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Crime-prevention specialist introduced to the Apple Valley Police Department
Posted 3/2/01 by Brett Andersen
ìThis is definitely what I know best, suburban life,î said Walter, who is a six-year resident of Rosemount. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in sociology, an internship lead the Burnsville native to a job in crime prevention with the St. Paul Police Department. She left in the early í90s when her contract position was reclassified and she no longer met the minimum qualifications. After working in the court system for six years, she returned to crime prevention in St. Paul for a year before coming to Apple Valley. ìThe police are viewed a lot better here,î Walter said, adding she expects a smoother relationship with the community. As part of her position, Walter is in charge of organizing programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Operation ID, Business Watch and Crime Free Multi-housing. ìIím kind of a liaison between the community and the Police Department,î said Walter. She also organizes premise surveys, where they enter a home or business to identify vulnerable points. As part of prevention, Walter mentioned they often work with kids. Some of the events they plan to staff include ìbaby weekî at Walmart and the Fourth of July parade. ìWe have a few special projects that weíre working on ó pedestrian safety ó that weíre aiming toward elementary school-age children,î she said. Having been on the job for only about a month, all of the issues facing Apple Valley have not revealed themselves to her. She has been told ó and experienced ó most of the issues are, ìannoying type behavior people donít want to get accustomed too.î The goals of a prevention plan include dealing with those issues as well as preventing escalation into more dangerous offenses. Walter credited Monica Bogner for leaving her ìa pro gram thatís up and running on its own.î With an established program, Walter can concentrate on new issues and fresh angles for old issues. If you have concerns, comments or want more information on programs, call Pam Walter at 952-953-2700. ìIím just waiting to hear from the community to find out exactly what the problems are,î said Walter.
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