December 18, 2006

Lansing- State and local law enforcement officers arrested 796 fugitives during four Project S.A.F.E. (Statewide Apprehension of Fugitives Effort) Street sweeps in 2006.  The sweeps were part of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's ongoing commitment to protecting Michigan's children and families by arresting violent parole absconders.  The most recent sweep, conducted December 5 - 7, resulted in 165 arrests, of which 55 were parole violators and 27 were parole absconders. 

"Protecting Michigan's families is a priority for this administration," Granholm said. "Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement agencies, our communities are a little safer today. We continue to send a clear message to: violent probationers and parolees who do no meet their responsibilities, they will not be allowed to threaten the safety of our children, our families or our communities."

Project S.A.F.E. Street 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.

The December sweep included arrests for armed robbery, retail fraud, assault, arson, home invasion, larceny, breaking and entering, operating while under the influence of liquor, receiving and concealing stolen property, violation of controlled substance act and failure to register as a sex offender.

In 2006, Project S.A.F.E. Street sweeps were also conducted March 7-9, resulting in 214 arrests; June 6-8, resulting in 227 arrests; and September 12-14, resulting in 190 arrests.

"Thanks to the cooperation and dedication of law enforcement agencies statewide, we continue to keep Michigan families safe by arresting dangerous offenders," said Colonel Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.  "The number of arrests during 2006 represents the highest number of fugitives removed from the streets as part of this coordinated effort in a single year."

The MSP and MDOC organized the December sweep with assistance from 19 county sheriff's departments, 27 local police departments, the U.S. Marshals Service and Pasco County (Florida) Sheriff's Department. 

"Law enforcement agencies working together is the best way I know of keeping our citizens and neighborhoods safe," said MDOC Director Patricia L. Caruso.

A total of 2,454 fugitives have been arrested since Project S.A.F.E. Street began in March 2003.

Contact: Captain Robert E. Clark, Michigan State Police, (248) 380-1054; Mr. Leo Lalonde, Michigan Department of Corrections, (517) 373-6391

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.