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ShotStoppers is Detroit’s most prized crime reduction program. For a little over a year, the community-based intervention project has helped stop violence before it happens.

The numbers speak loudly. Detroit had 203 homicides by the end of 2024, its lowest number recorded since 1965. Last October, the city also had a 45 percent drop in homicides in areas where ShotStoppers was implemented — that’s compared to an 18 percent drop in places without it.

But ShotStoppers may not continue beyond 2025. The program rests on federal American Rescue Plan Act money, which will soon reach an end. State Democrats missed an opportunity to fund ShotStoppers programs in Detroit and in other Michigan cities during their lame duck session.

Many Detroiters are concerned about the program ending, along with the Detroit Police Department. Producer Sam Corey sat down with interim Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison to learn more about the program and how he’s advocating for sustained funding. Bettison was selected by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to be the city’s next police chief and is awaiting confirmation by city council. 

Use the media player above to hear the conversation.

Hear more stories from The Metro on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Today on The Metro, we’re celebrating our first year on the air! 

It has been a ride. We’ve brought our listeners conversations from community leaders working to end violence to how we can all reduce waste.

This year, we’ll keep bringing you stories rooted in Detroit. We’re following culture and arts, keeping track of the city’s mayoral race, and connecting with more community organizations that are changing lives. 

Use the media players below to hear our favorite stories from our first year on air. 

Join the conversation by calling 313-577-1019 or leaving us an Open Mic message on the WDET app.

First Year Favorites from The Metro on Feb. 5, 2025:

• Zoe Kennedy is the executive director of FORCE Detroit. He joined the show in January to reflect on how community violence intervention programs like his have contributed to Detroit experiencing the lowest number of homicides in the city since 1965.

• Barb McQuade is a legal scholar, analyst and former U.S. Attorney. She joined the show after Donald Trump’s inauguration to dig into some of his many executive orders and discuss the boundaries of presidential power.

• Detroit’s poet laureate jessica Care moore is a world-renouned poet, author and musician. She joined the show in December to look back on the life and lecacy of celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni just after she passed.

• In addition to being the host of Modern Music on WDET, Jon Moshier is also the executive music producer for Doner Advertising. He joined the show in December to reflect on the art of the jingle.

• Ian Solomon is the founder of Amplify Outside and communications and engagement manager for the Detroit Parks Coalition. He joined the show in January to discuss how Amplify Outside works to remove barriers that prevent people from enjoying the outdoors. 

• Tepfirah Rushdan is the director of Detroit’s Office of Sustainability. She joined the show in January to discuss what the city of Detroit is doing to reduce waste, what we can do personally and what it means to center sustainability in our food system.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.