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Safer Superior: Transforming a Party Town

Learn how Superior, Wisconsin tackled high crime rates and alcohol-related incidents. Mayor Dave Ross led strategic approaches to reduce bar violence, improve public safety, and enhance the city's image.

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Safer Superior: Transforming a Party Town

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  1. Mayor Dave Ross

  2. We Are Here You Are Here

  3. Superior, Wisconsin • Population 27,268 • 58 sworn officers • 47 square miles of City • Surrounded by 96 miles of shoreline • Sits on the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior • Industrial, blue collar town • Reputation as a party town

  4. Facts • Superior has had a high crime rate and experienced increases in violent crime, property crime and financial crime. • Superior’s crime rate by population has been in the top ten over the last ten years in the state of WI. • Alcohol abuse affects our crime rate

  5. Superior has 77 liquor licenses and 25 Class A (beer only) licenses -- one of the highest bar per capita communities in Wisconsin.

  6. Superior’s old north end bar district, home of many major liquor establishments Alcohol-Related Incidents 2003 208 Assaults 495 Disorderly Conducts 238 Liquor Law Violations

  7. The Superior P.D. averages nearly 300 ‘Operating While Intoxicated’ (OWI) arrests per year

  8. Big Contributing Factors • Metropolitan area • Border Community • Port City • Too many large liquor only bars in the same geographic area • Party town reputation • College community (5 in Twin Ports area)

  9. In 2003, there was an increase in community and bar violence • 12 stabbings, many in bar district • Several shootings in the bars • Many assaults and substantial battery cases • Two controversial deaths of young adults in our bar district, one in a fight and one a drug overdose

  10. Redesigned Our Approach to Reducing Bar Violence • Met with tavern league - Laid out problems – Said bar owners needed to be more responsible • Had special group of officers work on problem bar issues, also used foot, bike, and K-9 patrol • Trained officers to meet with bars and do regular alcohol issue inspections for licensing, underage drinking, and occupancy level violations • Enforced violations involving public consumption; mutual combatants fighting (ordinance violation); disorderly conduct; urinating in public; and littering

  11. Strong Support From Mayor & City Hall Changed philosophy about liquor licenses: - A new “best use, best location” strategy for licenses • Example: Chinese Restaurant (The Golden Inn) - Took back liquor licenses from mismanaged bars - Purchased bars & tear them down for economic development & to reduce bar concentration - Supported police department efforts and staffing • Met with the media to ensure accurate reporting of facts and problems

  12. Progress 3 Years Later • The City’s image/reputation is improving • New developments in the north end • Fewer calls for service to bars • Assaults and weapon calls down at bars • City’s crime rate has dropped to 14th in the State by population. We’re out of the top ten for the first time in over ten years.

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