You've probably driven past that brick building on Nicollet Avenue and 31st Street without giving it a second thought. Or maybe you haven't. For a lot of people living in Southwest Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct is a place that carries a lot of weight, especially lately. It’s not just a station; it’s the nerve center for some of the city's most iconic—and busiest—neighborhoods like Uptown, Whittier, and Linden Hills.
Honestly, the 5th Precinct has been through the wringer.
When people talk about policing in the Twin Cities, they usually jump straight to the 3rd Precinct because of what happened in 2020. But the 5th has its own story. It's a mix of high-end retail in 50th & France and the late-night intensity of Lake and Lyndale. It covers a massive area—roughly from I-35W over to the western city limits and from I-94 down to 62. That is a lot of ground for one precinct to cover.
The Reality of Policing the Southwest Sector
The Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct isn't a monolith.
If you're hanging out near Bde Maka Ska on a Saturday, the vibe is totally different than if you're over by the Electric Fetus on 4th and Franklin. Officers here deal with a staggering variety of calls. One minute it’s a stolen Kia—which, let’s be real, has been a huge headache for the MPD for years—and the next it’s a noise complaint or a high-stakes welfare check.
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According to the City of Minneapolis crime dashboard, the 5th often sees high rates of property crime. It makes sense. It's an affluent area with a lot of density. Thieves go where the cars and the packages are. But there's also been a shift. Since 2020, staffing levels across the entire department have plummeted. You've likely seen the reports from Chief Brian O’Hara about the "critical" staffing shortages. In the 5th, this translates to longer response times for "Priority 2" and "Priority 3" calls. If someone broke into your garage yesterday, you might be waiting a while for a squad to show up. It’s frustrating. It’s the current reality.
The Post-2020 Shadow and the "Fortress" Vibe
Walking past the precinct today feels different than it did five years ago.
There's fencing. There’s reinforcement. After the unrest following George Floyd’s murder, the 5th Precinct became a flashpoint. Protesters gathered there frequently. It was targeted during the riots, though it didn't suffer the same fate as the 3rd. Still, the physical transformation of the building reflects a department that feels—rightly or wrongly—under siege.
Some neighbors hate the look. They say it feels like an occupying force rather than community policing. Others? They’re just glad the lights are still on. They want to know that if they call 911, someone is coming. This tension is basically the soul of the 5th Precinct right now. You have a community that is deeply progressive and vocal about police reform, yet also deeply concerned about the uptick in carjackings and retail theft. It's a weird, uncomfortable middle ground.
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Who is actually in charge?
Commanders at the 5th change every few years, but the goal usually stays the same: trying to balance "proactive" policing with a diminished workforce. They use things like "hot spot" policing, where they park squads in high-crime areas to deter people. You’ll see them a lot around the Hennepin and Lake area. Does it work? Some studies say yes, briefly. Others suggest it just moves the crime two blocks over.
The Staffing Crisis is Real
Let's look at the numbers for a sec. At its peak, MPD had nearly 900 officers. Now? It’s hovering way lower, sometimes effectively in the 500s when you factor in those on leave. The Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct feels this acutely because it has so many "entertainment districts."
When the bars let out in Uptown, you need a presence. If you only have four or five squads available for the whole precinct because two are tied up at a domestic call and another is processing a DUI, things get thin. Fast.
The city is trying to fix this with recruitment bonuses. You've probably seen the ads. $15,000 or more just to sign up. But it’s a tough sell. Being a cop in the 5th Precinct means you’re working in an environment where many residents are filming your every move. For some, that’s accountability. For others, it’s a reason to take a job in the suburbs like Edina or Minnetonka where the pay is similar but the stress is... well, different.
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Safety Tips and Navigating the Area
If you live in the 5th or you’re just visiting for a show at the Uptown Theater, you have to be smart. This isn't about fear; it's about the "new normal" in Minneapolis.
- Check the Crime Map: The Minneapolis Police Department has a public-facing dashboard. It's actually pretty good. You can filter by precinct and see exactly what’s happening on your block.
- The "Kia Boys" Factor: If you drive a Hyundai or a Kia, the 5th is a hotspot for thefts. Use a steering wheel lock. Seriously. Even if you think it’s a "nice" neighborhood.
- Engage with Court Watch: There are community groups in the 5th that follow criminal cases through the system. They want to make sure that if the police do make an arrest, the Hennepin County Attorney’s office follows through.
- Report Everything: Even if it takes three hours for an officer to show up, get a case number. It affects how the city allocates resources. If the 5th Precinct doesn't show high crime stats because people stop reporting, they’ll lose even more funding and officers.
What's Next for the 3101 Nicollet Avenue?
There’s always talk about moving or rebuilding, but for now, the 5th isn't going anywhere. It remains a focal point for the city’s struggle to redefine what public safety looks like. We’re seeing more "unarmed" responders now, too. The Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR) teams often handle mental health calls in the 5th, which takes some weight off the officers' shoulders. It’s a start.
The relationship between the Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct and the people it serves is still being rewritten. It’s messy. It’s complicated. But whether you’re a lifelong resident of Kingfield or a newcomer to an apartment on Lyndale, knowing how this precinct operates is part of living in the city.
Stay informed. Use the tools the city provides. Don't be afraid to attend the precinct advisory council meetings if you want your voice heard. They actually happen, and they're one of the few places where you can look the leadership in the eye and ask what they're doing about the drag racing on Lake Street or the package thieves in East Harriet.
Actionable Steps for Residents
- Sign up for MPD E-mail Alerts: Get direct updates on crime patterns and community meetings specific to the 5th Precinct.
- Utilize 311: Don't clog up 911 for non-emergencies like abandoned vehicles or graffiti. This helps the precinct prioritize actual life-safety issues.
- Know Your Neighborhood Representative: Every neighborhood in the 5th has a liaison. Find out who yours is and keep their contact info handy for recurring issues.
- Invest in Lighting: It sounds basic, but 5th Precinct officers constantly mention that well-lit alleys and porches are the biggest deterrents for the types of property crimes rampant in Southwest.
- Join the Precinct Advisory Council (PAC): These meetings are held monthly and provide a direct line to the Precinct Commander to discuss specific safety concerns.