Downtown is getting some extra patrols starting Memorial Day.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Department will begin the additional patrols as part of the annual summer SafeZone initiative that begins on Memorial Day and wraps up on Labor Day weekend.
Sheriff's deputies and law enforcement officers from the other partner agencies will walk the downtown beat in an effort to prevent crime and respond to public safety issues.
"I frequently hear from businesses owners and visitors who have had positive interactions with the law enforcement officers working the SafeZone initiative," Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek said in a statement. "I believe that our deputies — and all the men and women in uniform — contribute to creating a safer environment during the busiest months of the year for the downtown."
The SafeZone has been in place during summer since 2005. The patrols take place during the afternoon and evening hours.
STAFF REPORT
