Just as the face of communities continues to change and become more diverse, so do the strategies that police officers employ to reach out to our communities residents.

Following the guidance of the Columbia Heights City Council, the CHPD has continued to outreach to the Columbia Heights community, to include outreach that is targeted at the cities multi-cultural communities.   Police efforts to recognize and break down cultural barriers to police and community understanding began in October 2010 when Chief Nadeau, Captain Austin, and Officer Terry Nightingale met with some of the Monte Horeb Pentecostal congregation that meets at First Lutheran Church, 1555 40^th Avenue.  Many of the members voiced concern that they were being targeted by police because of their immigration status.  Some related through an interpreter that they’d had less than positive contacts with police.  Although most of the complaints about police conduct did not involve Columbia Heights police officers, some had been stopped by police and taken to jail for simple traffic violations.

A very successful congregation-wide meeting occurred January 2011.  Issues relating to the mission and goals of the police department, and how American policing differed from other countries were discussed, as well as the role that the entire community plays in reducing crime and violence.  “For most people perception is reality, and we need to make sure that we have a dialogue will all of our community members that is respectful and ensures that accurate information is being exchanged” said Police Chief Scott Nadeau.  “Such understanding is a two-way street between police and community”.

The department has continued the dialogue by making connections with the Church of All Nations, 4301 Benjamin Street, and four officers spoke at a pot-luck dinner March 2011.  Fifty people representing the four ministries there attended as experiences were exchanged in a comfortable environment.  The head pastor, Jin Kim, was appreciative of the CHPD effort and wanted to continue with such dialog.

Police officials are also working with The Islamic Center of Minnesota, located at 41^st Ave and 7^th Street.  In November 2011, Captain Austin, Community Policing Officer Nightingale, Officer Beranek, Officer Huber, Community Service Officer Abdi Ahmed and CHPD Intern Abrahim Bility attended an open forum discussing police department initiatives and community concerns.

For more information on connecting with the CHPD, or to have a Police Officer speak with your group, contact Community Policing Coordinator Terry Nightingale at 763-706-8128.