Detroit is launching a new community safety plan focused on prevention, neighborhood action, and youth engagement. The plan brings together city departments, community partners, and residents to reduce crime and improve safety across the city—especially heading into summer 2026.

Key points:

• 6 focus areas across public safety and prevention
• Focus on neighborhoods most impacted by crime
• Includes youth programs, mental health support, and enforcement strategies
• Residents play a key role in making this work

Mayor Sheffield's 6 focus areas

1. Safe Storage & Gun Safety Education and Resources

A citywide effort to encourage safe gun storage and prevent accidental shootings.

What this means

• A large public awareness campaign across social media and communities  
• Direct engagement with families and youth across Detroit  
• Partnerships with schools, workforce programs, and community organizations

What’s changing

• Nearly 2,000 free gun locks distributed to households
• Half funded through the Detroit Public Safety Foundation with support from Henry Ford Project Child Safety
• Expanded outreach through programs like Hope Starts Here, Detroit Parent Network, DPSCD, charter schools, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, and SER Metro  

How residents will see this

• Gun lock giveaways across the city
• Community events and outreach for families and youth
• A citywide child gun safety video campaign 

2. Neighborhood Safety Action Teams

Targeting resources to areas where crime is most concentrated.

What this means

• Weekly walks by city leaders across departments in targeted neighborhoods
• Focus on locations with blight, repeated issues, and high activity 

What’s changing

• Increased patrols, improved lighting, and faster repairs in high-need areas
• Direct input from residents on which locations need attention 

How residents will see this

• More visible city presence in targeted neighborhoods
• Improvements to lighting, conditions, and public spaces
• Opportunities to recommend locations and partner with the city

3. After-Hours Venue Engagement and Enforcement

Improving safety at late-night establishments with high levels of complaints or police activity.

What this means

• Identifying locations with the highest number of police runs, violations, and complaints  
• Working directly with businesses to improve safety plans, lighting, and operations  

What’s changing

• Increased enforcement by DPD and BSEED at high-risk locations  
• Stronger follow-up on repeated issues  

How residents will see this

• Safer conditions at after-hours venues 
• Action taken at businesses that do not address ongoing problems, including closure if necessary

4. Detroit Police Safe Summer Strategy

Expanding proven safety strategies during the summer months. 

What this means

• Enforcement of drag racing and drifting  
• Oversight of block parties and large gatherings  
• Curfew enforcement and parental accountability  

What’s changing

• Increased police presence at parks and recreation centers  
• Enforcement of curfew violations, including parental responsibility tickets  

How residents will see this

• More visible police presence in neighborhoods and public spaces
• Safer large events and gatherings  
• Increased enforcement of curfew rules

5. Conflict Resolution & Restorative Practices Taskforce

Developing new ways to address conflicts before they escalate into violence.

What this means

• A new task force made up of city leaders, community violence intervention groups, and behavioral health professionals  

What’s changing

• New strategies and tools for conflict resolution to be rolled out later this summer  

How residents will see this

• More support to resolve conflicts without law enforcement involvement
• Community-based approaches to de-escalation and problem-solving

6. Youth Engagement Year-Round Strategy

Creating safe, engaging opportunities for young people across the city. 

What this means

• Events and activities designed with direct input from youth
• Expanded opportunities for teens to gather in safe, structured environments
• A broader summer initiative focused on keeping young people engaged  

What’s changing

• Launch of “Occupy the Summer,” a citywide effort to expand youth programming that will include:
  • Recreation centers open later, with hours extended until 11 PM during the summer
  • Return of “Midnight Basketball” and other activities for young adults
• New youth-focused events with DJs, basketball courts, and gaming trucks and more

How residents will see this

• Free, large-scale youth events across the city  
  More evening and late-night options for young people  
  Increased access to recreation centers and structured activities throughout the summer

How residents can get involved

• Pick up a free gun lock and practice safe storage
• Share concerns about high-risk locations in your neighborhood  
• Participate in community outreach and events  
• Support youth programming and activities  
• Stay informed about safety efforts in your area 

Watch the full press conference announcement: