DETROIT – It’s all hands on deck to reduce violent crime in Detroit as city leaders, police, and federal prosecutors revealed plans for the summer of 2024.
United States Attorney General Dawn Ison, along with Detriot Mayor Mike Duggan, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Kym Worthy, and Detroit police Chief James White, announced on Thursday (May 23) that the third annual Summer Surge, which is a targeted strategy aimed at reducing gun violence in Detroit will take place.
The third annual Summer Surge, a product of the continuing collaboration of the One Detroit partnership, will focus on the city’s public spaces and target Detroit’s 8th and 9th precincts, which have the highest rates of violence in the city.
One Detroit is an ongoing coalition of community and law enforcement partners working together to develop and execute the best strategies to reduce violent crime through enforcement, prevention, and reentry.
The neighborhoods in the 8th and 9th precincts are among the highest in the city in fatal and non-fatal shootings, robberies, and carjackings. Because parks should be safe for everyone, One Detroit will incorporate them into their Summer Surge.
Under the strategy, violent felons arrested for illegally possessing firearms and those detained with fully automatic guns and firearms with obliterated serial numbers in Detroit’s 8th and 9th Precincts or in Detroit parks will be subject to immediate federal prosecution.
Additionally, any person who commits an armed carjacking or robbery of a business in the targeted areas will be prosecuted federally.
Any individual with a meaningful connection to the targeted areas who commits this type of crime elsewhere in the city will be prosecuted federally.
The “Hot Spot” strategy for federal enforcement will begin on Memorial Day and continue until Labor Day in September.
“Two years ago, members of our community, government, and law enforcement formed the One Detroit partnership with one goal: to reduce violent crime in the city. Since then, we have created direct partnerships in Detroit’s precincts, commenced reviews of non-fatal shootings, worked with returning citizens to transition peacefully back to the community, prevented violence through focused deterrence, and created a youth advisory team to learn directly from our teens what risks they face. And violent crime has dropped dramatically.
But let me be clear: we are not done. Detroiters—like everyone— deserve to be safe. They deserve to enjoy their public spaces. They deserve to spend their summer without fear. The Summer Surge is designed to make that a reality. We will work tirelessly to prevent violence from occurring. And when it does occur, we will hold accountable those few responsible.”
United States Attorney General Dawn Ison
“One Detroit isn’t just about partnerships to fight crime or increase enforcement, it’s about building relationships with the neighborhoods we serve. Our Peacenics have been very successful in helping to bridge the gap between law enforcement and our community, letting residents know we care and we’re all in this together.”
Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison
“Partnership is a powerful component of One Detroit. We have shown that by working collectively we can make an impact in violent crime. This summer we will continue our important mission.”
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy
“The Detroit Police Department looks forward to another successful One Detroit partnership to reduce violence in our neighborhoods most impacted by violent crime. Thanks to the leadership and vision of U.S. Attorney Ison, Mayor Duggan, Chief White, and all partners involved, we’re able to collaborate effectively to bring safety and resources to our community.”
Detroit Police Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes