DETROIT (WWJ) – Detroit police are laying out a new security plan for the summer in the wake of a violent weekend downtown that saw six separate shootings, including two deaths in Greektown and one near the Riverwalk.
Joined by a host of community leaders and Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Police Chief James White rolled out a 12-point plan to improve safety in and around downtown.
Effective immediately, the department has implemented its midsummer deployment, which White said is “much more comprehensive” and involves a number of other officers being “deployed strategically throughout the downtown footprint.”
White noted all officers did a great job last weekend, as arrests were made in every incident involving a firearm.
The increased focus on keeping downtown safe comes as the area sees crowds and activity “not seen in decades,” Duggan said during a Thursday press conference.
Among the highlights of the department’s 12-point plan are an increased police presence, timed vehicular shutdowns and road closures, increased lighting, curfew enforcement and enforcing public alcohol consumption and noise ordinances.
White said last weekend 12 minors were caught violating the city’s curfew, which goes into effect at 10 p.m. for those 15 years old and younger, and at 11 p.m. for 16 and 17-year-olds. The curfew lasts until 6 a.m.
“This is not about targeting kids, this is about keeping kids safe and making sure that the parents know where their children are and out of harm’s way,” White said.
A major emphasis of the department this summer will be targeting people carrying guns illegally.
“If you are legally carrying a gun and you are legally in possession of a CPL and you show that CPL, no problem. If you are illegally carrying a gun, you are not welcome,” White said.
Among the strategies to detect guns is the deployment of Evolv, a machine that uses powerful sensors and artificial intelligence to detect and distinguish weapons from personal items, according to the company’s website. It enables people to walk through security “without breaking stride or emptying pockets or bags” and can screen up to 4,000 people an hour.
White said multiple businesses have reached out to the department about getting Evolv machines in front of their locations. DPD will work with them to make that happen, he said.
Detroit police will also be adding the ability for members of the community to submit tips about people illegally carrying guns through DetroitRewards.tv, a website that lets people remain anonymous and receive cash rewards when an arrest is made.
“If you’re downtown or any part of town and you see someone illegally carrying a weapon and you know factually that they’re illegally carrying a weapon, you let us know. We’re gonna engage them and if we make an arrest, you will get the reward for that,” White said.
He also announced more information will be coming in the near future about adding tips for ATVs on Detroit streets to the Detroit Rewards TV website.
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