Crime in downtown Duluth occurs, on average, every 18 hours according to new data from law enforcement. Local public safety officials met Wednesday afternoon to address concerns of rising crimes.

Duluth’s Chief of Police, Mike Ceynowa, says there’s been a decrease in violent crimes. However, misdemeanors like trespassing and burglaries are still prevalent issues. Ceynowa said his department is currently putting more focus on safety in skywalks and parking garages.

“Our officers being in the skywalk, going with the zero tolerance policy on offenses they’re seeing, is having an impact. I think we saw less people this summer panhandling in our alleyways and streets,” Chief Ceynowa said. “Damage to property, people trespassing in locations and theft issues, those are kind of the main activities that we’re seeing in our downtown. I do think that we did see a huge impact with the security features that we added to the Heart Ramp. Along with having private security patrols within our ramp system. We’re hopeful that we’ll see that same benefit at both Medical District Ramp and the Technology Ramp. Those just went fully online last week.”

Another safety issue public safety officials are addressing are assisting people during a behavioral health crisis. Linnea Mirsch, the St. Louis Director of Community and Human Services says community based support is integral for reducing crime. St. Louis County is cooperating with Duluth police to help someone struggling with their mental health.

“We are seeing utilization of the supports and services that exist increased across the continuum. So, more 9-8-8 calls, which again are really the alternative to a 9-1-1 response when the primary issue is behavioral health issue. Our role is steady and the partners may change,” Mirsch said. “Some of the strategies change, but really working to ensure peer support. Then first responders that can be more than uniforms, law enforcement.”

The improvements to crisis response have also led to a significant drop in fatal drug overdoses in downtown Duluth. There are also efforts by the Downtown Duluth Clean Safe Team to help with people experiencing homelessness.