Kalamazoo Times

Operation Safe Neighborhoods continues to remove illegal guns from the streets, according to Michigan political leaders.

Law enforcement officials have conducted 1,767 check-ins with felony offenders, resulting in the removal of 205 illegal guns that could have been used in crime, according to Michigan.gov. 

“Reducing the number of firearms on our streets and in our communities is a critical part of preventing gun violence,” Attorney General Dana Nessel told Michigan.gov. “Families should feel safe in their neighborhoods, free from the threat of ghost guns and other illegal firearms. I have joined with attorneys general across our country to crack down on the proliferation of these weapons, and I am happy to be part of the progress being made in Michigan to get guns off our streets.”

In addition, the program has led to 235 arrests and the seizure of ammunition and drugs.

“As governor, keeping families and communities safe is my top priority,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) told Michigan.gov. “Today, I am proud to announce that Operation Safe Neighborhoods has taken 205 illegal guns off the street before they could be used in commission of a crime. Since I took office, I have worked across the aisle to invest over $1 billion in public safety. I will continue working with anyone to prevent gun violence, bring down crime and help Michiganders feel safe in their neighborhood.”

Aimed at reducing gun violence, Operation Safe Neighborhoods is a statewide effort to remove guns from people who are not entitled to ownership because of a prior criminal history.  

“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, told Michigan.gov.