FLINT -- The Flint Police Department headquarters is opening their third floor to house more criminals as a part of a plan set in motion by the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
"The goal was to implement this plan as soon as possible to get more criminals off the streets and make Genesee County and the city of Flint a safer place," said board member Patrick Gleason.
News of officials taking steps to clean up Genesee County comes as a relief to some Flint residents.
"It makes me feel a lot better because I've lived in Flint my whole life and in twenty five years this is most uneasy I have ever felt living here," said Flint resident Jennings Harper.
The reopening is funded by the state and will house over one hundred inmates for a seventy two hour period.
"The last time the lock up was opened in two thousand eight it signifigantly reduced crime, especially violent crime," said Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell.
Sheriff Pickell says one of the most exciting parts of the plan is hiring police and firefighters previously laid off… Something this struggling community can appreciate.
"We should just overfill the jail if that's what the feel they should do. They have did it before we can struggle for a minute we can do it again. We need our police and our fire department back," said Flint resident Tim Harrison.
"With all the robberies going on everyday it’s just a little overwhelming. I believe the city lock up opening will do,” said Harper.
