LANSING – The Michigan House today adopted a resolution proposed by State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) to allow for police protection and promote safer communities by permitting Michigan's cities and villages to continue police patrolling agreements with County Sheriff Departments.
"As I work to move Michigan forward and create good-paying jobs for our workers now, I'm also fighting to protect the safety of our residents," said LeBlanc, who is also a reserve police officer for the Canton Police Department. "Our quality of life depends in large part on our kids being able to play out in our neighborhoods and our families having peace of mind in their homes. This plan will give our law enforcement the tools they need to keep our communities safe."
The Secondary Road Patrol and Traffic Accident Prevention Program (SRP) is a state-funded, county-matched grant program. Created in 1978, the SRP allows for law enforcement in areas that are not typically patrolled, effectively increasing police presence on county and local roads that are located outside city or village limits. The SRP provides police protection services to these outlying areas such as monitoring traffic violations, investigating accidents and providing emergency assistance to motorists.
LeBlanc's resolution will allow for the continuation of the police protection for all Michigan communities. In addition to the House of Representatives, the resolution has the support of the Michigan State Police, Oakland and Wayne County Sheriff Departments, and the Deputy Sheriffs Association.
"I know firsthand how important law enforcement is to our communities," LeBlanc said. "We are very fortunate to have law enforcement officials who are so committed to fighting crime and keeping us safe. This resolution will only help them do their job."