Crime & Safety
Message From St. Louis Park Police Chief Mike Harcey
'As a police department, we will not interfere with anyone's right to free speech and assembly.'
May 30, 2020
St. Louis Park community:
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"The actions of the four Minneapolis Police Department officers involved in the death of St. Louis Park resident George Floyd were horrific and appalling to all of us at the St. Louis Park Police Department. We pride ourselves on our commitment to community-oriented policing and procedural justice to build trust with the community we serve. We value the sanctity of life and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
We know that for many in our community, the scenes from Minneapolis and St. Paul in the past several days have been deeply unsettling and frightening. Some activity has spilled over into our community and will likely continue to do so over the coming days.
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Over the past few days we have brought in additional staff to provide an increased police presence in the city to help monitor the safety of residents, visitors, businesses, public facilities and other property. We have been coordinating with other agencies in case more resources are needed to respond in our community and will continue to do so. These measures will continue for as long as necessary.
As a police department, we will not interfere with anyone’s right to free speech and assembly. We are committed to providing people with the space they need to demonstrate peacefully.
As law enforcement, our first obligation is to protect the sanctity of human life. That value will be upheld while at the same time we will not allow unlawful behavior or the destruction of property. That behavior threatens the safety of all residents and the stability of our community.
We need all of you to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid large groups or large police presence you may see. Follow the 8 p.m. curfew that’s been put in place through June 1. And if you see something, say something. Help us to protect our community. If you have questions or concerns, call the non-emergency number at 952.924.2618 or call 911 for emergencies."
Sincerely,
Mike Harcey
St. Louis Park Chief of Police
This press release was produced by the City St. Louis Park. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
