Michigan reached its lowest crime rate in seven years, according to a proclamation issued today by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II honoring first responders.
Violent crime has declined more than 40% since 2021, the state said. More than 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streets, and robberies have been cut in half since Whitmer took office.
The state has invested nearly $2 billion into public safety programs over eight budgets to assist police, firefighters, EMTs, and public safety departments with training, equipment, recruitment, retention, and support. It also secured $69.4 million to fund community violence intervention programs and increased ongoing investments in the Michigan State Police by more than $250 million.
In October, troopers and sergeants received a 20% pay increase. The state also signed legislation to help communities retain police officers and launched Operation Safe Neighborhoods, which removed over 1,000 illegal guns off the street.
Additional measures included protocols allowing EMS responders to carry emergency contraception and expanded use of body cameras and de-escalation training for law enforcement.