Great Lakes Wire

More than 900 illegal firearms have been removed from Michigan streets as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods, according to an announcement made by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Colonel James Grady, and Director Heidi Washington. The operation, which began with the goal of reducing gun violence in the state, has involved law enforcement officials conducting 9,405 check-ins with felony offenders. These efforts have also resulted in the recovery of illegal drugs and ammunition.

“Every Michigander deserves to feel safe in their community,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud Operation Safe Neighborhoods has taken over 900 illegal guns off the street. Thanks to the partnership between state and local police, we’re making real progress to protect our communities and stop violence before it happens. Together, we’re building a safer Michigan for everyone. I’ll keep working to get the job done.”

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II commented on the impact of these actions: “Removing hundreds of illegal guns from our streets will save lives and give more families peace of mind as they go about their daily schedules. Thanks to more than $1.6 billion in public safety funding across 7 bipartisan budgets and Operation Safe Neighborhoods, we are making a difference so more Michigan families can achieve health, wealth, and prosperity in Michigan. Let’s continue to build safer, more resilient communities where every Michigander can thrive.”

Operation Safe Neighborhoods is a statewide initiative focused on removing illegal firearms from individuals who are not legally allowed to possess them due to prior criminal history.

"Initiatives like Operation Safe Neighborhoods make a real, tangible difference in the communities we serve," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. "Removing firearms from people who are not allowed to legally possess them ensures they can't be used to inflict violence against our neighbors and loved ones. In Michigan, we’re taking a comprehensive approach to safety through a variety of programs. Through our Youth Violence Prevention Summits, we are empowering young people to be leaders in their schools and choose the right path. We’re also making sure all Michiganders know they can ‘Stop a Plot’ by paying attention to the warning signs of violence and reporting them to law enforcement. And remember, if you lawfully possess a firearm, it is your responsibility to store it safely and use a gun lock, which we offer free at our MSP posts statewide."

Heidi E. Washington added that agents from her department remain committed: “Michigan Department of Corrections agents are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe and ensuring those on probation and parole follow the conditions of their supervision,” said Washington, director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. “We have agents in every county in Michigan, and this initiative allows us to collaborate closely with local law enforcement to stop crime before it happens. We will continue to work every day to make sure that these illegally possessed firearms are off Michigan streets.”

According to state data cited by officials nearly one out of three violent crimes reported in Michigan involves a firearm.

The program builds upon previous initiatives such as MI Safe Communities launched by Governor Whitmer in 2021 aimed at investing resources into local police departments while supporting expanded opportunities for jobs and education within justice system frameworks.

Teams comprising parole or probation agents from the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) work alongside local law enforcement agencies throughout all counties performing enhanced compliance checks specifically targeting individuals prohibited from owning firearms due their criminal backgrounds.

There are approximately 32,000 probationers and 8,600 parolees under supervision statewide—many with prior convictions related directly or indirectly with gun crimes—monitored by over 1,000 MDOC agents focusing on high-risk cases involving weapons possession histories.

Since taking office Governor Whitmer has signed seven bipartisan budgets increasing public safety investments; over $1.7 billion has been allocated since her tenure began including recent budget items such as $60 million for Public Safety Revenue Sharing grants for cities/towns/villages intended for police services or community intervention programs along with $15 million earmarked for community violence reduction grants.

Specific investments have also been directed toward hiring new troopers for state police forces plus additional funds dedicated toward recruitment/retention efforts through salary increases totaling $59 million.

In April 2023 universal background checks were established via legislation signed by Governor Whitmer alongside safe storage requirements; subsequent bills introduced extreme risk protection orders allowing temporary confiscation when concerns arise regarding self-harm or threats posed towards others; further measures passed prevent convicted domestic abusers from possessing firearms; June 2024 saw creation via executive directive ED 2024-4 establishing a Gun Violence Prevention Task Force tasked with ongoing reduction strategies statewide.

Governor Whitmer proposed many elements found within this legislative package during her January 2023 State-of-the-State address working collaboratively post-shootings at both Oxford High School (November 2021) & Michigan State University (February 2023) alongside lawmakers/stakeholders/parents/community groups/law enforcement personnel.