Great Lakes Wire

State leaders are touting a program that seeks to mitigate gun violence by removing illegal guns from the hands of criminals.

According to a news release from the state government, Operation Safe Neighborhoods focuses on taking guns from people who cannot possess them legally because of their criminal records.

“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.

The program has led law enforcement officials to 1,289 visits with felony criminals, which has led to the removal of 171 illegal guns, along with ammunition and drugs.  

“As a mom and former prosecutor, public safety is a top priority for me,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) said in the release. “Every Michigander in every community deserves to feel safe as they go to work, school, or walk in their neighborhoods. Today, I am proud to announce that Operation Safe Neighborhoods has taken over 170 illegal guns off the street. Together, we have invested over $1 billion in public safety, sent local governments more resources than they have received in decades to hire and support law enforcement officers, and doubled secondary road patrols.”

Whitmer added that she would continue working across the aisle to make the state as safe as possible.

“Our mission as a department is creating a safer Michigan and our field agents play a crucial role in that effort,” MDOC Director Heidi Washington said. "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."

State statistics report that there are 32,000 people on probation and 8,500 parolees, of which 20% have prior criminal cases involving a firearm. Under Whitmer’s tenure as governor, she has allocated over $1 billion toward public safety.