Whitmer announces Operation Safe Neighborhoods closes in on 400 illegal guns recovered in less than a year

On Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined local officials to give an update on the number of illegal guns recovered under Operation Safe Neighborhoods to keep communities safe. Since the operation began, law enforcement officials have conducted nearly 3,400 check-ins with felony offenders, leading to 389 illegal guns taken out of communities. During sweeps, officers have also recovered illegal drugs and ammunition.

“As a former prosecutor, protecting public safety is a top priority,” said Whitmer. “By getting nearly 400 illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals before they can be used in the commission of a crime, we are taking action to keep families and communities safe. Earlier this year, I signed legislation establishing universal background checks and safe storage requirements, and I will work with anyone to reduce gun violence.”

“There is too much gun violence in our country because there are too many illegal guns on the street. Detroit is not immune to this and it’s going to take a coordinated effort at the local, state and federal levels to address this problem,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “We are fortunate to have a governor who is deeply engaged in this issue, and we appreciate her leadership at the state level to support the great work being done by our DPD officers.”

“One of the most valuable lessons I took away from my time as a police officer is that trust between community members and law enforcement officials is an absolute must when it comes to community violence prevention,” said state Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit). “The Operation Safe Neighborhoods program helps to grow and foster that exact kind of trust. Plus, and very importantly, getting illegal firearms out of the hands of potentially dangerous individuals makes both residents and police officers better protected from gun violence; in fact, it increases overall community safety. I am glad to give my ongoing support to Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist in this continued public safety endeavor.”

Operation Safe Neighborhoods is a statewide crackdown on crime aimed at reducing gun violence by getting illegal guns out of communities and out of the hands of people who cannot legally be in possession of a gun due to prior criminal history.

“Illegal firearms have no place in our community,” said Detroit Police Chief James E. White. “We applaud the governor’s commitment and the work of our officers toward keeping the city and its residents safe.”

“Our field agents are critical in our efforts to create a safer Michigan for all residents and our great partnership with law enforcement agencies across the state helps us daily in that effort,” said Heidi Washington, director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. “Targeting our intelligence efforts in this focused way is generating real results that are taking guns off the streets, which leads to safer communities and fewer victims.”

Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm. This initiative builds on Whitmer’s MI Safe Communities program that she launched in 2021 to invest in local police, get illegal guns out of communities, and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education, and the justice system.