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Committee approves extension for gun‑violence prevention grant and two Community Corrections appointments
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Summary
The Wayne County committee approved a six‑month extension to a Michigan State Police BURN grant that funds community gun‑safety classes and gun‑lock distribution, and confirmed the appointment of Commander Derek Lynch and reappointment of Arman Rashad Harris to the Community Corrections Advisory Board.
The Committee on Public Safety, Judiciary, and Homeland Security approved an amendment extending a Michigan State Police BURN grant for community gun‑violence prevention through Dec. 31, 2026, and took two related personnel actions.
Ebony McCann, director of transition services, told the committee the amendment (Amendment 2 to the FY22–23 BURN grant) would extend the contract term six months and keep funding for Michigan United’s community classes that explain new gun laws and distribute gun locks. McCann said the program uses trained navigators who are typically social‑work‑trained or criminal‑justice‑informed community members; she agreed to provide commissioners the navigators’ formal specifications and a personnel and indirect‑cost budget breakdown on request.
The committee also approved the appointment of Commander Derek Lynch to the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Lynch introduced himself at the table, said he has served 29 years with the sheriff’s office, holds a master’s degree in administration, justice and security, oversees programs at the Wayne County Jail and submitted a resume for the committee record. McCann said Lynch replaces Chief Robert Dunlap and noted the advisory board is required under statute to oversee community corrections programs funded by the Michigan Department of Corrections.
The committee approved the reappointment of Arman Rashad Harris to the advisory board. McCann noted Harris represents the business sector; she said he owns Jabs Gym in Eastern Market and brings perspective on hiring people with criminal histories. Harris later introduced himself during public comment and described 15 years of community work in Detroit and his business background.
A single motion to approve Items 1, 4 and 5 (the grant amendment, Lynch’s appointment and Harris’s reappointment) was made by Commissioner Peterson Mayberry, supported by a colleague, and carried by voice vote.
What happens next: McCann will provide requested budget and navigator‑specification details to the commissioners; the appointments will be reflected at the full board meeting.
