Safer Streets Can be Achieved!

The very nature of emergency calls in communities throughout the state is shifting, especially in the Twin Cities. Not surprisingly in the seven county area crimes rates of nearly every category dramatically increased in 2020, but perhaps unexpectedly after the shutdowns and civil unrest, rates increased again in 2021. There were roughly 395 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents in 2021, representing a 24% increase over 2020 levels.  

Elsewhere in Minnesota, the 2021 rate of violent crime — murder, rape, aggravated assault and robbery — stood at 193 offenses per 100,000. That’s half the Twin Cities metro rate, but 16% higher than 2020.   

Thankfully, in 2022, crime incidents across the state decreased slightly but are still considerably more than 2019 levels.  

Our local communities in HD 52B are fortunate to have low rates compared to much of the Twin Cities and are currently experiencing a decrease in most crime categories due to efforts on prevention and enforcement. However, residents rightly are concerned about neighboring cities where we often work and play and have extended family and friends.  

A concerning trend that is not well documented in the crime report statistics is that many calls are not directly crime-related; they are cries for help. The surge in crisis-related issues predominantly revolve around mental health and addiction. 

An analysis of 911 call data found a striking trend: a few individuals account for a significant portion of these crisis calls. Law enforcement responds each time, not to apprehend a criminal, but to aid a distressed resident. The solution to helping those in crisis isn’t as simple as adding more officers. We must reassess the very essence of our community’s response system. 

The creation of a specialized Mental Health Division within police departments can improve results. This division would consist of officers trained in crisis intervention, familiar with the individuals who frequently require assistance, and adept at connecting them with the needed resources. This not only allows these residents to get the appropriate help but also ensures that our primary police forces remain available to swiftly address violent crimes and maintain the safety of our streets.  

These programs need not further strain the taxpayer burden.  Funding for this program could be sourced from the opioid settlement funds. Minnesota will be eligible to receive more than $296 million over 18 years; up to $222 million of that will be paid directly to 

Minnesota cities and counties. Current officers who have a passion and gift for these specialized roles could be transitioned to the new division, enabling it to come up to speed quickly. This also ensures that the initiative doesn’t strain city budgets, but rather repurposes existing resources for maximum community benefit.  

 Success in this endeavor requires collaboration. Partnering with the county to integrate their social workers into this initiative will create a synergy between law enforcement and social services. Together, we can ensure that residents in distress receive the comprehensive care they need. 

It's time we realize that many of our challenges don't fit into the traditional boxes of Republican or Democratic solutions. Our district’s situation calls for an innovative approach that bridges the gap. As we push for criminal justice reform, let's also prioritize safer streets, recognizing that the two are not mutually exclusive. 

As your state representative, my commitment is to champion this cause not just in our district, but across the state. With the support of our community, and by pooling our resources and expertise, we can pave the way for a more responsive, compassionate, and efficient system that genuinely addresses the needs of our residents.