[Mpls] Where have all the police gone?

[Delcalzojan]

There was a very interesting piece tonight on KARE 11 news at 10 p.m. about the number of police officers (160) the City of Minneapolis has cut since 1997.  The most interesting part was that while everyone blames state and federal cuts (the Clinton cops) for the loss, the reporter pointed out that the surrounding suburbs had not cut cops and that St. Paul had actually added five during that same time frame.  The only official on camera was Robert Olson trying to explain it and finally said, "You're asking the wrong person that question." 

I agree with Chief Olson.  He can only manage the resources he gets.  I would like to hear from the politicians as to why these cuts in Minneapolis.  Policing is first and foremost a City responsibility.

Jan Del Calzo
Lynnhurst