Prevent Gun Violence in Oakland County and Public Awareness

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

In the wake of Sandy Hook and other mass shootings, Oakland County Commissioners charged their Public Services Committee with a full review of the threat of gun violence to the community. The Committee undertook a thorough review with experts from many aspects of the issue and agencies to gauge the current situation. Public participation was highly valued and encouraged with technology. The Committee had a strong commitment to bipartisanship as well as reaching a meaningful end. The Committee and full Board adopted the report “Gun Violence in Oakland County” unanimously in July, 2013. The Public Services Committee Chairman immediately appointed a Study Group of bipartisan Commissioners and law enforcement officials to begin working on the action items in the report. Several resolutions were introduced regarding state and federal action on legislation. The Study Group also began working to find ways to increase public awareness of many of the common concerns identified in the report. One concern members felt was very relevant to the threat of mass shootings was scientific evidence that violent video games are increasing aggressive behavior in young people. The Study Group prepared a public service advertisement video at no cost to the taxpayers to educate parents about the dangers of violent video games and the use of the ratings system listed on game boxes. A Detroit news anchor donated her time and a video was produced. Local cable stations began airing it at no cost beginning in December, 2013, the one year anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy. In a time of gridlock and high emotion on this divisive issue, this program and process stands out as a model for effective public policy making, public participation and fostering a conversation between agencies to tackle a serious common problem.