November 04, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – Parole and probation agents from the Michigan Department of Corrections, in partnership with local law enforcement, have hit a new milestone by removing 900 illegally possessed guns off the street as part of the Operation Safe Neighborhoods program.
Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing gun violence, targets parolees and probationers who are unable to possess firearms by law. Strategic searches and compliance checks focused on high-risk individuals, such as those who have a history of committing gun crimes, help agents and law enforcement reduce the chance of violent crimes and keep communities safe.
“MDOC agents are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe and ensuring those on probation and parole follow the conditions of their supervision,” said Director Heidi E. Washington. “We have agents in every county in Michigan, and this initiative allows us to collaborate closely with local law enforcement to stop crime before it happens. We will continue to work every day to make sure that these illegally possessed firearms are off Michigan streets.”
MDOC currently has approximately 1,000 parole/probation agents supervising 40,500 parolees and probationers in communities throughout the state. Since the program’s inception in 2022, MDOC has completed over 9,405 sweeps, made 1,476 arrests, and removed 902 illegally possessed guns off the street. The operation has also helped to find illicit drugs, weapons, and other items which can be dangerous to the community.
“Our communities are safer and those under our supervision are more successful when there is clear accountability for their actions,” said Russ Marlan, Deputy Director of Field Operations Administration. “Through our collaborative partnerships and consistent compliance checks we have proven we can create a safer Michigan by getting weapons and drugs out of the hands of people who should not have them.”
Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm. Operation Safe Neighborhoods builds on Governor Whitmer’s MI Safe Communities program that was launched in 2021 to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street, and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education, and the justice system.
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