the Internet
Contact: Luther Krueger, CPS 612-673-2923 luther.krueger@ci.minneapolis.mn.us