[0:00] Welcome to the ONS podcast with your [0:03] host Lana Jacobson. [0:06] >> Welcome back you guys. It's the ONS [0:08] podcast. ONS stands for Office of [0:10] Neighborhood Safety. I'm your host, Lana [0:12] Jacobson, and I'm part of the ONS team. [0:15] This podcast was created for departments [0:17] like ours and community organizations to [0:19] come on and talk about our services. All [0:22] of our episodes are about connecting you [0:23] to alternative public safety measures, [0:25] programs, and your local growth and [0:27] healing opportunities. [0:29] And again, good morning or afternoon or [0:32] evening, whenever you're watching or [0:33] listening. Today, we are connecting with [0:36] ONS director Blakey. Welcome, Brooke. [0:38] Hi, Lana. [0:41] >> As a reminder, Brooke Blakey is a [0:43] Northwestern graduate who studied at Law [0:45] Enforcement Executive Development [0:47] Association, better known as FBI LITA, [0:50] and Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal [0:52] Apprehension, the BCA. Brooke has an [0:55] undergraduate degree in child psychology [0:57] and criminology from the university and [1:00] once served in Ramsey County Public [1:02] Defenders Office. [1:05] >> Yes. It was the best job ever. [1:07] >> Besides this one [1:08] >> at Ramsey County, [1:09] >> I love my PD friends. [1:10] >> Really? [1:11] >> I do. But I get to tell people I got [1:13] paid to be nosy all day long. It was the [1:15] best job ever besides this one. I mean, [1:17] if I had to go back and choose a choose [1:20] jobs and rank them, I would definitely [1:22] say this is one, but that was two. Oh, [1:24] okay. We never talked about that, [1:25] >> man. Best job ever. [1:27] >> Okay. [1:29] On August 22nd, 2024, I recorded our [1:32] first episode of ONS podcast and one of [1:35] my guest was doc director Blakey. Our [1:38] office was 2 and 1/2 years old. I wrote [1:41] down cuz I think that's what time it [1:43] was, how long how old it was at the [1:46] time. And we were still building as we [1:48] were partnering with our public safety [1:50] partners to intercept violence. It's [1:53] been a little over three and a half [1:54] years as of today's date since we [1:57] started the department. Well, since life [1:59] came. [1:59] >> Yes. [1:59] >> Right. [2:00] >> Yes. [2:01] >> And um what a difference a year makes. [2:05] ONS has done so many things to change [2:08] the way we look at alternative public [2:09] safety initiatives. And we've done it [2:12] under the leadership of Director Blakey. [2:14] So, thank you. [2:15] >> Nothing but a team. We've been nothing [2:17] but an amazing team. For those of you [2:20] out here fighting the good fight with [2:21] us, you know that inside of this work, [2:24] it can sometimes [2:27] be draining mentally and you experience [2:29] burnout and you become tired. Um, loving [2:32] people can be exhausting. True. Caring [2:36] about community and trying to come up [2:37] with all the answers. Sometimes it does [2:40] take the wind out of your cape and you [2:43] have to replenish yourself and you do [2:45] this by taking a break sometimes. So, on [2:49] episode one, when I asked Director [2:51] Blakey, "Cape or no cape with your [2:53] superhero suit," she answered, "ed cape [2:56] because she is a fan of accessories." [2:59] But the truth is, and first of all, [3:01] we're going to be Johnson and Johnson. [3:02] We're there's no tears on this episode. [3:05] Okay. Johnson and Johnson. [3:07] >> Johnson and Johnson. Okay. [3:08] >> Um, the truth is Brooke answered Kate [3:11] because she is addicted to partnering [3:14] and problem solving. [3:15] >> Absolutely. And that's what I have [3:17] diagnosed her with. Um, she is the [3:20] person that wants to fix everything to [3:22] make the world a better place. She wants [3:24] to see progress. She wants to help [3:26] others. So, she jumps right in feet [3:28] first, superhero costume, cape and all, [3:31] but she never takes it off. [3:34] Now, [3:35] Batman shows up as Bruce Wayne, [3:39] Peter Parker, or Spider-Man shows up as [3:41] Peter Parker. Um, but Brooke always [3:44] shows up wholeheartedly as Brooke Blakey [3:49] 24 hours, 7 days a week. [3:52] >> B. [3:54] >> Yes. [3:55] >> Are you ready to take your cape off for [3:57] a little bit? [3:58] >> I am. It is. Um, it's bittersweet. [4:02] >> Yeah. [4:02] >> No Johnson and Johnson. It's bitter and [4:04] sweet, but um I'm going to take it off [4:09] and pass it to my team. So, as you talk [4:13] about superheroes, every superhero has a [4:17] cast with them. Batman had Robin, [4:20] Superman had Lois, [4:24] >> all of those people. So really what I'm [4:26] doing is I am saying that um my team who [4:30] has kept the [4:33] my ability to be that superhero I'm [4:36] passing that cape on to them. [4:40] And so um as I sit down and take a [4:44] breath [4:46] >> I know that I am leaving my cape in very [4:49] amazing hands. So, this Johnson and [4:51] Johnson thing is going to be super hard, [4:53] Lana, because [4:55] >> as you know, No, it's okay. As you know, [4:57] I am just very passionate about the work [5:00] >> that part [5:01] >> and about the people that I work with. [5:04] >> Yeah. [5:04] >> Cuz they make it they make it fun. Like, [5:06] I'm loving this podcast. This was one of [5:09] the things that you were like, I want to [5:10] do this. And I was like, absolutely, [5:12] Lana. You have the voice for it. You [5:15] have the face for it. And [5:20] as we're being videoed for this one. But [5:22] also, um, you have the brains that go [5:25] with it. And so, as one of my first [5:28] hires, [5:29] >> Yeah. [5:29] >> cuz unbeknownst to this, you are my [5:30] first hire. [5:32] >> Yeah. [5:33] >> It is one of those things that um I'm [5:36] very proud of. And so, as we take off [5:39] those um capes [5:42] >> and have our Johnson and Johnson moment [5:44] because we are going to get through this [5:45] podcast. Um, [5:47] >> can we get some Kleenex? Anton, do you [5:52] cuz I got on way too much eye makeup. [5:55] I'm going to be sitting over here [5:56] looking like a raccoon. [6:00] >> Anton, at some point if I got to be on [6:03] camera, you got to be on camera. [6:05] >> He's like the hand from uh the Adams [6:08] family. It just brings tissues in and [6:10] all of that kind of stuff. Okay. [6:11] >> Okay. So, we're done with our Johnson [6:12] and Johnson moment. I will keep it [6:14] together from this point forward. But um [6:17] yes, the the cape I am passing on [6:20] because I have a cast of of superheroes. [6:23] So I have some Wonder Women. [6:25] >> Yeah, [6:26] >> some Wonder Woman. And then after a [6:28] while, we were like, let's add some [6:29] testosterone to to the mix. And so I [6:33] have some quiet Hulks in the room. [6:35] >> They are quiet. [6:36] >> They are because they're all quiet. [6:38] >> They are. But they are hawks. [6:39] >> Yeah, [6:40] >> they are. they do some of that most [6:41] heavy lifting in those spaces. And so, [6:45] um, I just I've been supported by a cast [6:47] of superheroes through all of this. So, [6:50] I feel confident in taking a rest [6:53] because I know I'm leaving it in good [6:54] hands. [6:56] >> How many hours of sleep do you think [6:57] you're going to get over the next few [6:59] weeks? Cuz that was another question I [7:00] had asked you. [7:02] >> Um, it's going to take some retraining. [7:04] I'm pretty sure I'm going to be up [7:05] looking at my phone like why is no one [7:08] calling me? And um it's going to be hard [7:12] to not be like, "Y'all, what's [7:14] happening?" [7:15] >> Um I have already shut off my my um [7:21] text message stream, so I'm not going to [7:23] get those. [7:24] >> Yeah. Cuz I was like, I got to do it [7:26] now. [7:27] >> Mhm. [7:27] >> Like wean me off, you know? It can't be [7:29] abrupt. [7:30] >> Little baby steps. [7:30] >> Little baby steps so you don't start [7:32] shaking. [7:32] >> Right. But um I I am looking forward to [7:35] a full night of sleep. I don't think [7:37] I've I've had one in 20 years. So, it's [7:41] going to be [7:42] >> it's going to be nice to just be like, [7:44] okay, I mean, my kid is at home. My mom [7:47] will be there. So, I'll just be like, [7:49] all the people that I need to be worried [7:50] about are in my space. [7:53] >> I have a scenario for you. [7:54] >> Okay. [7:55] >> It's 9:00 a.m. on Monday morning. [7:58] The house is quiet. Brillan is at a [8:01] sleepover at her cousins. [8:04] Aaliyah and Mini Donut are settled into [8:07] their new place. Miss Carolyn is in [8:10] Florida living her best life as usual. [8:12] [Music] [8:13] >> True. [8:15] >> It's just you, the walls, the quiet [8:17] house. What is the first thing you're [8:19] going to cook for breakfast for [8:21] yourself? [8:22] >> The first thing I'm going to cook is [8:24] some cinnamon toast with some peanut [8:26] butter on it. [8:28] >> And then I'm going to sit down and watch [8:29] the first 48. [8:31] >> No, you can't watch police shows. [8:36] Uh, [8:36] >> you can't watch Felic shows. [8:38] >> Actually, I'm probably going to watch [8:39] Mottown. Mottown. Um, Mtown of Magic. [8:43] It's actually a cartoon that I've fallen [8:45] in love with. [8:45] >> Okay. [8:46] >> Hanging out with Mini Donuts. So, [8:47] >> I was going to say, okay. [8:49] >> Followed up later by some first 48. [8:52] >> What uniform are you going to wear after [8:54] you take off your superhero suit? [8:57] >> Ooh, [8:59] I am in my knit life right now. So, I [9:02] think I'm going to have some monochromic [9:04] cuz you taught me well. Some monochromic [9:06] knit and of course my sneakers cuz that [9:08] that part ain't going to change. But, [9:11] um, yeah, I'm living in my my my knit [9:13] life. [9:13] >> I feel like it's something that happens [9:15] to us after 40. Like, we just want [9:18] Actually, you told me that [9:20] >> elastic waistband girl. [9:21] >> You told me that. I want to say it was [9:23] probably like 12 years ago. You came in [9:25] with some sneakers in on and you was [9:28] like and I had on heels and you saidm [9:30] you're going to get a certain age where [9:31] all you're going to want to wear is [9:32] sneakers [9:34] >> and that happened to me sneakers and [9:36] sweats. [9:37] >> Yeah. [9:38] >> Yeah. [9:38] >> I'm going to be a little bit more [9:39] sophisticated and get to that to that [9:41] knit. But [9:42] >> okay, I love it. Okay. So, one of the [9:46] questions I had prepared, but I think [9:47] you answered this already was, "Is your [9:49] cape going to become like my wedding [9:51] dress folded up in a box?" And you keep [9:54] thinking about how you should see if [9:55] someone can fit it or put it on eBay or [9:58] if you're going to pass it on. And you [9:59] said you're going to pass it on to your [10:00] team. [10:00] >> I'm going to pass it on to my team [10:02] because [10:03] >> it doesn't need to sit in a closet. I [10:05] mean, it it it's worn. [10:07] >> Yeah. [10:07] >> But it has some good soul with it. So I [10:09] I used to tell people um when they [10:12] talked about my dad and I was like um [10:14] I'm cut from the same cloth. [10:17] >> Yeah. [10:17] >> But I'm sewn a little differently. [10:19] >> Yeah. And so as I'm passing on that [10:21] cape, there's more people who can add to [10:24] it and can sew into things. And so [10:27] they're not me and I have no [10:28] expectations of them to be me, but it it [10:31] still has some room to grow. [10:33] >> Yeah. [10:34] >> And it has it has spaces and has some [10:36] patches that it can can heal and fix. [10:39] But yeah, no, passing it along [10:41] definitely cuz it it's got more work to [10:43] do, but I don't need to be the one doing [10:45] it. [10:46] >> Okay, first question. Um, so when I [10:50] recorded when we recorded together on [10:51] the first time, August 22nd, 2024, I had [10:55] you explained who we are at ONS. [10:59] Who we are has not changed, but our work [11:02] has evolved, taken on many more [11:03] projects, many more crisises, [11:06] and forming many more relationships. So [11:08] my question to you is, can you please [11:11] compare the beginning stages of our [11:12] office to where we are now? [11:16] So I think in the beginning we were [11:19] solely focused on gun violence. We had [11:22] gotten um our marching orders you know [11:26] from the mayor and from community about [11:28] reducing gun violence and carjackings [11:31] and and that tangible crime that they're [11:34] seeing every day. And so we just jumped [11:36] in head first into that and we were like [11:39] gun violence. We we talked to national [11:42] leaders. We looked at our data and we [11:44] were like, "This is where we're going to [11:45] start." So, we jumped right into um the [11:48] gun violence work and we were like, [11:49] "Okay, how do we impact that? How do we [11:52] make um a difference?" We were raw. We [11:55] were a small but nimble team. [11:58] >> And so, the that that was our first [12:01] thing. We just tackled gun violence and [12:02] we were like put our head down and we [12:04] were like, "Everything else will start [12:05] to fall into place if we start there." [12:08] And so um bought in um a small team and [12:11] was like I went out there and I was like [12:13] okay who's doing this but who also [12:15] understands that we have to still do it [12:18] with our law enforcement partnersh [12:21] >> because if you remember one of the [12:22] things that I said when I came and [12:24] talked to the mayor was um I'm not [12:27] interested in anything that's defund the [12:28] police because that's not helpful. I can [12:31] just I can be honest. So if we're not on [12:33] defund the police I think we can really [12:35] make a difference. And so, um, came in, [12:38] talked to the chief, and was like, "You [12:40] have a job to do, and I don't want to do [12:42] your job cuz I've been at your job." [12:45] >> Mhm. [12:45] >> I said, "But I have a different job, but [12:47] if we support each other in the work [12:49] that we do, I think we can get some [12:51] things done." And he was in agreeance. [12:53] Most people asked like, "What was the [12:55] biggest thing you thought?" And I was [12:56] like, "Most people would probably have [12:58] perceived police, but it wasn't the [12:59] police." And so it was really probably [13:01] more um [13:02] >> internal systems that are just not [13:05] accustomed to change. And so that was [13:08] probably the [13:08] >> the biggest thing. But gun violence is [13:10] where we just jumped right in. We were [13:11] like, "Look, this is what we doing. This [13:13] is how we're going to do it." And we [13:14] kind of left it in that space [13:16] >> and we just moved full steam ahead from [13:18] there. [13:19] >> And how does that compare to like where [13:22] we are now? Cuz I know we've got we've [13:24] got our hands in a lot, right? this [13:27] more. [13:27] >> I think now we've just expanded the lens [13:29] because what we found was we were very [13:32] pinpoint on gun violence, but then we [13:35] started to look at what was causing gun [13:37] violence and we saw those underlying [13:40] social determinants. So we saw housing [13:42] >> and quality housing cuz some people are [13:45] housed but the quality of the housing [13:48] and the affordability of it was an [13:50] issue. Then we started to see where [13:52] opioid and drug addiction and um those [13:55] things. Then we saw mental health [13:57] >> and what were those things? And so then [13:59] we also saw that there were a lot of [14:01] community partners that had been doing [14:03] the work but weren't getting supported. [14:05] Um didn't know how to formalize that [14:08] work. Um how to really um look at what [14:11] the data was telling us. Um we generally [14:14] follow rhetoric and so we were like all [14:16] these black males and d what we found [14:18] was that yes that's still a high [14:21] proportionate because that's what social [14:23] determinants are are focusing. But we [14:24] found education. We found young women [14:27] that were experiencing a ton of of [14:30] violence against each other. We would [14:32] all assume domestic violence, but we [14:35] found other things. So, our lens opened [14:37] and so we started to do just a lot of [14:39] different things. We were doing re-entry [14:41] because we were having um young folks [14:44] that were coming back from juvenile [14:46] correction [14:47] >> um back into that. we saw um our elderly [14:51] population that was just kind of being [14:53] left behind and we engaged in that and [14:55] then we had our we have our unsheltered [14:56] or poorly sheltered individuals that [14:59] have lots of needs and so um and really [15:03] became the fix it which makes sense cuz [15:06] I'm a fixer. So it was just the [15:08] opportunity to be like let me put my [15:09] hands in everything. So everything from [15:12] economic development to parks and wreck [15:14] to libraries to um housing to public [15:19] works. I mean we were doing copper. I [15:21] was getting you know bees nests out of [15:24] trees and [15:25] >> and putting up videos [15:26] >> and putting up videos. [15:27] >> True story. Literally ladder picture [15:30] book on a ladder with videos trying to [15:34] attach them to buildings and stuff. True [15:36] story. [15:37] >> Yeah. So, I mean, we got into we got [15:39] into everything. [15:40] >> Yeah. [15:41] >> Yeah. [15:41] >> Scott could use your help right now, [15:43] too, cuz that's what he's trying to do [15:44] at the house. [15:45] >> All righty. Well, you I got a ladder. [15:48] We've grown so much. As you know, [15:50] anytime you're creating or building [15:52] something new, there are bumps, bruises, [15:54] roadblocks, obstacles you have to climb [15:56] over, valleys you have to fly over. What [15:59] are some of the challenges and growing [16:01] pains that [16:04] you kind that we dealt with? Well, I [16:07] think the one of the biggest things is [16:10] >> um [16:11] >> operating in a local government system. [16:16] >> Um the realities of it is is local [16:18] government and government isn't going [16:20] anywhere. [16:20] >> And so it's super important to build [16:23] those relationships as well. So a lot of [16:26] the work we're like we're building [16:27] community and connection relationships [16:29] but building some of those internal um [16:31] relationships. and the number of times [16:34] people were like, "We're not sure what [16:35] you do and why do you do what it is that [16:36] you do?" And you're like, "Um, so let me [16:40] tell you about this." Yeah, I know it's [16:43] probably forestry, you know, but hey, we [16:46] we we need I need this thing moved [16:49] because this thing affects this thing [16:51] that affects this thing. So, um and just [16:55] um people realizing and setting up that [16:57] um when you're fixing all of the things [16:59] that you're fixing that it's just a [17:02] different it's a different thing. So, [17:04] that was one of the the first barriers [17:06] is just the um consistent constant um [17:10] having to explain our existence and why [17:12] we were there. Um I think eventually our [17:15] work started to speak for um itself and [17:19] people started calling us and was like [17:20] well um oh and that's this and oh and [17:23] that and I'm like okay [17:24] >> they were calling all the time [17:26] >> calling all the time and we were like we [17:28] got it well we got it with show up here. [17:30] Um so I think that that was that um [17:33] initial component of it. I think just um [17:37] the other barriers is just um people [17:40] want things immediately, [17:41] >> right? [17:42] >> And so I know that the mayor had put a [17:44] ton of money and effort into developing [17:47] the office, going through um the work [17:50] with the citizens league, coming up with [17:52] a a whole manuscript of ideas and um [17:57] people were like, "Okay, now you did it. [17:58] Now, now go." Right? And when you're [18:01] like, "Okay, I got to prove myself, but [18:03] also we want to do it right so that it [18:05] stays." And and so, um, one of the [18:08] biggest things that I learned is just [18:09] asking for grace and sometimes just [18:12] demanding it. I'm like, I know what you [18:14] want and I hear you loud and clear. [18:16] >> But it takes time. [18:17] >> But it takes time. If I do it right now, [18:20] I can do it half [18:23] >> and we're going to be back in the same [18:24] position. And so I reminded people, I [18:26] was like, "Hey, the police department [18:28] and the fire department have had over a [18:31] hundred years and they still get things [18:34] wrong and no one is like hurry up with [18:36] them." And so I wanted to have make sure [18:38] that ONS was given that same grace and [18:42] um ability to really um get a foothold [18:46] in and do the work. And so I mean I feel [18:49] like I'm seeing the progress there, the [18:51] foundation. Anytime you build a house, [18:53] you want to make sure it has a a strong [18:55] foundation or even I've talked about [18:57] you've heard me um calling it a race. I [18:59] figure I feel like we're in a a relay [19:01] race, right? [19:02] >> You got to have a strong lead right out [19:06] and we're just we're running that race. [19:08] you know, we're [19:11] passing the baton, but you got to have [19:12] that that first person out the the [19:14] blocks [19:16] >> has to be fast and get that lead. And [19:17] then, you know, that that second person [19:19] can kind of like let up just a little [19:22] bit, keep maintaining that lead. And [19:24] that third, you know, leg is coming. And [19:26] I feel like we're in the in in the third [19:28] leg of the race. We have really good we [19:30] got a really good lead and we've been [19:32] keeping it really strong in those first [19:35] three years. And now we're on the on the [19:36] third leg of that race. And I think um [19:38] we can't endzone dance, but we've had [19:40] some really super great successes um [19:43] that we can talk about, but it's a [19:45] marathon. It's not a sprint. [19:46] >> That's a good analogy. [19:49] One of the questions I asked you in our [19:50] first episode also was when you first [19:53] came on, what were the issues you knew [19:56] we needed to tackle first? But I think [19:58] that we kind of went over that with the [20:00] gun violence because that was one of the [20:02] things. But can you tell our audience [20:05] some of the things that we were tasked [20:06] with tackling after gun violence? [20:09] >> So after gun violence, we were asked to [20:12] tackle some of the unsheltered work. Um [20:16] Chris Michaels came in from Catholic [20:18] Charities to ONS. She was hanging out in [20:20] peed beforehand, but we were like this a [20:22] better space [20:23] >> for you for the work that we were seeing [20:25] with some of the quality of life um work [20:27] that was happening. And so Chris came [20:29] over to lead um that work. um Faith who [20:33] leads our GVI work is doing and is [20:36] continuing to do such an exemplary job [20:39] that we wanted to take the successes [20:41] that we had with GVI and see if we could [20:43] apply those same principles um to our [20:46] unsheltered quality of life work. And so [20:49] we've been asked now to really dig deep [20:51] into the quality of life, what's [20:53] happening on our major corridors and [20:56] folks that are experiencing opioid um [20:59] and substance use addiction as well as [21:01] mental health. And so we've been put [21:03] into that. Um we were doing some vict a [21:06] lot of victim services um components and [21:09] victim services for a lot of things, not [21:10] just gun violence, which is where we [21:12] started. Um, we've been helping families [21:14] that were affected by fire, folks that [21:16] were displaced by closing buildings. I [21:19] mean, so we have had our hands in [21:22] >> everything [21:23] >> in everything. And so, like I said, when [21:25] that lens opens, that aperture is big [21:27] and you start to see such a bigger [21:29] picture of things. And so, I think we [21:31] have been tasked with doing things [21:33] outside of um gun violence reduction. [21:36] And because we've been successful in [21:38] bringing down um gun violence, now we do [21:40] more things with schools and a lot more [21:43] of that upstream preventative work now [21:46] we're getting into. Um our goals not [21:48] guns obviously is yeah is is an amazing [21:53] um amazing component of the work that [21:55] we're seeing um done. And so we're just [21:57] like it's just expansive. And um I I I I [22:03] say we were the the pregnancy, [22:08] >> but now you're happy. [22:09] >> And now we are the toddler. Actually, [22:11] we're getting ready to go to [22:12] kindergarten [22:13] >> and everybody's like, "That baby's so [22:14] cute." Yes, exactly. We were a little [22:18] concerned in the beginning, you know, [22:20] when we all look at that newborn and be [22:21] like, "Look at their toes." [22:25] And now here we are and we're like, [22:27] "Yes, exactly. That baby is so cute. [22:29] Getting ready. [22:29] >> Baby is thriving. [22:30] >> Thriving. Getting ready to go to [22:31] kindergarten and probably has one of the [22:33] mayor's uh college saving funds as well. [22:37] Plug to the mayor. [22:38] >> Shout out to Mayor Carter. Community [22:42] first public safety is still a new idea [22:44] in how we deploy our public safety [22:47] response. Right. What is the biggest [22:50] misconception you've encountered under [22:52] your leadership about our approach that [22:55] people presume about our approach and [22:57] what do you want people to know instead? [22:59] >> I think the biggest misconception is [23:00] that we are there to replace the police [23:03] >> and or that we are in lock step with the [23:07] police. Okay. [23:08] >> And that um we're like they're they're [23:12] we snitch for them and things like that. [23:14] M [23:14] >> and I think the biggest thing is that [23:16] what we are talking about is just [23:19] community first public safety is [23:21] non-traditional public safety and what [23:23] we're saying is that the police have a [23:25] have a place in our space but there are [23:28] also alternatives [23:31] that are just as appropriate and um [23:35] logical and that it's team-based. they [23:38] are are colleagues in this work [23:40] >> y [23:41] >> and that they don't wake up in the [23:43] morning going I want to do this they are [23:46] like there's someone else better that [23:47] can do that and so if I can help you be [23:50] safe while you're doing that thing [23:52] absolutely but there are some people [23:54] that at the end of the day they need [23:56] that timeout [23:57] >> as you hear me talk about it's like a [23:58] child like there's some they keep [24:00] touching that fire and every once in a [24:01] while you need to one smack their hand [24:03] on occasion or you need to be like you [24:05] want a timeout like I told you, I've [24:08] showed you. [24:09] >> I've spanked your hand and I've warned [24:12] you and now you got to have a timeout. [24:13] And so there is a place for this work [24:17] and in that if we treat it in the same [24:20] just like we treat the fire department, [24:23] public works, parks and wreck ons and [24:26] the work that we do and the [24:27] non-traditional things is is is just [24:30] part of that whole package. It's on that [24:32] tool belt. And so we have to stop um [24:35] believing that it's something different [24:37] and that it's not worthy of being funded [24:39] or funded the same way. [24:42] >> Um and so those that's the biggest [24:44] misconception. And so really as we go [24:46] across um as we talk about our successes [24:50] and things like that like we have had [24:53] eight homicides [24:55] >> that is a 33% drop [24:59] >> and we've had a 73% [25:03] um clearance rate for the non-fatal [25:05] shootings. And a lot of people attribute [25:08] that to the police department, which I [25:09] do too because they're doing their work, [25:12] but we're working with them because [25:13] guess what? People are talking now [25:15] because they understand that we're [25:17] talking about safety. We're talking [25:18] about keeping the community safe. We're [25:20] talking about there not being these like [25:23] masks. Back in the day, somebody gets [25:24] shot and then what happens, right? You [25:26] get the police to come and everybody's [25:28] on everybody everybody's everything, [25:30] right? They're in everybody's business. [25:32] This is opportunity for us to come in as [25:34] people who live in the community, people [25:36] have experienced some of these things [25:38] and be able to talk to individuals and [25:40] be like, "Hey, [25:41] >> this is what's happening. This is why [25:43] it's happening. This is why you need to [25:45] tell and give information. It's not you [25:48] snitching on anybody or anything. It's [25:51] you actually keeping your community safe [25:52] because you're not bringing in this [25:54] swath of just um oppression and things [25:58] like that as people try to solve things, [26:00] but also we bring the ability to [26:02] translate what's happening [26:04] >> that part y [26:05] >> to people. It's like it's not, you know, [26:08] well, why they got to know that and is [26:09] my name going to show up here and why [26:10] you asking these questions? And I'm [26:12] like, you want the person who has harmed [26:14] you [26:16] to be held responsible. community is [26:18] saying, "Hey, we don't want this stuff [26:20] happening in our community." And [26:22] >> so with ONS being there and the work [26:24] that we're doing with Project Peace and [26:26] even the work that we're doing with [26:27] familiar faces and our unsheltered is [26:29] the ability to translate and connect [26:32] people to services and systems that [26:34] haven't changed in the times and are are [26:36] slowly getting there, but some are just [26:38] so deeply rooted in who we are as a [26:41] community, as a city, as a state, as a [26:44] country [26:45] >> that um the translation needs to happen. [26:48] So, I mean, I'm I I love to use the [26:50] inference of like the the baby. It's [26:52] like sometimes you need somebody to [26:54] translate that that goooo gaga like it [26:57] means something and only certain people [26:59] know what that that actually means. And [27:01] so, I feel ONS is like the master [27:03] translator. So, not only the fixer, but [27:05] a translator to all of the things and to [27:08] and the connector and we are the [27:10] >> we are the liaison. [27:11] >> Yep. To the to the work. [27:13] >> Name some other highlights. We talked [27:15] about gun violence being down. Um, [27:18] >> goals, not guns. Come on now. [27:20] >> I mean, we got three t-shirts with three [27:22] more to come. Yes. [27:23] >> We've got schools that are now like, [27:25] >> can we do that again? [27:26] >> Can we do that again? and and just were [27:28] like, "Oh, we didn't we didn't realize [27:30] that we had um a connection with um [27:33] World Youth Connect where we got um [27:36] there are young people in our community [27:38] now that are Harvard researchers that [27:41] have [27:43] >> that have a project that has been [27:46] published [27:47] >> and those young people were able to get [27:49] another $100,000 grant to continue to do [27:52] those work." That was in the support of [27:54] ONS supporting them in their grassroots. [27:56] We have, you know, hired and we had [27:59] young people that have, you know, [28:01] signed, you know, pledges to stay [28:03] gun-free. [28:05] >> Um, some that have been gun involved [28:06] before. [28:07] >> You know, those those are highlights I [28:10] go back to. Um, in our unsheltered work, [28:13] you know, we have um housed 35 hard to [28:17] house people in and Chris got a team of [28:21] three. And then of course I got to shout [28:23] out I got to shout out Faith and our GVI [28:25] work and those life coaches out there [28:28] that are [28:30] >> keeping the retaliation [28:32] >> which is why our gun violence is down [28:35] and we are connecting those young folks [28:37] and we are working with schools and [28:39] probation in ways that no one has ever [28:42] worked with them before and they are [28:44] coming to the table because we do what [28:47] we do, we say what we say and we stand [28:50] on those things and we we deliver we I [28:54] mean and it's a small but mighty team. [28:56] >> Yeah. [28:57] >> But those those are the things that have [28:59] kept community safe and no we don't [29:02] stand you know out front and be like hey [29:05] look at us because we also recognize [29:07] that as we're transforming these young [29:09] people that later on they're going to be [29:12] adults and there's no reason that [29:13] somebody can Google you and be like [29:15] >> was that you? [29:16] >> Yeah. And so I mean it and it just we're [29:19] being very conscious about how we [29:22] celebrate [29:23] >> that part, [29:24] >> those wins and and talk about it because [29:27] >> um it can sometimes get exploitive in [29:30] the quest to [29:33] have purpose. [29:34] >> And so I think sometimes explaining um [29:37] to community when they're like, "Well, [29:38] we didn't see." And I'm like, "Right, [29:40] cuz we don't need to tell you [29:41] everything, but you should feel a little [29:42] safer." I mean, young people are saying [29:45] they feel a little safer. [29:46] >> Um, I think the other thing is the [29:48] collaboration that, you know, we did [29:50] with, you know, transit and their [29:52] homeless action team. I'm give my [29:54] selfless plug um [29:57] >> to the homeless action team. But anyway, [29:59] just like the the stuff that we did on [30:01] the green corridor and just changing how [30:04] we engage. And then the works with parks [30:06] and wreck is one more thing that in [30:08] libraries that I'm super proud of is [30:09] that you know we recognize that they're [30:11] the public spaces, [30:12] >> right? [30:13] >> And and safety is a thing not only for [30:15] the people utilizing it but the staff [30:17] that's there. [30:18] >> Yeah. [30:18] >> And helping to provide some supports and [30:22] conversations and I there's still tons [30:24] and tons of room, you know, to grow with [30:26] that. So, I think about the work that [30:28] you did with the library specialists and [30:31] getting that information, the work the [30:32] NYSE did with um parks and wreck and [30:36] library and and getting those policies [30:38] and and conversations and and pieces [30:40] together. So, I mean, we've done a lot [30:44] in since 2022. [30:46] >> Yes. All under your leadership. [30:48] >> All pat yourself on the back a little [30:50] bit. [30:50] >> Just a titch, but it's but it's just a [30:52] thing. It's a it's a thing and it's um [30:56] I'm definitely proud. Um but it's [30:59] because I had an amazing team to do [31:02] that. I mean, and even the even the [31:04] folks that crunch the numbers. [31:06] >> Yeah. [31:06] >> This a shout out to Rachel. [31:08] >> She's my yang to my yang. [31:10] >> You know what I mean? So, um but [31:13] Shereice who, you know, make sure that [31:15] our office is running smoothly. to [31:18] Andrew that's over there cranking [31:20] numbers and and to the new folks that we [31:22] bought in, you know, I mean, it's just [31:24] like the the team is growing in the [31:26] spaces that we need and and some of the [31:29] team that has left. I mean, it's it it's [31:31] trial and error when you work with [31:33] people who've got lived experience and [31:35] things like that, you go, okay, we [31:37] thought this might have been a good fit, [31:39] >> but it's not. But what you did while you [31:41] were here was impactful, [31:43] >> that part. [31:43] >> Um, and so it it's just we're growing. [31:47] We're growing. [31:49] >> What are your aspirations for the Office [31:51] of Neighborhood Safety as we move [31:52] forward? And when you answer this, I [31:55] want you to imagine that the work of ONS [31:57] continues successful for a whole [31:59] generation and in 25 or 30 years, what [32:03] would St. Paul look like and feel like? [32:05] >> Well, first things first, it would [32:08] definitely be a standalone office. [32:10] >> Okay. [32:10] >> It would um it would hold its own. It [32:13] would be equated to a police department. [32:16] Mhm. [32:17] >> And so when you talk about [32:18] nontraditional public safety, ONS, it [32:20] would be the first thing like office [32:21] neighborhood safety, you know, it would [32:23] be it would be that it would um be [32:25] dispatched just like 911. [32:27] >> Yeah. [32:28] >> In those spaces. Um and it wouldn't be a [32:31] second thought. It wouldn't be talked [32:33] about as a program or a place or a [32:36] thing. It would just be naturally we [32:38] would be celebrating our 35th [32:41] anniversary just like we do the police [32:43] department. And you know, there'd be [32:45] pomp and circumstance about it and we'd [32:47] be telling stories about remember when [32:50] and [32:52] >> and those things. There would be, you [32:53] know, employees of the year and there [32:56] would be all of those different awards [32:57] that come with this. [32:58] >> Tables and tablecloths. [32:59] >> Yes. Round tables and tablecloths. [33:02] Exactly. Um and it would be something [33:04] that would just be the norm. [33:07] >> Yeah. [33:07] >> And so for me, that's the 35 year vision [33:11] of that. Um, I think for me the [33:14] short-term vision that I see is in the [33:18] next two to three years as we navigate [33:20] the troubled times that we're in that [33:22] um, it it becomes it a standalone [33:25] office. That's that's the golden thing. [33:27] I mean, I think we're one step there. We [33:29] have our own office which is a [33:31] legitimate office that has an elevator. [33:37] >> A kitchen that's already there. [33:39] >> Yes. own bathrooms, things like that. [33:42] Um, you know, as the kids say, we [33:44] started from the bottom, now we're here. [33:45] >> Now we're here. [33:46] >> Now we're here. Yes. And so, um, I think [33:49] that that was the natural progression. [33:51] And so, again, like I said, I see it [33:52] just being one of those things that when [33:54] cities talk about, um, their departments [33:56] and and what they have, just when they [33:58] talk about public works, ONS's, and um, [34:02] and libraries and parks and wreck, and [34:05] it would just it's a thing. It's just a [34:07] thing that every city has, but for the [34:09] city of St. Paul, um it will be the [34:12] legacy that I left that it's still there [34:15] >> and that it wasn't me dependent and that [34:18] it is just ingrained into the everyday [34:21] um fabric of what the city is. [34:24] >> Thank you. In closing, I want to say [34:27] thank you to you, Brooke. [34:30] Over the years that I've known Brooke, [34:32] she's always stretched herself. And when [34:35] you see her running here and running [34:36] there and everywhere to do all the [34:38] things public safety, a lot of times [34:40] Brooke has like 50 other things going on [34:45] with in her personal life for her [34:47] friends and family. Okay, now I'm not [34:49] going to h Okay, [34:54] I can honestly say I am the first person [34:57] to call me outside of work when I'm [35:00] going through my own personal crisis or [35:01] trauma situations. But then I'm also the [35:04] first person to tell her, "Broo, you [35:05] don't need to do that. [35:08] Let someone else handle that. You need [35:10] to go home and go to sleep." Um, Brooke [35:12] has pulled our office into many [35:14] different directions, challenging us to [35:16] think about how we do alternative public [35:18] safety, [35:20] and whether or not public safety just [35:22] belongs to police, fire, and EMT, or [35:25] does public safety belong to all of the [35:27] departments and subdivisions within the [35:28] city of St. Paul plus community? [35:32] What is our role outside of our role? [35:34] What is our position? [35:37] Outside of our position description, [35:40] what are we responsible for as a whole? [35:42] And what are we responsible for as an [35:44] individual? [35:46] The bottom line, St. Paul, is we are out [35:49] here working really hard to rehabilitate [35:51] and create safe spaces. With and without [35:55] director Blakey, we all have a job to do [35:58] as part of the machine to build safer [36:00] neighborhoods. [36:02] Again, this podcast is about being able [36:04] to connect you to alternative public [36:07] safety matters programs and your local [36:08] growth and healing opportunities. For [36:11] more information about the Office of [36:13] Neighborhood Safety or joining the NYSE, [36:15] check us out at staul.govs. [36:20] >> Thanks, Lana. [36:21] >> You're welcome.