The Duluth police tradition of being leaders in policing continues this year; I am proud to report our officers are again being recognized at the national level for their work. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has recognized Duluth P.D. for our work with nuisance offenders and blight. This collaborative project between the City of Duluth’s Police Department and Attorney’s Office works to address the “quality of life” blight & nuisance crimes plaguing two Duluth police patrol zones. The project assigned a full time police officer to deal with law enforcement and a full time City Attorney to coordinate judicial issues to address chronic blight and nuisance crime offenders. The Blight and Nuisance Crime Project succeeded in improving the sharing of information about chronic offenders between prosecutors, judges and the police thereby improving the criminal justice system. The officer and attorney involved collaborates with other community groups to help designate and locate resources for indigent and chronic perpetrators of nuisance crimes allowing them access to resources that could help initiate reparations of their past. Our staff is closely involved in helping homeless find housing and resources to improve their situation.

This year’s recognition falls on the heels of last year where we won the top IACP community policing award and honorable mention for our work with crime victims. I could not be more proud of the men and women of this department. To be recognized two years in a row is unheard of and speaks volumes about the caliber of our staff and the innovative work they are doing. I see their good work every day and am proud to see them recognized for their efforts.