Work Continues on Downtown Duluth Safety

Approach is combination of outreach, education, and when necessary--enforcement.

Crime and safety in downtown Duluth have been a growing community concern, and the city has taken steps it says are slowly making a difference.

That was the message inside the Greysolon Ballroom Wednesday, where Downtown Duluth members heard from the mayor, police chief and city attorney.

The approach has involved a combination of education, persuasion and enforcement. It ranges from more police foot patrols to getting troubled individuals in touch with the help they need.

“I think one of the major things is making sure that we are connecting people with the appropriate resources,” said Nathan Kresti, Outreach Specialist with Downtown Duluth.

“Whether that’s treatment or whatever that individual needs, and also holding people accountable that are breaking ordinances or laws,” said Kresti.

Duluth new city attorney Jessica Fralich is working with police to enforce existing ordinances to deal with things like panhandling.

Police Chief Mike Ceynowa says it is a change of philosophy and he welcomes it. However, he says it’s communication first, while not ignoring or avoiding the problem.

“Potentially the person could get a citation. If it’s the first time we’ve had contact with them for this issue, it might just be an educational component. ‘Hey, I need you to move away from here. You cannot solicit from the roadway. You can’t enter the roadway to get a contribution from somebody. You need to do it elsewhere. If you choose not to, you could be cited for this offense,'” said Ceynowa.

Another goal is to cut down on the number of calls and problems dealing with the same people.

As part of that approach, police and outreach workers are making a concerted effort to get people on the street in touch with the resources they need. Chronic and widespread issues are getting people on the street into housing, substance abuse programs and help with mental disorders.