Beyond Neighborhood Watch: Oakdale Police Plan ‘Your Homeland Security’ Event

The Oakdale Police Department is hosting an upcoming community meeting about residents’ role in reporting suspicious activity.

The “Your Homeland Security: Beyond Neighborhood Watch” meeting is set for 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Oakdale City Hall.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Emergency Management division of the state Department of Public Safety are joining Oakdale police for the event. Officials will have a booth with information.

People are asked to RSVP by May 29. Contact Michelle Stark at michelle.stark@ci.oakdale.mn.us or 651-702-5204.

The event will include information on “asset monitoring,” the role of the police department and a success story video on reporting in Minnesota.

The program comes against the backdrop of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s new “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign.  

"Everyone has a role in keeping our communities safe,” DPS Commissioner Mona Dohman said in a statement. "'If You See Something, Say Something' is designed to make people more aware of their surroundings and help prevent crime and terrorism. Being aware and reporting anything suspicious is the best way for Minnesotans to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe."

From the DPS:

Minnesotans are asked to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity as part of a new Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) ad campaign. With several large gatherings planned in the Twin Cities this spring and summer, DPS reminds the public: “If You See Something, Say Something.”

DPS wants to raise awareness of suspicious activity and remind people how and when to report that activity. Local residents know better than anyone what is out of place and should call 911 if they see anything suspicious. Examples may include:

• Someone acting suspicious at entrances and exits of public buildings
• People entering a restricted area
• An unattended package

The campaign comes as the Boston Marathon bombing reinforced the importance of noticing your surroundings and reporting something out of the ordinary like an unattended package.

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our free newsletter