MPR News and the Post-Bulletin Present "Fact and Fears About Public Safety in Rochester" Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Mayo Civic Center Ballroom

Jan 24, 2011

Admission is free and the public is invited to attend

WHAT: MPR News and the Post-Bulletin are hosting a community conversation about public safety in Rochester. As the community grows larger and more diverse, a perception persists that crime is on the rise too. But what do statistics tell us? What do residents say? And what's the opinion of community leaders who have experience with both the perception and the reality of crime in Rochester? This community conversation will separate fact from fiction. Host Kate Smith will call upon neighbors and leaders to share their stories in an event that is sure to inform and inspire.

"Fact and Fears" is the second in a series of statewide events to be hosted by MPR News. The events are collaborations between MPR News and greater Minnesota news organizations to explore local issues, and are made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. "Fact and Fears about Public Safety in Rochester" is co-sponsored by The Post-Bulletin.

"The Post-Bulletin is eager to work with MPR News on this urgent issue," says editor Jay Furst. "The event is intended to point the way to a better understanding about crime and dispel some persistent myths."

"The Post-Bulletin knows its community, and will draw on decades of crime reporting to inform its coverage," says Chris Worthington, managing director, MPR News. "We're looking forward to hearing a variety of perspectives on public safety from Rochester residents."

Both media organizations will be doing in-depth reports on crime and public safety in the days before the event.

WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 1. Free pre-event reception begins at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Mayo Civic Center Grand Ballroom, 30 Civic Center Drive SE. Parking is free at downtown ramps after 5:00 p.m.

TICKETS: Admission is free, but RSVP is requested by going to mprnews.org/rochester.