The Cloquet Police Department recently requested a significant amount of city funds on $109,000 worth of equipment. Stuff like new squad computers, new squad car video, new stun guns, and new security measures at the police station.

It was a bold request. But after careful consideration and review, we feel the request was worthwhile. The Cloquet City Council agreed, approving the new purchases unanimously, using police funds not spent from the 2020 budget.

The budget has a surplus of at least $139,000, and those funds won’t carry over to next year’s police budget. So, Chief Derek Randa...