Police Chief: Armed Citizens Reduce Crime

“Criminals who are thinking of robbing a citizen; they’re less likely to do so if they think they might be armed.” —Detroit Police Chief James Craig

There you have it directly from the man charged with trying to reduce crime in Detroit, Michigan. And as anyone who is breathing air knows, Detroit is going through some very tough times.

I know this confirms what many of you already know and believe. Still, it’s always important when an individual in the position of Chief Craig comes out and speaks the truth on an issue this critical.

Because I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of uninformed, anti-gun, anti-Second Amendment jerks who constantly bad-mouth responsible gun owners.

OK. Before I share more of what Chief Craig had to say on one of the most important topics we cover at the Self-Reliance Institute — the use of guns for self-defense — I want to take care of an important housekeeping matter.

Here is your free copy of the Self-Reliance Institute Newsletter for July. Enjoy! Share! As always, give me feedback by emailing[email protected]

 OK. Back to Chief Craig.

This week, in “Detroit police chief gives credit to armed citizens for drop in crime,” The Detroit News reported:

“Fed up with crime, some armed Detroiters have developed itchy trigger-fingers — and Police Chief James Craig said lawbreakers are getting the message.

“In the latest incident, police say an 88-year-old who was beaten and robbed inside his east side home last week probably thought he was defending himself against attackers when he opened fire Monday on a television news crew.”

Now get this. Even though that 88-year-old man shot at a television news crew — not a criminal trying to break in his home and attack him — Chief Craig (and his assistant chief!) defended him.

In my book, that’s the kind of police chief we need in every community in this country.

According to the report, here’s what Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt said about the incident.

“’I think he was traumatized; he got beat up pretty good,’ Dolunt said. ‘When the second reporter went onto his porch, he may have thought she was the woman who had tricked him, and he probably thought he was defending himself.’

“Dolunt said police are investigating the matter, and it will be up to prosecutors to decide whether to bring charges.”

Let’s hope the prosecutors have the good sense to leave this 88-year-old man alone. After all, he was in his home.

So do incidents like this reduce crime? Do they deter criminals from breaking into homes and attacking innocent citizens?

Well, here’s more from the report.

“The incident was the latest in a string of homeowners opening fire to defend themselves, although after a flurry of such shootings early this year, before Monday there hadn’t been a reported incident since May 4 — an indication that criminals are thinking twice about breaking into people’s houses, Craig said.

“Detroit has experienced 37 percent fewer robberies in 2014 than during the same period last year, 22 percent fewer break-ins of businesses and homes, and 30 percent fewer carjackings. Craig attributed the drop to better police work and criminals being reluctant to prey on citizens who may be carrying guns.

“’Criminals are getting the message that good Detroiters are armed and will use that weapon,’ said Craig, who has repeatedly said he believes armed citizens deter crime. ‘I don’t want to take away from the good work our investigators are doing, but I think part of the drop in crime, and robberies in particular, is because criminals are thinking twice that citizens could be armed.’

“’I can’t say what specific percentage is caused by this, but there’s no question in my mind it has had an effect,’ Craig said.”

After quoting several ivory tower types who put forth the usual blather about guns being dangerous, the report checks in with a former criminal. You know, the type of guy with real world experience like the police chief.

“Detroit resident Al Woods, a self-described former criminal who is now an anti-violence advocate and author, agreed criminals are thinking twice about attacking citizens.

“’If I was out there now robbing people these days, knowing there are a lot more people with guns, I know I’d have to rethink my game plan,’ said Woods, 60.”

Finally, let’s hear some more truth from the chief!

“Craig said he doesn’t believe gun ownership deters criminals from attacking other criminals. ‘They automatically assume another criminal is carrying,’ he said. ‘I’m talking about criminals who are thinking of robbing a citizen; they’re less likely to do so if they think they might be armed.’”

When I saw this report and what the chief had to say, I knew I had to share it with you. I’ve also sent the link to the report to almost everyone in my personal email address book.

And yes, I certainly sent it to a number of folks who always claim that the police say citizens shouldn’t arm themselves as a means of self-defense.

Because here’s the truth.

I’ve been around and worked with law enforcement all my life. And every officer and official I know will tell you that the police can never be there fast enough when you’re faced with a life or death confrontation.

The reality is that you must be prepared to defend your life and the lives of your family members. And, in the coming weeks and months, we will use the Self-Reliance Institute to share a ton of information on the proper use of guns for self-defense.

OK. Tell me what you think by emailing me at [email protected]

Do you agree or disagree with the chief when he says that armed citizens reduce crime?

Be safe and secure,

Rob Douglas