Flint Looks Into Launching a Witness Protection Program [VIDEO]

Many crimes in Flint go unsolved because witnesses don't come forward due to their fear of retaliation. But the city of Flint is looking to change that as it explores the possibility of setting up a witness protection program.

Flint Police Chief Terence Green says that possibility may become a reality and he hopes that it will lead to more citizens coming forward.

“I think this will send a resounding message to those individuals that we are seeking information from that we’ll do everything to protect you and your family,” Green tells WNEM TV-5 in the video below.

 

There's a "No Snitching Rule" on the Streets

Green goes on to say that of the more than 50 homicides that have occurred so far in 2021, a majority of them have been retaliatory in nature. He says many of those could be solved if someone who knows something would just come forward.

“That’s the reason why we’re going to use this witness protection program to bring those individuals forward, gain their trust and get them to provide information to bring those to justice that are responsible,” Green said.

 

Funding the Program

Green says money to fund the program would come from the American Recovery Act. Flint has received about $99 million as part of President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan. If the program becomes a reality, it would help provide money for witness protection and relocation.

Green tells WNEM that the program could be implemented by the end of this year.