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The Michigan State Police is operating a program designed to prevent crime by addressing some of the root causes of criminal activity.
A total of $4 million is available in competitive grant funds to assist with the prevention and reduction of crime and violence under the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, with a particular focus on gun violence, according to an MSP press release.
Specifically, funds are available for programs and initiatives that target the risk factors which are likely to lead to violence.
"As governor and a former prosecutor, one of my top priorities is reducing crime and keeping families safe," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in the press release. "In partnership with the MSP, we are excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, which helps prevent and reduce gun violence. Since I took office, we have invested more $1.5 billion in public safety, and I signed commonsense gun violence prevention laws last year. Let's keep working together to ensure people can go to work, drop their kids off at school, and take a walk in their community freely and safely."
Here's how this initiative works: Local units of government and their partner community-based organizations may apply for a maximum of $400,000 for a project period of April 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2025.
Application forms and guidance for these phase two funds are available on the MSP Byrne SCIP website. The application guidance must be read in its entirety, and the application form and related documents must be submitted to the GCSD no later than February 9, 2024.
Late applications will not be accepted, the press release states.
This is something we hope local units of government and organizations should seriously consider.
Though rare, gun violence does take place in the Upper Peninsula. Certainly, it is relatively commonplace in many locations in the state. With modest dollars, this program is a step in the right direction.
-- The Mining Journal (Marquette)