The City of Benton Harbor is ramping up its policing efforts in order to combat recent public disorder.
The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety (BHDPS) is receiving assistance from the Michigan State Police under the Secure Cities Initiative to Combat Public Disorder.
This comes after reports of several complaints about speeding vehicles throughout the city, and large gatherings quoted as “a menace to the peace and tranquility of the residential neighborhoods.”
Beginning today, the Michigan State Police will dedicate Squad 6 Troopers to work full time in the City, with this lasting several weeks.
A major component of the extra patrols will be for traffic enforcement, as the City reports several people who race up and down the streets are doing so with rental cars.
Actions taken by law enforcement will include, but are not limited to:
• At the request of car rental companies, rental cars will be impounded if they are recklessly driven by anyone who is not the contractual renter of the vehicle.
• Police will also be looking to confiscate any illegal motor bike or 4-wheeler operating on the roadways.
• People at large gatherings may be cited as violation of the Governor’s COVID-19 Executive order for public gatherings and social distancing.
• Vehicles that are at these parties that congest the roadways and hinder passage may me towed at the owner’s expense.
• Lastly, the State Troopers will be able to enforce the city’s ordinance on loud music.
Benton Harbor residents are encouraged to download the BHDPS app to submit an anonymous tip.
