Federal, local partnership yields double-digit violent crime drop in two Detroit precincts

Detroit — A partnership between local and federal law enforcement agencies targeting two of Detroit's most violent neighborhoods between Memorial Day and Labor Day has resulted in a double-digit drop in carjackings, robberies and gun crimes in those areas, officials announced Wednesday.

The One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership between the U.S. Attorney's Office, Detroit Police and Wayne County Prosecutor's Office kicked off in May. The summer crime prevention plan was launched in Detroit's 8th and 9th Precincts, which typically record the highest instances of violent crimes each year.

"One part of the effort was an enforcement strategy designed to prosecute the most violent individuals and crimes in federal court when that was possible," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a press release. "This effort resulted in 22 defendants being charged with federal firearms offenses. Of those charged, 13 defendants have been detained pending trial, three defendants have pleaded guilty to charges, and 18 defendants are pending trial."

From June 1 to Aug. 31, the 8th Precinct recorded a nearly 20% reduction in the targeted offenses, while there was an 11% drop in the 9th Precinct.

Another aspect of the One Detroit partnership was "Peacenics," events that officials described as "a collective gathering of the community and law enforcement where we shared in food, fellowship and fun in the name of peace." Approximately 4800 Detroit residents attended the two Peacenics, held on July 8 in O’Hair Park and July 15 in Heilmann Park, officials said.

A third component of the program was attempting to reduce recidivism "by empowering returning citizens to become stable, contributing members of the Detroit community," Wednesday's release said.

"As a result of these efforts, 50 returning citizens participated in community roundtables intended to provide motivation and insight about taking advantage of second chances after a criminal conviction," the release said.

United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison said in a statement: "We are encouraged about the progress we made toward our goal to make this city safer, but there is still work to do. My office and our One Detroit Partners won't stop working until we can meaningfully reduce violence in this city."

ghunter@detroitnews.com

(313) 222-2134

X (formerly Twitter): @GeorgeHunter_DN