The city of Flint is looking at setting up a witness protection program to encourage city residents to come forward with information on violent crime.
Flint’s homicide rate this year is running about 30 percent higher so far this year compared to the first half of 2020.
Police Chief Terence Green believes a witness protection program is key to reducing violent crime in Flint.
“Funding for that program will go a long way with solving unsolved homicides as well as preventing homicides," Green said.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley discussed plans for a witness protection program during a roundtable discussion on public safety with Governor Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday, Aug 4.
“Before it gets too far out of control, we want to make sure we provide the necessary resources to suppress the criminal element in our communities.”
Neeley is proposing spending a half million dollars in federal COVID relief money on the program, as well as getting state matching funds.