BENTON HARBOR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Due to an uptick in violent crime, the City of Benton Harbor will see more State Troopers deployed to its area.
Since 2015, Benton Harbor has been a part of Michigan’s Secure Cities Partnership (SCP), which aims to reduce crime through community engagement.
In April, the SCP in Benton Harbor was joined by the newly established MSP Fifth District Crime Prevention Squad (DCPS). The DCPS is staffed by five troopers who collectively come from each of the district’s four posts.
Police say the primary purpose of the DCPS is to focus on reducing violent crime and establish positive police and community relationships in Benton Harbor and other communities.
In response to a recent upsurge in shootings and violent crime throughout Benton Harbor, MSP has pledged to add additional resources in an effort to restore peace and stability, according to officials.
Effective Wednesday, August 11, five to seven additional troopers will begin working alongside the DCPS and will remain there through August 21.
Beginning August 22, another five troopers will join the DCPS and maintain their presence throughout the rest of the summer, and will continue until there is a considerable reduction in shootings and violent crime.
Additionally, the Benton Township area will also be a focus point during MSP patrols, as much of the violent activity carries over from one jurisdiction to the other, and the violent crime rates are comparable, according to police.
The additional resources will also focus on crime reduction and prevention, proactively policing, and building positive police and community relationships.
