ONS Podcast - Episode 28 - Brooke Blakey
Monday, October 20, 2025
Alternative public safety initiatives
Transition of leadership in the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS)
Evolution of ONS programs from gun violence to broader social determinants
Collaboration between ONS and law enforcement
Mental health and burnout in community work
Challenges of operating within local government systems
Role of victim services and restorative justice
Statistics on homicides and non-fatal shooting clearances
Notable Quotes (3)
If we support each other in the work that we do, I think we can get some things done.
Inter-departmental collaborationDiscussing collaboration with the police chief.
I've been asked now to really dig deep into the quality of life, what's happening on our major corridors.
Scope expansionExplaining the broadening scope of ONS.
The biggest misconception is that we are there to replace the police and or that we are in lock step with the police.
Community perceptionsClarifying the role of ONS.
People (5)
Lana JacobsonHost
Interviewer of Director Blakey, ONS team member.
Brooke BlakeyDirector
Outgoing Director discussing her tenure and the evolution of ONS.
AntonStaff
Off-camera production assistant assisting with tissues.
Chris MichaelsStaff
Formerly at Catholic Charities, brought to ONS to lead unsheltered quality of life initiatives.
Mayor CarterMayor
Provided direction for the office and developed the ONS initiative.
Places Mentioned
Ramsey County Public Defenders OfficeSt. Paul
Events & Meetings (1)
- August 22nd, 2024: Recording of first ONS podcast episode