Berrien county officials emphasize collaboration during joint press conference

 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Various organizations from throughout Berrien County hosted a joint press conference Tuesday morning to show that they would be working together to combat violence in the community.

Organizations present included the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, the Benton Charter Township Police Department, local church organizations, Michigan state police, the county sheriff's office and several nonprofits.

Leaders also emphasized the important role that schools are expected to play in the revival of the community.

Director of Public Safety, Dan McGinnis, described how several events that took place in the past week lead up to Tuesday’s joint press conference. Those events included the injury shooting of a 15-year-old on September 5, as well as the shooting death of a 22-year-old Sunday morning.

The Department of Public Safety and the charter Township police announced that they’d be increasing patrols, as well as collaboration between the two organizations. They also intend to reinstate the practice of turning off business lights in the early morning hours to dispel foot traffic and block parties.