SCPD Safe Streets Initiative Leads to 29 Felony Arrests

(KNSI) – St. Cloud’s Safe Streets Initiative Task Force is yielding results after a little more than a week of extra enforcement.

The SCPD Community Response Team is leading the task force. It included the Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Morrison County Sheriff’s Offices, the Central Minnesota Violent Offenders Task Force and the Minnesota State Patrol.

The St. Cloud Police Department says since August 8th, officers from multiple agencies helped make 29 felony arrests and 54 other arrests. The task force also made more than 300 traffic stops, seized various amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine, took over 1,000 Percocet tablets off the streets, around $5000 in cash connected with illegal drugs and seized two handguns.

According to police, the Minnesota State Patrol has assisted in searching for fleeing suspects from the air with its helicopter and airplane.

According to a press release, the Safe Streets Initiative is a direct response to residents, property owners, and businesses asking for a greater police presence and enforcement in their neighborhoods. The enforcement is focused on areas where the most crime is occurring.

The Safe Streets Initiative will be underway for an undisclosed period. Officials say the task force can be reestablished when needed to help keep our neighborhoods safe.

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