Kalamazoo, like cities across the country, continues to experience an increase in gun violence. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) has been actively working in partnership with the community to address this increase in gun violence through several different initiatives like Pastors on Patrol, Group Violence Intervention, and directed patrols. Despite these efforts, it is clear that only a comprehensive, community response will change this violent trajectory.
As Mayor David Anderson said, “We have a gun violence crisis in Kalamazoo…and we cannot accept this in our community. Every resident has a right to expect that, no matter what neighborhood they call home, it will be a safe place for them and their families. Our response will require us all to determine how we can be a part of the solution. What affects one of us, affects all of us.”