A look at Detroit’s new $10 million ShotStoppers program
The program intends to reduce crime by partnering with community groups across the city.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan gives his 10th State of the City address at Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Mich. on March 7, 2023.
Over the last decade, Detroit has tried a number of different strategies to reduce crime and improve safety in the city. Those efforts have included Project Greenlight, the distribution of gunlocks, the controversial ShotSpotter program and adding mental health co-responders to work in tandem with police.
The latest program the city is implementing seeks to prevent crime before it happens. “ShotStoppers” is a $10 million community-based gun violence intervention program meant to curb gun violence in some of the most severely impacted neighborhoods.
WDET reporter Eli Newman joined Stephen Henderson on Detroit Today to discuss the new program, including how it will be implemented and how communities can get involved.
Listen: Why Detroit is investing $10 million in community violence intervention.
Guest
Eli Newman is a reporter for 101.9 WDET, covering breaking news, politics and community affairs. He says the program is an effort to synchronize the city with the grassroots work of communities in violence intervention.
“I think there’s all of these different ideas and mindsets and very unique circumstances that exist within each of these communities,” says Newman. “So the city wants to say, ‘Hey, if you’ve been doing this work, let’s formalize that relationship. Let’s get you some dollars.'”
“And if there is actual a dent… if you’re actually really able to do this work,” Newman continues, “you’ll get more dollars to help you to continue doing that work.
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