Project S.A.F.E. Street is a quarterly effort of the Granholm Administration aimed at improving public safety by encouraging the state's law enforcement agencies to work together to arrest violent parole absconders. The initiative, started in 2003, is a joint effort among the Michigan State Police (MSP), the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and local and federal law enforcement to arrest violent offenders known to be in violation of parole and who pose a threat to public safety.

"Over the past five years, 3,800 fugitives have been arrested as part of Project S.A.F.E Street sweeps," said Colonel Peter C. Munoz, Director of the MSP. "In special efforts such as this and in our daily activities, law enforcement will continue to work together to ensure the safety of Michigan families."

Of the 180 arrests, 91 were parole violators, 34 were parole absconders and 10 were probation violators. The sweep included arrests for armed robbery, assault and battery, burglary, breaking and entering, criminal sexual assault, domestic violence, home invasion, larceny and possession of cocaine.

"I am proud of the perseverance shown by the criminal justice agencies involved with this initiative. Their hard work promotes public safety and sends a message to all fugitives," said MDOC Director Patricia L. Caruso. "This ongoing project involving the Department of Corrections, the Michigan State Police, and local law enforcement is vital to ensuring the protection of our communities and the good citizens within them."

The MSP and MDOC organized the September sweep with assistance from the U.S. Marshal Service, 15 county sheriff's departments, 28 local police departments and law enforcement agencies from Nevada and West Virginia.

A total of 3,801 fugitives have been arrested since Project S.A.F.E. Street began in March 2003.

Contact: Capt. Annemarie H. Gibson, Michigan State Police, (734) 525-2560
John Cordell, Michigan Department of Corrections, (517) 373-6391