Great Lakes Wire

A new proposal by state leaders hopes to curb gun violence statewide.

According to a news release, the program is called Operation Safe Neighborhoods, and its objective is to get illegal guns out of the hands of those unauthorized to use them because of previous criminal history.

“Our troopers see the deadly results and devastating impact illegal guns have on communities every day, and I commend the Michigan Department of Corrections for their work,” Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police, said in the release.

During the first half of 2022, more than 450 citizens in the state died as a result of gun violence. When violent crimes are reported in the state, roughly one in three involve a firearm.

“As a former prosecutor, public safety is a top priority for me. Michiganders deserve to feel safe as they go to work, drop their kids off at school, or run errands in their neighborhoods,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in the release. “While the annual crime report showed that, thanks to our work, crime is flat in Michigan, there is more work to do. That’s why we launched this program to tackle crime and gun violence—two inextricably linked issues—simultaneously. We are working with law enforcement and state and local officials to prevent gun violence in Michigan in the wake of recent shootings.”

Whitmer said she earmarked portions of the budget to add additional law enforcement personnel in communities to reduce crime and get illegal guns off the street.

“Our mission as a department is creating a safer Michigan and our field agents play a crucial role in that effort. By partnering with local law enforcement on these targeted actions, we are helping to take guns and drugs off our streets, which means less crime and fewer victims,” MDOC Director Heidi Washington said.

The measure hopes to contribute to Whitmer's MI Safe Communities program that was established in 2021, with a mission toward more money directed at education, jobs and the justice system. 

The program saw 37 arrests, along with the recapture of 25 illegal guns, drugs and ammo.