Thread by @CrimeWatchMpls

Our followers are amazingly supportive. Thank you for being here.
This is difficult to ask, but we need your help. We’ve been telling you for weeks about organized efforts being waged against our network to silence & discredit us & cast aspersions on us.

Our detractors have existed since our launch 10 years ago. However, this effort has significantly ramped up since the May riots. In the past months, our follower base has grown & that reach is a threat to many who don’t want you to hear what we’re saying. bit.ly/3lhl3MA

There are many people and power structures in this city and state that have a vested interest in you not having crime information or knowing about the criminal system revolving door. Their varied reasons include: politics, economy, power, control, social movements, etc.

Just yesterday, we were attacked twice by groups and people trying to silence us. An “ACAB” page (police hate group) targeted us after we posted the PUBLIC INFORMATION booking records of people arrested (and subsequently charged) outside the 5th Precinct Wednesday night.

A second attack came from Tony Webster who thinks you should get your crime info from mainstream media and accounts that parrot mainstream media’s omissive and incomplete reporting that leaves the public in the dark about our failed system that creates more victims.

Webster accused us of fearmongering and not following up on posts. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In ten years, we have literally provided follow up on tens-of-thousands of our posts. We’ve filed hundreds of data practices requests for information and have done deep dives on reporting cases you’ve never heard about anywhere else.

We launched 10+ years ago BECAUSE of the dearth of information available from the city, police administration & media regarding crime & public safety. The people DESERVE info & it’s been our mission, since the beginning, to dig & provide it. Webster is a fearmongering liar.

We’ve often been first to report critical incidents that are crucial info for public safety. We were first to refute (with audio) the false rumor that police shot a man in DT Mpls on Aug. 26. We heard from people who said that gave them enough warning to get out of the area.

We were first to report the violent July filled with carjackings, assaults & thefts. ZERO media reported on it until we wrote about it with documentation. Several media contacted US & some subsequently used the info (without credit) when they finally reported days later.

WHAT WE NEED from our followers:
1/3
-We need you to vigorously share our page & posts. Comment on our posts & be vocal supporters of the info we provide. Message us with links & screen shots when you see our page being badmouthed or maligned.

2/3
-If you can research/access public records, we need help. If you can act as a confidential source to supply info, records checks, etc., we need help. In 10 years, our confidential sources have never been compromised. Our DMs are open.

3/3
-This a volunteer gig that is literally a full-time “job” we don’t get paid to do. In addition to time, there are also real costs involved that we absorb. If you value our work, your support through our Paypal tip jar or support through Patreon would be greatly appreciated.

Having to constantly defend against these unwarranted attacks is taking away valuable time and energy that we need in order to keep researching information to keep you informed, and we need your help pushing back.

In 10 years, we've resisted asking for anything from anyone, but we need help now so we can keep being your resource. If you can contribute help in another way or offer support outside of the above options, please message. Thank you again for being here and valuing what we do.

@threadreaderapp unroll please.

Here is a link to share this entire thread outside of Twitter: threadreaderapp.com/thread/1314658…