With just over one month under his belt, Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane has one overarching goal in mind: implementing policy changes to decrease gun-related crime.
“It’s really an unacceptable level at this time,” Dewane said.
Having served as a prosecutor for the last 22 years, Dewane is now in a position to take the prosecutor’s office in a different direction.
Under the previous administration, the felony firearm policy was taken away. Dewane has since reversed this, making it a two-year mandatory prison term for anyone who possesses a firearm while committing a crime.
“I think it will make a difference, at least for plea negotiations, but also to send a message that I’m very serious about gun violence,” Dewane said upon reinstating the policy.
Dewane said the uptick in gun violence is “out of control.” The number one killer of children today is no longer car accidents, it is gun violence.
Dewane is also focusing on specialty courts and the role they play in diverting citizens from criminal behavior. Services are offered through mental health court, sobriety court, drug addiction court and domestic abuse court.
The importance of these services lies in providing community members with what they need to better themselves and to be productive citizens, Dewane said.
He has noticed over the last few years that gun violence in Lansing has begun to spread throughout the county, moving down Michigan Avenue toward East Lansing, and this increased level of fear among students at Michigan State University.
“I have a son that attends MSU as a sophomore, and when I get a call from my son that says he’s hearing gunshots outside his house on Stoddard, it causes me some concern,” Dewane said.
Emily Chute, a graduate student at MSU, worries about her safety as a woman. She recalls many of the places she often visits in the last year have been sites of gun-related crime reports.
“I think leadership showing that they care will make people feel safer in general,” Chute said. “Just knowing that there is an increase in awareness and attention is really important.”
Chute mentioned the importance of transparency and communication from those in positions of power. She is grateful for action being taken to create a safer experience for students and community members.
Connor Dewane, son of prosecutor John Dewane, said he is confident in his father’s ability to implement much-needed change. Connor Dewane attributes the prosecutor’s unwavering work ethic and wisdom to his ability to implement change successfully.
“I think [my father] brings a strong force and will stick to his word to help fight major crime and gun violence,” Connor Dewane said.
Provided Photo
Ingham County Prosecutor, John DewaneAlthough John Dewane is dedicating his career to reducing gun-related violence throughout the county, he said the fight is more significant than him alone. It will take action from all sides, including his office, the police department, community leadership and community programs.
“To change the culture of gun violence, we have to have people come forward to step up to say what they saw,” John Dewane said. “It may be an uncomfortable process, but that’s what it’s going to take.”
He encourages others to be vigilant about their surroundings and report a crime if they witness it and strongly believes in the adage, “If you see something, say something.”
To report a crime in Ingham County, visit https://apps.ingham.org/sheriff/