Among discussions was the initiative to embed social workers into the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center (MECC). This development aims to improve how emergency calls are handled, especially those involving mental health or social service challenges. The program, set to operate from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. five days a week, seeks to enhance emergency response by allowing 9-1-1 operators to triage calls and enable real-time social worker intervention. The integration of social workers is part of a broader effort to emulate successful models, such as Ramsey County’s Embedded Social Worker Program. The City Council has already approved a joint powers agreement for this initiative, which awaits review by the Hennepin County Board on March 11. The goal is for the social worker to begin responding to calls by August 2025, with necessary training and data collection systems in place by then.

Parallel to this, the committee discussed a pilot program aimed at shifting the responsibility for non-injury traffic collisions from the Minneapolis Police Department to a dedicated traffic control agency. This civilian response is designed to streamline the process, helping residents file reports and manage traffic incidents more efficiently. The pilot involves dispatching four to six traffic control agents in precincts 3 and 4, with operations set between 11:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The initiative aligns with the recommendations of the Safe and Thriving Communities report and aims to achieve a response rate of 65% in targeted areas. Stakeholders are refining the pilot’s design to support 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers effectively.

Another focal point was the juvenile deflection initiative, seeking to connect at-risk youth with restorative justice practices and mental health support, thereby preventing deeper involvement in the justice system. The initiative addresses the gap wherein youths who interact with law enforcement but lack chargeable offenses fail to access necessary support services. While preliminary research is underway, further progress is contingent on securing funding.

The meeting also highlighted updates on the Community Safety Ambassador pilot program, which focuses on fostering safety and trust in neighborhoods. Ambassadors will patrol cultural districts, offering safety escorts and referrals to social services. Community feedback underscores a pressing need for youth support during school commutes, prompting a focus on daytime patrols. A contract for these services has been approved, and effectiveness metrics will be implemented.

The committee explored the allocation of funds for community safety pilots. Although around $500,000 was earmarked for these efforts, the city recognized external funding opportunities, opting to conserve city funds as a contingency. Discussions on the logistical placement of these programs are ongoing, especially concerning juvenile diversion programs contracted outside the City Attorney’s Office.

A presentation on the Specific Cultural Corridor initiative revealed plans to pilot the program at two sites for effective design and outcome measurement. The committee expressed hope for expansion, should initial results prove successful, though concerns were noted about the limited six-month data collection window.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the integration of social workers within the Minneapolis Police Department and the new program, seeking clarity on their roles in 9-1-1 call responses. Uniform considerations for the Safety Ambassador program were discussed, emphasizing city branding to enhance community relations.

Concerns about the embedded social worker’s shift timings ending at 8:30 PM were raised, noting potential issues escalating later in the evening. The program’s pilot nature allows for scheduling adjustments based on evaluations.