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Summary Analysis of the Focus Groups <br />Under the guidance of our project consultant, we conducted seven focus groups <br />across the Roseville area. Over 100 individuals participated. They represented a <br />fair cross section of the community in terms of age, gender, neighborhoods, <br />income, ethnicity, and other factors (Appendix II). A secretary was assigned to <br />keep notes on the responses of participants in each focus group. What follows in <br />this section is a summary analysis of what the participants said during the focus <br />groups. This analysis is structured according to the five major themes that emerged <br />during the focus groups. The themes were not identified beforehand, but rather <br />they suggested themselves following a comprehensive review of the conscientious <br />notes recorded during each focus group. The analysis offered here is not an <br />exhaustive compilation of every comment on every topic; however, it does attempt <br />to accurately reflect the key elements of the discussions facilitated by the <br />consultant during this process. The five themes presented here are Safety, <br />Transportation, Community Organizations, Community Assets, and Volunteerism. <br />Safety <br />Focus group participants expressed an overall sense that the Roseville area is <br />generally a safe place to go about their daily lives. Several factors contribute to this <br />sense of safety. For example, participants noted that they feel more secure in <br />neighborhoods that are clean, well maintained, and well lit at night. They endorsed <br />these characteristics and urged that municipal leadership work towards setting high <br />standards in these areas in all communities. In a related item, participants noted <br />that sidewalks which are cleared of snow in the winter also aid in making residents <br />feel safe as they move about the community. <br />There was quite a bit of discussion among participants on actions that help build <br />strong, safe communities. Suggestions included developing more ways for <br />neighbors to connect with one another (as is done during block parties on National <br />Night Out) and the benefits of more after school activities for young people. <br />The crucial role of law enforcement personnel in creating safe communities came <br />up repeatedly. Police presence in the community seemed appropriate. The message <br />was clear that police can build on their perceived strengths. That is, positive <br />attitudes and sensitivity on the part of police can go a long way toward supporting <br />CFL Task Force Final Report, February 2014 2 <br />