Great Lakes Wire

EAST LANSING, Mich. — In light of recent incidents and concerns regarding safety in downtown East Lansing, the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) is providing an update on efforts to keep the community safe and encouraging community members and visitors alike to look out for their personal safety.

“ELPD is allocating all of its resources to address recent safety issues in the downtown area,” said East Lansing Police Chief Kim Johnson. “We are also partnering with area law enforcement agencies, keeping our various stakeholders involved and looking at other avenues to make sure the community is safer where we have seen recent incidents of violence. These incidents of violence are unacceptable, and people will be held accountable for their actions.”

During busier weekends in downtown East Lansing, such as MSU home football weekends, community members will be seeing:

• More officers in patrol cars and on foot in the downtown area, from ELPD and other partnering law enforcement agencies.
• More engagement with people.
• More enforcement of City ordinance violations (i.e. open alcohol, minor in possession, disorderly conduct), which can sometimes lead to more violent crimes.
• Additional safety measures, such as enhanced lighting and video technology in the downtown.

Community members are also reminded that several downtown East Lansing businesses also have surveillance video cameras.

ELPD detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting that took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept. 11 in the 300 block of M.A.C. Avenue, including reviewing all video evidence and contacting witnesses. It is believed that this shooting was an isolated incident, and it is not believed that any MSU students were involved.

Personal Safety Tips

ELPD encourages community members and visitors alike to look out for their personal safety and personal property/belongings, especially during upcoming MSU home football weekends. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Always be alert and aware of surroundings
• Travel with friends/groups
• Stay in well-lit areas; avoid dark alleys and lots
• If of legal age and planning to drink, drink in moderation and be sure to also drink plenty of water and eat food
• Have a sober friend/driver
• Use sidewalks and crosswalks
• Park in well-lit areas, keep belongings out of sight and lock vehicle doors
• Keep cell phones out of sight when not in use
• Keep purses and wallets closed
• Keep car keys secure
• Don’t leave belongings unattended
• Report suspicious situations to ELPD immediately; call (517) 351-4220, Option 2 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies

Community members can also find information on what to do in the event of an active violence incident here.

“We want community members and visitors alike to continue to enjoy our vibrant downtown and the many businesses that are a part of the downtown,” said Chief Johnson. “We just ask that individuals look out for their personal safety, celebrate responsibly and call the police if they see illegal activity or something suspicious. And, as always, community members should never hesitate to call the police if there is an emergency.”

Original source can be found here.