Robbinsdale Crime Prevention Association Looking for Next Wave of Residents to Get Involved
Not many things stand the test of time, but an organization that acts as a bridge between the Robbinsdale community and its police department has for more than three decades.
Beginning in 1987, the Robbinsdale Crime Prevention Association was founded in the shadow of a tragedy.
“Because of where the shot entered, the bulletproof vest did not help. It was tragic,” said founding member, Colleen Patterson.
Officer John Scanlon was responding to a burglary on February 14, 1985.
“While he was in his car, calling in, the area had been cleared. The suspect was running. The suspect came up from behind him, and shot him while he was sitting in his car,” said Patterson.
He became the first and only Robbinsdale police officer killed in the line of duty.
Officer John Scanlon killed in the line of duty.
Once the suspect was located, the extra reward money for his arrest, was used to create the Robbinsdale Crime Prevention Association, according to Patterson.
“It just kind of culminated with a few of us citizens that wanted to see a difference, got together and got it going,” she said.
RCPA, a Partnership between Law Enforcement and the Public
Over the years, the group has helped the public bring their concerns to police.
“As police officers, we can’t be in every area of the city, so we rely on our citizens to be our eyes and ears,” said Robbinsdale Community Engagement Officer Nichole Saba.
RCPA has also used their presence at community events to educate the public about safety.
“You are not going to stop crime, but you can certainly slow it down,” said Patterson.
Leadership Volunteers Needed
Now the group needs the community’s help.
“I think in order to keep this association going, we need people that are willing to volunteer and give back to their community,” said Officer Saba.
The group needs a President, Vice Present, and Secretary.
“You want to feel like you are part of the community. You want to protect your community and this is a small way to do that,” said Patterson.
With more volunteers, Patterson hopes they can get back to where the group left off before the pandemic.
Something she says is needed more now than ever.
Colleen Patterson, RCPA Treasurer.
“What I’m seeing is things are going over to social media and we need to really get back to in person meetings and get to know people and not be quick to run out to social media and go, ‘What’s going on?’ and spread rumors and false information that way. When you’ve got 20 people commenting on something, it’s very easy for it to get out of control,” she said.
The Robbinsdale Crime Prevention Association is hoping to resume monthly, in-person meetings at the Public Safety Building beginning May 1st at 6:00 p.m.
The community is encouraged to attend.
