Parkside West Block Club report

Jeff Smollar, chair of the Parkside West Block Club organization, says the rising issue of prostitution and drug activity in their community (particularly along 31st Street from Chicago to Bloomington) has got neighborhood residents working with the city attorney, Hennepin County probation officers, 3rd Precinct officers and judges to get these individuals off the streets. Smollar is taking pictures of prostitutes soliciting customers and this information is given to the appropriate authority when these individuals are going to trial, "We will also be watching these cases to make sure the judges are prosecuting these chronic offenders appropriately" he says.

Smollar wanted to remind residents to call 911 when they see something suspicious. "At a meeting at the precinct, it was stated that only 20 percent of 911 calls came from our area, not very high when you think of what is going on in the neighborhood. They are using the amount of calls from 911 to determine where to place the police officers. It is obvious we need more here. So call when you see the prostitutes or Johns or ... suspicious activity," Smollar said.

At their last meeting, the Parkside West Block Club identified some easy and simple things we can all do to help cut down on criminal activity;

•Light it up—turn on your porch lights! This is so easy to do and can help make a difference.
•Call 911—let police decide if the activity is suspicious or not... they want us to do this!
•Identify problem address-•Take .the long way home—ride around the neighborhood to do a "check"
take pictures of the cars, prostitutes, activity, and pass to either the neighborhood e-mail list or police (no names will be released).
•Coordinate observation times with your neighborhoods.
•Community court ride-along ( e-mail sent prior with info on program).
•Ask 911 for a reference number of the call so you can do a follow-up.
•Remember to be clear in the description of the individuals that are involved in the activity you are reporting
•Support the "dune a drink " bill. One dime from every drink will go to get counseling and rehab programs to help individuals in the prostitution/drug activity (Check Senator Linda Berglin or Representative Neva Walker's website for more information)
•Make observations obvious.
•Talk with your neighbors about what you are seeing or noticing.
•Any questions or problems, call your community crime prevention specialist at 673-5703.