Recognition for work well done.

Every day the members of the Duluth Police Department do incredible work that people never hear about.  I know about the great work they do because I see it all the time.  Look at the recent high profile cases our staff have solved.  We solve crime.  This year many organizations have recognized our department and staff for this reason.  Earlier this year arson investigator Todd Kuusisto was chosen by the Minnesota Arson Investigators Association as Arson Investigator of the year.  You only needs to look at the number of arson cases Todd has solved to understand he is a very talented arson investigator. 

Last month, Woodland Hills recognized the Duluth Police Department with their Baringer Exceptional Service Award. Deputy Chief Robin Roeser accepted this award on behalf of the department and we are honored to be recognized by such an important organization in our community. 

We received the Met Life Award for community policing and partnerships and were chosen out of over 700 applications.  The “Community Safety Initiative” involved Neighborhood Housing Services, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and West Duluth Development Corporation.  This recognition highlighted the important work our police staff does with our partnering organizations to keep Duluth a safe place to live and conduct business.  Together we have made a difference and it shows.

Last week the Duluth Police Department Sex Crimes, Abuse and

Neglect Unit (SCAN) received the 2011 Department of the Year Award at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association in Nisswa.

The Duluth SCAN Unit is comprised of Sgt. Ann Clancey, and Investigators Lisa Mickus, Chris Lofstuen and Ryan Temple.  They are responsible for investigating sexual assault, child abuse and child neglect cases. On average, the SCAN Unit is referred over 700 cases by St. Louis County Social Services, and conducts over 130 First Witness child interviews. The Unit works with partner agencies that include PAVSA (Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault), First Witness Resource Center and St. Louis County Social Services. Many of the cases investigated by the SCAN Unit involve victims under the age of 13. The Unit handles nearly 75 cases of sexual assault on average.  The goal of the SCAN Unit is to provide a victim-centered approach to sexual assault investigation, while working with partner agencies to form a multi-disciplinary response for victims.  We are proud to showcase the dedicated Investigators of the SCAN Unit as one of Minnesota’s best.

These awards are a direct result of the dedication and good work the members of the Duluth Police Department do 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such dedicated, hard working and good hearted people.