To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson
title
RE: Approval to accept the 2026 STOP Violence Grant, in the amount of $400,000.00 with a $100,000.00 match requirement, from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); the term of the grant is from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Request to accept the 2026 STOP Violence grant from the MDHHS. This grant term is October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, in the amount of $400,000.00 with a $100,000.00 match requirement.
BACKGROUND:
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office and local victim service agencies, including the YWCA of Greater Flint, Voices for Children Advocacy Center, and Hurley's Trauma Recovery Center, is seeking to continue and enhance the multidisciplinary STOP Team to strengthen the community response to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This project supports a trauma-informed, victim-centered, and offender-focused approach to law enforcement and direct services. Dedicated investigators will continue to focus exclusively on these crimes, improving timely and coordinated case response. The STOP Team includes first responders, prosecutors, and advocates working collaboratively from initial report through case resolution, providing victims with consistent support and holding offenders accountable. By sustaining and expanding this coordinated approach, the STOP Team improves access to justice, enhances survivor safety, and increases public trust in the criminal justice system.
DISCUSSION:
Due to decreased funding from this grant the Sheriff's Office will be reducing the staff assigned to the STOP grant and eliminating a sergeant position. The budget only allows two dedicated investigators to continue our efforts to bring justice to these victims of domestic violence. ...
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