by Erin Johnson
Thisweek Newspapers

The Eagan Police Department is about to launch a program called Footprints that will help keep residents informed of public safety issues in their own neighborhoods.

Footprints is a national program that will be implemented in Eagan within the next month, said Deputy Chief Jeff Johnson of the Eagan Police Department.

"One of the department's goals for 2006 was to increase information to the public and to get it out in a more timely manner," he said. "This is just another tool we'll have to get information out to people."

Officers on patrol will now carry stacks of card-sized sticky notes called Footprint cards that can be used to alert individual neighborhoods or residents to crimes, patterns or trends in the area.

The cards will allow officers to get information to the right people quickly without having to take the time and effort to print up fliers, Johnson said.

The cards will be useful for such incidents as the recent rash of thefts from garages in Eagan that occurred when garage doors were left open. Officers could use the Footprint cards to alert residents to the thefts, or if they see a garage door left open, to advise residents to keep their garage doors closed so they don't become victims themselves.

Police can also include descriptions of suspects and vehicles that were seen in the neighborhood so residents can keep an eye out or contact the police if they have any additional information.

"We're seeking to share information with residents as well as seeking to get information from them if there's any suspicious activity," Johnson said.

The cards will direct residents to the police section of the city's Web site, www.cityofeagan.com, which will have updated information and crime prevention tips. The Web site will also let residents know when an arrest has been made.

Erin Johnson is at eagan.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.