Duluth Police Welcome 17 New Officers
The department's largest incoming class since at least 1970 still leaves it about 15 officers short of full staffing.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Duluth Police Department swore in 17 new officers on a Thursday afternoon. The department was 26 officers short in July 2025 and remains about 15 officers short after the new class.
Why it matters
The new class is the largest since at least 1970 and signals progress against a staffing gap that has strained the department. Continued hiring and a 3.5% pay raise could help Duluth residents see a stronger police presence in the years ahead.
The department was 26 officers short in July 2025 and remains about 15 short after the new class of 17 was sworn in. The source does not specify whether the next hiring round will fully close the remaining gap.
The players
Duluth Police Department
The municipal police agency serving Duluth, Minnesota, which is working to rebuild its ranks and expand its downtown presence.
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
A tribal college in the Duluth area whose law enforcement program has grown as a pipeline for new officers.
The details
The swearing-in ceremony took place Thursday afternoon. The department has put new effort into marketing its openings, and more people are taking the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training test. The new officers will train for several months before patrolling on their own.
Timeline
July 2025: The department was 26 officers short.
Thursday, November 12, 2026: 17 new officers were sworn in.
January 1, 2027: A 3.5% officer pay raise takes effect.
Within the next week or two: The next hiring round launches.
Seasonal Patterns
Growth in the candidate pipeline runs through the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training test, which all officer candidates must pass before hiring. More test-takers is the upstream sign that the department's recruiting push is beginning to produce results.
Residents may see a gradual increase in police presence downtown as staffing improves, since the department hopes to add two shifts per crew dedicated to walking downtown. The new officers will continue training in the coming months before patrolling on their own.
The takeaway
Staffing gains are real but incremental, so residents should watch for the next hiring round and the department's downtown patrol plans as signals of whether service levels improve.
What happens next
The department will launch its next hiring round within the next week or two, and the 3.5% officer pay raise takes effect January 1, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Law Enforcement to see how staffing shortfalls are shaping police departments across the region.
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