Muslim outreach group receives more federal grant funding

The St. Paul City Council has approved a resolution releasing $538,000 for the African Immigrant Muslim Community Outreach Program.

The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. It brings federal, county, state and city agencies together with Muslim community groups.

St. Paul Assistant Chief of Patrol Robert Thomasser said the program allows officials to build trust with local Muslims.

"We believe through relationships the community will do a lot to police itself," he said. "When things do come up within the community, we believe that our working relationship will help us thwart some of those things that come together."

Two city employees work on the program, now in its second year. Thomasser said he hopes to add more staff.