MINNEAPOLIS — A new pilot program in Minneapolis is moving police away from traffic calls overnight, so they can focus on other types of calls.
Traffic Control, which already responds to parking problems during the day, is adding an overnight shift starting on Oct. 4. The hours will run from 11 p.m. through 7:30 a.m. Staff will respond to both urgent 911 calls and 311 parking-related complaints during those hours.
The pilot program hopes to free up time for the police, while improving services and response times on urgent parking complaints.
Previously both Traffic Control and Minneapolis police responded to all parking calls overnight.
If you need to report a parking-related complaint in Minneapolis, call 311 between 7 a.m. 7 p.m., or submit your complaint on the city's website.
According to information from the city, this service change is related to Minneapolis seeking alternatives to police response. It hopes to reduce administrative tasks for police and improve service experience for citizens.
Results of this pilot program will be assessed throughout the year.
More information about Minneapolis' alternatives to police response can be found here.