Mpls. Police Watch For The Vulnerable In The Bitter Cold
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis Police officers are being asked to keep an eye out for people on the street who may not be dressed properly, or are in need of help.
"It doesn't take long in these sub-zero temperatures for people to get hurt," said First Precinct Inspector Medaria Arradondo.
He says one of his officers has even started to hand out blankets to those in need.
"Now our folks are directed, if you see people out there who look cold and not dressed properly, we have these blankets in our car and hand them out," Arradondo said.
And they are getting help from others, too.
"One of the things we've noticed is that parking lot security guards are watching, too, and will call us if they see someone in distress, and we will work to get them the care they need," he said.
Arradondo says they triage each person on the street, and they'll be sent to HCMC if they need medical attention.
If they need shelter, they will find them a safe and warm location.