Detroit mayor-elect Duggan plans fight against violent crime

Duggan says police chief James Craig is right person for the job

Detroit mayor-elect Mike Duggan said Saturday fighting violent crime in the city will be one of his first priorities.

DETROIT – Detroit's mayor-elect Mike Duggan says one of his top priorities in office will be fighting violent crime in the city.

The mayor-elect took part Saturday in a community forum on the past problems and the future outlook for the city at Detroit Unity Temple.

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Before speaking, the mayor-elect took note of the recent surge in violence in which several people have died in shootings with multiple victims. Duggan said violence in the city is no surprise to many residents and is something he has first-hand knowledge about.

"It's something I understand extremely well from my days as the prosecutor," Duggan said. "I think Chief Craig is the right person for the job. We need to get all of city government lined up to support the police department and if I can work it out with the Governor  when I'm running city services in January, my first priority will be to get all city government behind Chief Craig to attack this violence."

Duggan said he has met with Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr to discuss public safety in the city and expects to meet again with him soon.