NAACP Celebrates New Duluth Pedestrian and Traffic Stop Policy

DULUTH, Minn. — Since 20-21 the Duluth Branch of the NAACP as well as other groups and community members have worked with the Duluth Police Department to update the Vehicle and Pedestrian Stop Process.

The NAACP held a news conference to announce that a new policy has been created that addresses what reasons a person or vehicle may be stopped by the police, and they are celebrating.

“Officers must be able to articulate a direct threat to public safety to stop you. Being Black or Brown is not a threat to public safety that warrants a stop when you are walking or driving,” said Jamie Sharp, NAACP Duluth Chapter.

This new policy is expected to go into effect on January first, but DPD said this policy is a draft.

In a prepared statement, the Duluth Police Department stated that it hopes to engage residents and community groups along with the Duluth Citizen Review Board and, the Racial Bias Audit Team to finalize this policy.

Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa says the department is looking forward to working with various local groups to continue to build trust

On Tuesday, November 14th at 7 p.m. there will be a community conversation at AICHO (AK OH)on West Second Street in Duluth to further discuss the policy.