Great Lakes Wire

State leaders are touting the Operation Safe Neighborhoods program by saying they are already seeing results.

The program has led law enforcement personnel to visit 1,448 felony offenders that yielded the confiscation of 194 illegal guns, illegal drugs and ammunition, according to a news release from the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D-MI) office.

“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. 

In 2022, more than 450 state residents have died as a result of gun violence with roughly one in three reported violent crimes in the state involving a gun.

“As governor, my top priority is the safety and security of our families and communities,” said Whitmer. “Today, I am proud to announce that Operation Safe Neighborhoods has taken 194 illegal guns off the street before they could be used in commission of a crime. This is a part of our work to make our streets safer and stop violence in our communities. As a former prosecutor, I am proud that we have worked across the aisle to invest over $1 billion in public safety, send local governments more resources than they have received in decades to hire and support law enforcement officers and doubled secondary road patrols to keep people safe on the road.

She added that she would continue working with municipalities, lawmakers and law enforcement to “prevent gun violence.”

“Every Michigander deserves to live in safe communities,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said. “When policymakers do the work to support police-community relationships, we can make real change and prevent crime in the first place. Governor Whitmer and I will continue to invest in all of the mechanisms available to us to create communities where every person feels safe, knowing that the state of Michigan is invested in their future.”

In 2022, more than 450 state residents have died as a result of gun violence with roughly one in three reported violent crimes in the state involving a gun.