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Duluth to Host Public Safety Town Hall on July 19

[Duluth, MN] – Duluth residents and advocates have come together over the past week to reflect, grieve, and unite in the hopes to find solutions following the wake of recent tragedies.

“In the wake of the shootings we have seen recently in Baton Rouge, Falcon Heights, Dallas and so many – too many – before them, there are always reasons to be angry, sad, afraid, uncertain, mournful and so many other emotions. Now, more than ever, it is critical to address the relationship between the community, the Citizen Review Board, Duluth Police Department, Duluth Fire Department and other City staff,” said Mayor Emily Larson.

In the spirit of collaboration and transparency, Mayor Emily Larson, Duluth’s Public Safety team (Police and Fire) and the Duluth Citizen Review Board (CRB) are inviting residents to attend a Public Safety Town Hall forum on July 19, 2016 from 6-7:30 PM at Denfeld High School, 401 N 44^th Ave West. 

The forum provides an opportunity to have open respectful dialogue as community members that care for the well-being of all residents. Attendees will hear from Public Safety officials and the CRB followed by opportunities for the audience to share insight, ask questions, and issue concerns with the overarching goal of helping to strengthen the partnership between the City and its residents. The public will also get a chance to meet Duluth’s incoming Human Rights Officer, Carl Crawford, who  play an important role in community collaborations when he officially starts at the City later this month.  

The Duluth Police Department and the Duluth Fire Department work closely in emergency situations to ensure health and safety of individuals involved. Each department also takes pride in building relationships within the community. Several Public Safety staff will be present at the Town Hall to inform the public about aspects of their work as first responders and be available to hold one-on-one conversations with members of the public.    

“Public Safety is something I take very seriously. I am proud of the work our police and fire staff do every day to protect us, and I deeply value the work of the Citizen Review Board, advocates and residents who push us to be better. Where I praise our amazing work, I am also willing to address where we need to improve,” said Mayor Larson.

“We in the Duluth Police Department take safety, community relations, and our ethical responsibilities seriously. As a father, a Police Chief, and a Duluth resident, I want our community to be proud of the work we accomplish together in addressing the tough issues. I hear positive comments from citizens, but I’m also not afraid of hearing what is not working. There is more we can do and the community can and should expect excellence,” said Police Chief Mike Tusken.

“The Citizen Review Board is working with the community and the Duluth Police Department to be proactive so that we can avoid the tragedies that have visited other communities.  We hope that people will come to this forum ask questions and share perspectives so the CRB can be even more effective,” said Renee K. Van Nett, a member of the Citizen Review Board.

“I am committed to continuing this work with residents, the Citizen Review Board and Chiefs Tusken and Edwards. Together we are in charge of our own public safety so that all neighbors, in all neighborhoods, live a fair and just life,” said Mayor Larson.

The Town Hall meeting is open to the public.

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