Business Members Meet With St. Cloud Police

ST. CLOUD -- St. Cloud business owners may feel a little safer after speaking with police officials Tuesday morning.

A group of around 40 people were on-hand to hear a presentation from St. Cloud Community Service Officer John Justin.

The crime figures presented, show that incidents in St. Cloud are lower in nearly every category than other similar sized areas.

A total of 4,144 major crimes took place in St. Cloud in 2011. Justin says the numbers show the city is a safe place to live and do business.

One new addition highlighted, is a  website feature that will allow the general public to track where crime occurs on an online map.

Justin also notes that police can make the downtown area safer by working with business owners who have outdoor security cameras.

Following the presentation, members of the business community raised a series of questions on topics such as pedestrian safety and options for dealing with individuals who linger outside of their properties.

The event was sponsored by the St. Cloud Downtown Council.