Stop the DPD request for Riot gear!

The Duluth Police Department  request for tactical gear(riot gear) is dismissive of what trust they value of the community.  In many cities around the country, tactical gear not only creates divisiveness, but always become traumatizing for already traumatizing marginalized communities of color, working-poor, homeless folks, people suffering from mental health issues.  

We, the undersigned believe in community over confrontation.    Furthermore, the use of tactical riot gear would go against and contradict  the Duluth Police Department's own mission statement:

"MISSION STATEMENT To provide a safe Duluth for all by strengthening relationships and serving in a respectful, caring and selfless manner".  Duluth PD Policy Manual.2017.p.1http://www.duluthmn.gov/media/304979/release_20171106_t124845_duluth_pd_policy_manual.pdf

We call on the DPD to dismiss anymore requests for tactical gear.  

We would also call on the DPD to release any evidence that supports the need for tactical gear.

We call on the DPD to make its members to include Crisis Intervention Training as required curriculum.

We call on the DPD to disarm itself.