Battle Creek Times

State Representative Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at providing local law enforcement agencies in Michigan with additional resources to solve violent crimes. The proposed Violent Crime Clearance Act would establish a grant program designed to help police departments hire, train, and retain investigative staff, as well as acquire new equipment and technology. The grants could also be used to support crime victims.

Lightner said, “Local law enforcement do incredible work, but they need our help. Clearance rates of violent crimes are too low in many Michigan communities, because our amazing first responders lack the support they need from Lansing. Let’s change that today.”

Recent polling commissioned by Arnold Ventures indicates broad public support for increasing the number of solved crimes across the state. According to the poll conducted between September 2-4, 2025 among 600 Michigan voters, 82% support the Violent Crime Clearance Act. This includes 88% of Republicans, 83% of Democrats, and 71% of independents.

The legislation is backed by several law enforcement groups. Mike Sauger, president of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, stated: “Getting closure for victims of crime and their families, and protecting our communities from further violence is a core mission of law enforcement, yet solving cases takes an immense amount of time and resources. In many law enforcement communities across Michigan, those resources are lacking. The Michigan Fraternal Order of Police supports bills introduced by Representative Lightner and state Senator Stephanie Chang to help extend further resources to law enforcement, such as evidence-processing technology and investigative tactics, as well as funding for more personnel.”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard added: “For victims, their families, and their friends, closure is one of the most important things we can provide. Support from the state to improve clearance rates—resolving cases and delivering that closure—is invaluable and deeply appreciated.”