Block Patrol

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Block Patrol is a group of trained volunteers who:
• patrol the streets of Steven Square - Loring Heights observing activity in the neighborhood.
• are interested in coming together socially to meet other neighbors and to learn more about the neighborhood.
• want to reduce criminal activity in the neighborhood.
• act as an extra set of eyes and ears for the police department.
• help organize residents as a preventive force to deter criminal and disruptive behavior.

Block Patrol is open to all individuals 18 years and older. Prospective volunteers must complete an application, agree to follow the established guidelines, and attend a two-hour orientation session and patrol. Volunteers are asked to participate for at least two hours per month. To join Block Patrol, contact Dave at (612) 874-2840 or

Participating in Block Patrol is a great way to get to know people in the neighborhood and to find out what’s happening here. Block Patrol plays a role at all major neighborhood events and reports monthly to the Safety Committee. Managed entirely by volunteers, Block Patrol has been continuously active since 1991, and is the longest-running and most successful citizens’ walking patrol in Minneapolis.

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Community Standards

“We the people of Stevens Square-Loring Heights have the right to, and recognize our collective responsibility to foster, a neighborhood that is safe, clean, respectful and friendly.”

SSCO Safety Strategy

Stevens Square Community Organization (SSCO) has in place a comprehensive and proactive safety and crime prevention program that works successfully with law enforcement to reduce and prevent crime by bringing to the table significant volunteer involvement and staff expertise.  SSCO has the longest active Block Patrol in the city, which has been highly effective.  Block Patrol is a way for residents to communicate with the organization regarding concerns, and a way for the organization to connect with residents to promote safety in the neighborhood.

Building Safety Improvement Program

The Stevens Square-Loring Heights NRP Building Safety Improvement Program aims to support property owners and tenants in their efforts to increase the safety of the neighborhood through improvements to their buildings and environs. This program was formerly known as the Lighting and Fencing Program, but has been expanded to include other safety-related improvements, as described in the guidelines. It is funded in full by the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program in conjunction with the priorities of the members of the Stevens Square-Loring Heights neighborhood, and is implemented with the support of the 5th Precinct SAFE Unit.

I you are interested in applying for a safety grant, please contact SSCO’s Safety Coordinator at (612) 874-2840.

Safety Resources

Here are a few useful links to local and state safety-related sites.

Restorative Justice Community Action

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Fire Safety Meeting for Residents of Apartment Buildings and Condos

Please join us on Tuesday, May 8th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Church (1900 Nicollet Ave - use the Lasalle Ave entrance).

Learn how to keep yourself and you neighbors safe. Topics will include the recent fire at 137 East 17th St, preventing fires in multi-unit buildings, evacuation plans, fire inspection procedures, and renters insurance. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

City Council Member Robert Lilligren will facilitate the meeting. Presenters will include Minneapolis Fire Department staff and a member of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association. Co-sponsored by Mint Properties, Stevens Community Apartments, The Apartment Shop, Kleinman Realty, Copenhagen Enterprises and Rand Management.

Please call 612-874-2840 with questions.

May 21 Clean Sweep

Don't talk trash . . . pick it up!

SSCO's Spring Clean Sweep is set for:

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to noon.  Meet at Stevens Square Park, East 18th St & 2nd Ave South.

Compete for the prize (an Electric Fetus gift card) for finding the most unusual piece of trash!

May 26 work day at the Overlook Gardens

Saturday May 26th at the Overlook Gardens on 17th street between 2nd and Stevens: We will be meeting at 10:30 a.m. Come be part of the native habitat garden we have been installing. We need volunteers to help clean and add some more plants.

Brought to you by Stevens Square Community Organization and Minneapolis Park Board.

Contact Robert Skafte for questions:
or 612 750 3779

June 9 SSCO Annual Meeting

Stevens Square Community Organization's annual meeting is set for:

Saturday, June 9, 2012
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., the meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.
Plymouth Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave.
(Use the LaSalle Ave entrance.)

On the agenda:

Election of Board officers and directors: chair, secretary, and four at-large directors.
Updates from committee co-chairs on SSCO activities.
Reports from public officials.

Eligible voters include anyone 16 years of age or older who lives, owns property, or is employed (up to two employees per business) in the Stevens Square-Loring Heights neighborhood. Please bring a form of identification verifying that you are eligible to vote, such as a current Minnesota driver's license or identification card, utility statement, lease agreement, state or county tax statement, a pay stub showing employment in the neighborhood, or an eligible voter to vouch for you.

For more information, call SSCO at (612) 874-2840.