URGENT UPDATE: Genesee County officials have just announced the initial approval of a substantial $1.2 million grant aimed at enhancing law enforcement presence in Flint. This funding, sourced from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, is set to ensure that Sheriff’s Office deputies maintain patrols in and around downtown Flint until at least July 31, 2026.
The decision comes from a committee of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, which convened on July 16, 2023, to review and accept the grant’s terms. This initiative, known as Operation Arrowhead, reallocates county deputies to respond to calls for service in a critical 10-square-mile zone encompassing Flint’s central business district, nearby college campuses, the General Motors Flint Assembly plant, and McLaren Flint hospital.
In a significant move for community safety, the Mott Foundation has agreed to fund this program without requiring matching funds from the county, marking a shift from earlier funding strategies that relied on federal stimulus dollars. The program has been in effect since 2022 and has already proven impactful, allowing the Flint Police Department to focus resources on neighborhoods that need urgent attention.
Capt. Jason Murphy of the Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Mott Foundation, emphasizing how this funding extension allows for more effective policing in Flint. Sheriff Chris Swanson also highlighted the program’s positive outcomes in a memorandum, stating, “This enforcement initiative has allowed the Flint Police Department to redeploy to areas outside of the central business district and college campus areas and focus on crimes that are negatively impacting neighborhoods.”
Flint officials, including Mayor Sheldon Neeley, have voiced strong support for the Arrowhead program, recognizing its importance in maintaining safety and security in the city. The grant will continue funding the project from August 1, 2023 through the end of July 2026, as outlined in Sheriff Swanson’s report.
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners is expected to provide final approval for the funding during their upcoming meeting next week. This critical funding renewal is poised to bolster community safety initiatives in Flint, making it a crucial development for residents and local businesses alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves, and share this news to keep others informed about this vital community initiative!
