The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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August 30, 2010

Our View: Night to unite is just right

The Free Press

— Tonight’s Night To Unite in Mankato takes on new importance.

Yes, there will be the traditional neighborhood cookouts and get-togethers that mark National Night Out, the program aimed at getting neighbors to get to know each other and to discuss strategies for making their neighborhood better and safer.

But the local event has a new focus on improving the so-called “town and gown” relationship between permanent residents and the thousands of students here to attend college.

It is also the kickoff of a community policing strategy, where police focus more on meeting with people to build relationships, address problems and head off problems before they occur. Community policing isn’t a new idea but it’s gaining focus under the city’s new public safety director, Todd Miller.

Committing the manpower to community policing during increasingly tight budgets is no easy endeavor. But the practice, when done right, invariably shows benefits.

Commanders and officers from police and fire are assigned to different segments of the city to get to know residents and to understand the unique needs of each area, as well as over-arching issues citywide.

Obviously the campus area, as well as the corridor downtown to the city’s entertainment district, is one key area of concern. Neighbors have for years had to deal with large numbers of young revelers heading home in the early hours of the morning.   

Mankato’s Night to Unite event was, in fact, moved from early August — when many cities participate — to tonight to coincide with the start of college classes.

The problems associated with too much drinking are obvious and have affected individuals and neighborhoods here for decades. Continuing to address those problems through education, law enforcement, community watches and campus policies is a project that requires ongoing attention.

Of course, it would be myopic to believe alcohol-related problems in the city are exclusive to college students. Alcohol- and drug-abuse are underlying issues in a host of community problems, from domestic abuse to other crimes and tragedies. The issues need to be dealt with on a community-wide basis.

As important as alcohol-related issues may be, there are many other problems that affect the daily quality of life of Mankato residents.

The city’s new community policing efforts will help in improving that quality of life. So will neighbors’ efforts to get out and get to know each other.  

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