Law Enforcement Officials Create New Coalition to Fight Regional Crime

County officials from across the East Metro area have announced the creation of a new initiative aimed at fighting crime at the regional level while engaging communities at the local level. 

According to a release from the newly annointed East Metro Crime Prevention Coalition, Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties have designed the partnership to be "a unique multi-jurisdictional initiative to unify and share crime prevention strategies and resources to achieve better outcomes for our community."

No details were given as to whether the coalition would have powers of enforcement similar to a task force or whether it will be merely analytical in nature. 

The Coalition has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday (Feb. 28) at 12:15 p.m. Law enforcement officials expected to address the media include: 

• John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney
• James Backstrom, Dakota County Attorney
• Pete Orput, Washington County Attorney
• Dave Bellows, Dakota County Sheriff
• William Hutton, Washington County Sheriff
• Matt Bostrom, Ramsey County Sheriff

The press conference is scheduled to be held at the Dakota Lodge in West St. Paul and is open to the public.