A unique approach to crime prevention in Brooklyn Park has led to reduced crime and better outcomes for at-risk youth.

The city’s crime intervention unit (CIU) is a community-focused program dedicated to guiding high-risk youth toward a positive future.

This crime intervention group has been on the ground for at least seven months, and they’re already seeing progress.

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In Brooklyn Park, you’ll find familiar faces in bright green sweatshirts in crime hotspots, showing there’s power in presence.

The group is part of the community intervention team launched in March.

Their goal is to connect, but not confront. They focus on checking in with businesses, talking with residents, and keeping young people on the right path.

“We have individuals who are lived experienced, but also educated. When you put those things together, you have what you need to make success,” LaTreasure Dickson, community intervention manager, said.

City data shows a 16% drop in crime this quarter in the top 20 areas the team visits most often.

At-risk youth are at the center of their mission.

“They’re needing those mentors. They’re needing that voice. They’re needing that person. They’re needing someone to look at them and say, ‘I see you and I hear you,” Dickson said. “It’s consistency. We show up when they don’t want us to show up. We show up when they think that we’re not going to show up.”

Brooklyn Park police sends referrals, and this team steps in. They follow up by offering resources that range from housing to a part-time job.

“They need a lot of support, and that’s why I’m here,” Khadija Frazier, youth and family intervention specialist, said. “My ‘why’ is changing the community and making sure that the youth can thrive successfully along with their families.”

City data shows 75% of the youth who engage with the team were not listed as suspects in any new police incidents afterward.

“They’re youth that need help and that want to have a successful life. They just need a little bit of good direction,” Frazier said.

Program leaders said the effort is partially funded by the city and supported through grants.

Leaders explained they’re hopeful the success will bring in more funding in the future.

For Related Stories: Brittney Ermon  Brooklyn Park  Crime