Mayor Weaver & Police Chief Vow to Crack Down on Crime in Flint

April 26, 2016 (Flint, Mich) Mayor Karen Weaver stood with Flint Police Chief Tim Johnson today to discuss efforts underway to reduce crime in the City of Flint.

“Just like residents of Flint deserve clean safe water, they also deserve to live in a safe community”, Mayor Weaver said. “We want to let people know, crime in the City of Flint will not be tolerated.”

Chief Johnson said there have been eight homicides in Flint since he took over as head of the police department in February. He said that’s eight too many. The chief said a suspect is in custody in connection will all of the incidents except one. He said he and his officers are taking steps to let criminals know if you break the law in Flint, be prepared to suffer the consequences.

“To all the individuals who think they are going to commit a crime in the City of Flint and get away with it, it’s not going to happen, not under my watch,” said Chief Johnson.

In late March, Chief Johnson reinstated the police department’s Crime Area Target Team, also known as the “CATT Squad”. He says the eleven officers selected to be on the squad have a track record of being proactive and self- motivated to get results.

And results are exactly what the team is getting. Since March 27, 2016 the chief says the CATT Squad has made 61 arrests, taken nearly 14 guns off the streets, impounded 12 vehicles and recovered more than $18,000 in cash.

The chief had most of the guns, drugs and money on display at the press conference to show his department is making a significant impact to cut down on crime in Flint. He says this is just the beginning.

“We can’t do anything in this City without the citizens being part of our police department. We’re asking for your continued support. When you see a crime committed we ask that you come forward with that information so we can go out and stop the crime that is occurring”. The chief said it’s important for residents to report criminal activity because, someone else may be a target today, but you could be the target tomorrow.

As the warmer months approach, Chief Johnson said he and his department will be ready to help keep things peaceful.

Residents are also urged to do their part as well. A representative from Crime Stoppers was on hand to remind people they can report tips anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL.