Are you concerned about crime prevention in your neighborhood?
If so, we have a few questions for you . . .

• Did you know . . . that when neighbors work together, they have the power to reduce crime, improve safety, increase property values, and make their neighborhoods better, safer places for everyone?
• Did you know . . . . that between 1997 and 1999, serious crime has decreased by 33% in Phillips?
• Did you know . . . . that people can significantly reduce the amount of criminal activity in their communities just by reducing the amount of trash and litter in their yards, streets and alleys?
• Did you know that Phillips has its own citizen group, the Community Crime Prevention Initiative (CCPI), that meets every month to address crime and safety issues in the Phillips neighborhood?
• Most important--did you know that CCPI wants you to join us!?

CCPI is a group of Phillips residents Ð people just like you Ð who meet every month to review neighborhood crime statistics with the Minneapolis Police Department’s SAFE team, hold general discussions about issues of crime and safety, and plans activities to raise community awareness and reduce crime. Last year, CCPI developed a set of noise and trash standards that it distributed in the neighborhood. Along with local businesses, the group also held two successful trash pick-up campaigns Ð one on Earth Day and another in the fall Ð with free food and activities for all participants. CCPI members also took part as volunteer readers in the Summer JAAM, the summer program for at-risk youth organized by Urban Ventures.

CCPI, which was formed two years ago with the help of the Phillips Partnership, began by focusing its attention on the section of the neighborhood that includes the Phillips Partnership housing initiatives. This year, we have expanded CCPI’s target area to include all of West Phillips, and we need more Phillips neighborhood residents like you to join our efforts! After all, the reason CCPI works is because of its members Ð Phillips residents who care about reducing crime and want to do everything in their power to take back their streets and neighborhoods.

Join CCPI today! Meetings take place at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Members meet at Abbott Northwestern’s Massie Moos Education Building, 821 East 26th Street between Chicago and Elliot Avenues, over a pizza dinner provided courtesy of the hospital. Membership is open to all. To receive notices of our monthly meetings, please call Susie Helget at 612-344-1400.