State agencies form Safety Net Partnership to better serve residents with immediate emergency needs

The Michigan State Police (MSP) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are working together on a new, innovative program to aid Michigan residents who have immediate and urgent needs. The Safety Net Partnership is a unique collaboration between the two state agencies that empowers troopers across the state to provide support and assistance in certain circumstances.

"Due to the nature of our work, there are situations where our troopers interact with individuals who may not have access to basic essentials, whether that be gas, food, winter clothing or a child safety need," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. "Policing is a service industry and through this partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, our troopers now have an immediate way to provide stop-gap assistance to individuals we come across who are in need. Equipping troopers with resources like gift cards and supplies can divert residents away from involvement with the criminal justice system and potentially disrupt the cycle of poverty."

Through the program, troopers can provide $25 pre-paid Visa and Mastercard gift cards to individuals they encounter while on patrol when there is a clear and apparent need. The gift cards can be used for items and services such as groceries, diapers and formula, gas and car repairs. Troopers also have access to a supply of items that includes child car seats, portable cribs, diapers, formula, adult briefs and cold weather outerwear, along with information to connect those in need to more permanent assistance programs through MDHHS.

The program was piloted in the MSP's First, Third and Sixth districts in mid-2021 and, following several successes, it has been formalized and expanded statewide through a three-year interagency agreement.

"Providing officers with the resources to help meet some of the more urgent needs of vulnerable Michigan residents can have many positive impacts ranging from increased housing and food security, increased access to treatment for substance use disorder or behavioral health, and diversion from the criminal justice system," said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. "This innovative program is creating a better and safer environment for the people we serve and provides an excellent opportunity to make residents aware of available assistance resources and connect those who most need them to our services."

During the pilot, 328 Michigan residents benefited with 138 cards and items issued, which helped prevent infractions like faulty vehicle equipment and minor criminal violations. For example, one driver who was stopped for defective headlights received a gift card to repair their headlights, as well as a car seat for their 3-year-old child because they could not afford one.

Funding for this program comes from MDHHS' Emergency Services budget and is $72,000 per year.

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