Unsafe Conditions: Rochester, MN Police Cancel Safe City Nights

Safe City Nights is a series of neighborhood parties hosted by the Rochester, Minnesota Police Department. The summer events started in 2019 with the goal of building a stronger connection between the community and the police.

RPD has already hosted five get-togethers this summer, but the sixth and final Safe City Nights event scheduled for Tuesday, August 22nd has been canceled due to unsafe conditions. Read the cancellation notice below.

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Police Chief Jim Franklin said police officers look forward to meeting residents during these events and the relationships formed can help make the community a safe place.

We really value the opportunity to engage with people of all ages in all areas of the City. Relationship-building initiatives like Safe City Nights are a key part of community policing, which focuses on working collaboratively to solve problems and enhance public safety.

These neighborhood parties included free food, games, activities, and entertainment.

Rochester Police Department photo

Several organizations have joined the Police Department for Safe City Nights events including the Rochester Fire Department, Olmsted Co. Sheriff's Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, and Rochester Public Utilities.

Rochester Cancels Safe City Nights Event

The Safe City Nights event scheduled for Tuesday, August 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Watson Field has been canceled due to unsafe conditions.

RPD sent a press release Monday morning explaining their decision:

Photo From City of Rochester Police Department Facebook Page

We are disappointed to share that the Safe City Nights event scheduled on Tuesday, August 22 at Watson Field has been canceled out of an abundance of caution due to the excessive heat warning and forecasted high heat index.

Chief Franklin shares, “Safe City Nights is a wonderful way to bring the Rochester community together, and we look forward to continuing the tradition in 2024.”