Detroit City Wire

DETROIT – United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison, Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Kym Worthy, and Detroit Police Chief James E. White reported on the ongoing violence reduction work by the One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership and announced the results as of Labor Day. One Detroit is a coalition of community and law enforcement partners working together to develop strategies to reduce violent crime.

Joining in the announcement were members of the One Detroit Executive Team, including Alvin Stokes, President of Citywide Citizens Police Community Relations; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Detroit Division; Bishop Edgar Vann II from Second Ebenezer Church; Special Agent in Charge James Deir from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Kenyatta Stephens, CEO of Black Family Development; Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene from the Drug Enforcement Administration's Detroit Division; Beverly Smith, Assistant Deputy Director at Michigan Department of Corrections' Operations Office; Bishop Daryl Harris from Ceasefire Detroit; and Dr. Chris Melde from Michigan State University.

The One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership continues to work year-round to lower violence in the city through prevention, enforcement, and reentry efforts. In 2023, Detroit recorded its lowest number of homicides since 1957. As of Labor Day this year, there have been 20% fewer homicides compared to last year at this time. Non-fatal shootings have dropped by almost 25%, resulting in 182 fewer victims of violence compared to a year ago.

During a summer initiative focusing on the 8th and 9th precincts and city parks from Memorial Day to Labor Day, an enforcement strategy led to 23 cases being accepted for prosecution in federal court for illegal firearm possession. Investigations resulted in the seizure of 26 guns, with ATF linking 14 guns through ballistics to 42 other crimes including non-fatal shootings and a homicide.

The partnership also engaged in crime prevention through Peacenics—community gatherings that included food, fellowship, and fun aimed at promoting peace. These events featured 70 vendors offering resources such as job training, literacy programs, mental health screenings, utility assistance, educational opportunities, tutorials, and career development services. Thousands attended these events held at O’Hair Park and Heilmann Recreation Center.

Reentry efforts focused on preventing recidivism by empowering returning citizens to become stable community members. Over 170 returning citizens participated in roundtables discussing second chances after criminal convictions. Family members joined breakout sessions addressing barriers to stability while partners assisted with employment needs.

United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison stated: “Make no mistake, violent crime is down. It is down dramatically... But please don’t mistake this for a celebration... We will not stop this work until we can make every neighborhood in Detroit safe from violence.”

Deputy Mayor Bettison remarked: “The One Detroit Partnership continues to be effective at bringing all stakeholders to the table... Violent crime in the City of Detroit is at historic lows.”

Chief James E. White added: “We continue to see results from addressing violence with multiple layers of strategy and community partnership.”

Prosecutor Kym Worthy emphasized: “We must be undeterred as we continue to drive down gun crime... We must also ensure that community prevention programs are continued and supported.”

The One Detroit Partnership will hold Community Huddles to report these results to residents in the upcoming weeks:

- 8th Precinct: September 30th at 6:30 P.M.

- 9th Precinct: September 25th at 6:00 P.M.