Governor Gretchen Whitmer announces milestone in Operation Safe Neighborhoods, with 750+ illegal guns off Michigan streets, enhancing public safety efforts.
Whitmer and Gilchrist Tackle Gun Violence in Michigan
LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced a significant milestone in Michigan’s fight against gun violence. As part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods, over 750 illegal firearms have been removed from communities across the state. Since the program’s launch, law enforcement has conducted more than 7,200 check-ins with felony offenders, resulting in the confiscation of weapons, illegal drugs, and ammunition.
“Operation Safe Neighborhoods is building on our work to protect families and communities across Michigan,” said Whitmer. “We’ve invested over $1.6 billion in public safety, and we will continue taking action to reduce gun violence and save lives.”
Lt. Governor Gilchrist emphasized the impact of the initiative: “No one should fear gun violence in their daily lives. By removing these firearms, we’ve prevented potential tragedies and made Michigan safer.”
A Strategic Approach to Reducing Gun Violence
Launched in partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), Operation Safe Neighborhoods targets individuals on probation or parole who are prohibited from possessing firearms. There are approximately 40,600 individuals under supervision in Michigan, including 8,600 parolees and 32,000 probationers. MDOC agents, alongside local law enforcement, conduct enhanced compliance checks to ensure adherence to legal restrictions.
The initiative aims to disrupt patterns of violent crime in Michigan, where firearms are involved in nearly one-third of reported violent incidents. By focusing on high-risk offenders with histories of gun-related crimes, the program enhances community safety and reduces opportunities for repeat offenses.
Public Safety Investments Underpin Success
Operation Safe Neighborhoods is part of a broader effort by Governor Whitmer to prioritize public safety. Her administration has implemented record-breaking investments in law enforcement, community programs, and gun violence prevention.
Highlights of Whitmer’s initiatives include:
- Establishing a $75 million Public Safety Trust Fund in 2024 to provide additional resources for police services and community violence intervention.
- Signing bills in 2023 that introduced universal background checks for firearm purchases, safe storage requirements, and extreme risk protection orders.
- Passing laws to prohibit firearm ownership for individuals convicted of domestic violence.
- Allocating $7.8 million for firearm injury and violence prevention grants.
These measures reflect a bipartisan approach to tackling gun violence, aligning law enforcement efforts with legislative reforms to address root causes and prevent future tragedies.
A Unified Response to Gun Violence
Governor Whitmer’s efforts to combat gun violence gained urgency following high-profile incidents such as the Oxford High School shooting in 2021 and the Michigan State University shooting in 2023. The administration’s comprehensive response includes partnerships with community organizations, law enforcement, students, and parents.
“By working together, we’ve implemented commonsense measures to protect Michiganders and ensure that communities can thrive without fear,” Whitmer said.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the program is part of a long-term commitment to public safety. “Operation Safe Neighborhoods is a testament to what we can achieve when we focus on evidence-based solutions.”
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