While families prepare for a fun-filled weekend, the police and fire department are gearing up for Halloween mischief.
A local police chief said he was not relying on volunteers this year. Instead, he hopes a new device will do more to compensate for his absence.
“We’re hoping for the best, but hoping for the worst,” said Flint Police Chief Terence Greene. “Lots of criminal activity in the way of setting a house on fire, stuff of that nature. We’re always planning gun violence.”
Green said they are ramping up patrols, but without the help of volunteers.
“With the rise of COVID-19 and the delta version, we haven’t really relied on our volunteers as much because of the pandemic, so we’re basically doing that with our officers,” he said. Our mini stations, but we are devoting all our resources to additional patrols.”
Greene said he plans to conduct 12 additional patrols looking at the roads from the ground.
This year, with the help of a new helicopter, his eyes will also be seen in the sky.
“Part of our strategy is until Saturday. Right now, we’re anticipating that will be provided back to officers on the ground,” Green said.
It’s been a long time since the helicopter arrived. The city council first approved funding for this in July.
“It’s a relief,” Green said. “It’s another piece of equipment, a major piece of equipment that’s going to help us fight and fight crime.”
Green hopes the additional patrols, combined with helicopters, will create a guilt-free weekend.
“To know that there is an aviation unit above, and our ultimate goal with this helicopter is to stop crime, make them aware that we are using all of our resources to help keep the public safe,” he said. said.
.