Raphael Washington, Wayne County Sheriff: support for House Bills 4670-74, the Safer Michigan Act

Summary

A letter of support from Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington to Chairman Lilley for House Bills 4670-74, the Safer Michigan Act, sent because scheduling conflicts prevented the sheriff from testifying. The letter states that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on public safety, that Wayne County receives more than 250 returning citizens from the Michigan Department of Corrections every month, and that access to education and stable employment is the key to ending cycles of crime. It describes the Safer Michigan Act as allowing an incentive program that rewards hard work, discipline and commitment for the incarcerated, and says the bill package is about accountability, opportunity and safety.

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Raphael Washington
Wayne County Sheriff

Dear Chairman Lilley-R,

As Sheriff of the largest county in Michigan, I am reaching out to express my complete and
unwavering support for House Bills 4670-74. Unfortunately, due io scheduling conflicts, { cannot
be in attendance to provide testimony. Please accept this as my letter of support for the Safer
Michigan Act.

We have carefully reviewed the proposed legislation, and we believe these House bills take
extraordinary and critical steps towards developing safer communities for all Michiganders. The
COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly taken a toll on public safety throughout the state, and we
must rethink how we improve safety with intelligent and proven approaches.

Wayne County receives more than 250 returning citizens from the Michigan Department of
Corrections every month. We strongly believe that returning citizens should be equipped with the
necessary skills and education to live productive lives and contribute to their communities. For
those who have served their time, providing access to education and stable employment is the key to
ending cycles of crime and making Michigan safer.

As acarecr law enforcement officer, I know first-hand the challenges of working in an environment
with limited opportunities for those suffering under the weight of poverty, poor educational
opportunities, and hopelessness.

The Safer Michigan Act allows for an incentive program that rewards hard work, discipline, and
commitment for the incarcerated looking to change their lives. Most importantly, it holds them
accountable while they assimilate back into society and reduces the chances that they will return
behind bars.

There is no doubt that we want our returning citizens to fully accept responsibility for their crimes
and commit to a future that requires consistent action on their behalf to achieve success. We believe
the Safer Michigan Act will play a significant role in ensuring there is an opportunity for those
citizens lo achieve success and make us safer.

WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
4747 WOODWARD * DETROIT, MI 48201 ¢ (313) 224-7491
Most notably, this bill package ts not a “gel ou of jail free card’ — this is about accountability,
opportunity, and safety. With this bill package, individuals will be required to dedicate themselves
to a process of transformation and giving back to society along the way.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my opinion on this crucial bill package.

Sincerely,

Raphael Washington
Wayne County Sheriff

WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
4747 WOODWARD * DETROIT, MI 48201 ¢ (313) 224-7491


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