Governor Granholm, Michigan State Police Urge calm in Benton Harbor, Offer Further Assistance

June 18, 2003

- Benton Harbor press conference 6/19/03

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Col. Tadarial Sturdivant, Director of the Michigan State Police, said today that they stand ready to provide any further assistance that is needed to bring recent civil unrest in Benton Harbor to an end. They joined local law enforcement and community officials in urging calm in the community.

"We are encouraging the people of Benton Harbor to come together to resolve this crisis," Governor Granholm said today. "The civil unrest of recent days must come to an end, and the healing process must begin for the future of the community. We will provide assistance both in ending the violence and enabling the healing process in Benton Harbor."

Col. Sturdivant and representatives of the Governor's senior staff are in Benton Harbor today to meet with local law enforcement and to support their efforts.

"We are in partnership with the local law enforcement agencies to ensure that life and property will be protected during this time," Sturdivant said. "We have sufficient resources to handle any emergency that should arise, and we will be conducting an assessment to determine what additional support can and should be provided to the community in the days and weeks to come."

Michigan State Police provided approximately 130 State Police personnel to assist local law enforcement on Tuesday night. The State Police will increase their presence today to a total of 150 officers who will be on hand to quell any violence that may erupt. Among the State Police units assisting are uniform patrol officers, canine units, aviation officers and the State Police command vehicle.

Governor Granholm has not declared a state of emergency, nor has one been requested. Under Public Act 302, during times of great public crisis, disaster, rioting, catastrophe, or similar public emergency within the state, or reasonable apprehension of immediate danger thereof, when public safety is imperiled, either upon application of the mayor of a city, sheriff of a county, the Commissioner (Director) of the Michigan State Police, or upon his/her own volition, the Governor may proclaim a state of emergency and designate the area involved.

Following such proclamation or declaration, the Governor may promulgate such reasonable orders, rules, and regulations as deemed necessary to protect life and property or to bring the emergency situation within the affected area under control.