Public Safety for All of Muskegon

Today, Muskegon is under serious strain. Our Police Department is running 14 officers short—currently filling only 65 of its authorized 79 positions. This forces our officers into reactive mode, not proactively protecting our community. It endangers our officers and our community and the understaffing could lead to more attrition. If we don’t find ways to retain our officers, we jeopardize their ability to develop relationships in the community and conduct community policing - a program that has helped reduce crime in the city since it was implemented decades ago.

Our Fire Department isn’t faring much better—stationed trucks roll with just one or two firefighters, and at Station 4 on Laketon Drive—where major new development is planned—that shortage is especially alarming.

For some context, Norton Shores, a smaller city, has 35 of 37 active officers and on most nights has more police and firefighters on duty, to serve fewer people, than Muskegon.

Another public safety concern that we can fix is our Ambulance coverage. Across the County coverage is inadequate, with ambulances often taking 11-12 minutes to arrive where they are needed. This is a great opportunity for the communities in our County to partner and remedy this issue.

My first priority as Mayor will be the safety and security of every resident in every neighborhood. My plan is straightforward: fully support our police and first responders with the resources and training they need, while strategically investing in community-based programs that prevent crime before it starts. We don't have to choose between enforcement and prevention. A safer city requires both, and I am the only candidate with a clear plan to deliver them.

We deserve better. I’m running for mayor to fix this—restoring proper staffing for real safety in our city.

https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/muskegon-police-department-understaffed-by-14-officers-offering-paid-academy-for-4-positions