Flint Police Department: 5 Major Initiatives And Challenges Under Chief Green In 2025
The Flint Police Department (FPD) is currently navigating a period of intense focus on violent crime reduction, community engagement, and critical staffing shortages, with the department's efforts in late 2025 centered on innovative, public health-based intervention strategies. As of today, December 22, 2025, the FPD, under the leadership of Chief Terence Green, continues to implement new programs—such as the Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiative (CVIPI)—while simultaneously addressing high-profile incidents, including ongoing investigations into recent shooting incidents on streets like Garland Street.
This dynamic environment requires a delicate balance between proactive enforcement and building public trust, a challenge underscored by the recent string of violent incidents that prompted Flint officials to hold an urgent public safety meeting in August 2025. The department's current strategy emphasizes not just arrests, but a comprehensive approach to violence reduction, acknowledging the city's unique public safety challenges.
Biography Profile: Chief of Police Terence Green
The leadership of the Flint Police Department is anchored by Chief Terence Green, a veteran officer with deep roots in the Genesee County area. His extensive career and local experience are central to the FPD's current operational philosophy.
- Education: Chief Green earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University Moorehead.
- Early Career & Experience: Green’s law enforcement career began with the Genesee County Sheriff's Department, where he served for many years. He spent four years as a road deputy before being promoted to Sergeant, where he was assigned to three different narcotics teams, an experience that ignited his passion for disrupting illegal drug operations.
- Previous Leadership Roles: After retiring from the Genesee County Sheriff's Department in 2013, Green continued his service. He was sworn in as the Chief of Police for the Mt. Morris Township Police Department on September 25, 2014. He also served with the University of Michigan-Flint Police Department.
- Appointment as FPD Chief: Mayor Sheldon Neeley appointed Terence Green as the City of Flint Police Chief, filling a position that had been vacant for nine months. His appointment was seen as a move to bring experienced, community-focused leadership to the department.
- Current Challenges: Chief Green’s tenure has been marked by a candid acknowledgement of the city's violent crime challenges, alongside efforts to address a critical police officer shortage. He has also been involved in high-profile legal matters, including a civil rights lawsuit filed against him and Mayor Neeley.
The Critical Challenge of Staffing and Manpower
One of the most pressing operational hurdles facing the Flint Police Department in 2025 is the severe shortage of police officers, a problem that mirrors a wider crisis across the state of Michigan.
Chief Green has been vocal about the need for increased manpower, stating that the city requires 200 officers to effectively manage its public safety needs. This number is significantly higher than the department's budgeted full-time positions, which were around 118 in 2022.
The lack of personnel directly impacts the department's ability to conduct proactive patrols, respond quickly to calls, and engage in long-term investigative work, contributing to mandated overtime and officer burnout. The department is actively recruiting, offering competitive benefits to attract both full-time officers and new recruits to the Flint Police Force.
In response to the staffing crisis and the persistent issue of violent crime, the Flint City Council has passed resolutions petitioning the FPD to explore establishing a special law enforcement unit. This move aims to provide targeted resources to high-crime areas, offering a temporary solution while long-term recruitment efforts continue.
FPD's Shift to Community-Based Violence Intervention (CVIPI)
In a significant strategic pivot, the Flint Police Department is increasingly adopting a public health approach to crime, moving beyond traditional law enforcement tactics. This shift is best exemplified by the launch and expansion of the Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiative (CVIPI).
The CVIPI program is a multi-faceted initiative designed to prevent and reduce youth and gun violence through a combination of direct intervention and healing-centered services.
Key components and recent updates to the CVIPI include:
- Grant Awards: In February 2025, the City of Flint announced the award winners for the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative grants, channeling federal funds directly into local organizations that work on the ground to disrupt cycles of violence.
- Peer Mediation Program: As part of the CVIPI framework, the FPD and city officials are launching a Peer Mediation Program. This initiative aims to equip community members, especially youth, with the skills to de-escalate conflicts before they turn violent, providing an essential preventative layer.
- Wellness Initiatives: The department supports initiatives like "Wellness Wednesday," which takes place at the Clio Road Community Service Center. This program provides crucial support services, including health screenings and information on utility and housing assistance, recognizing that socio-economic factors are root causes of crime.
Transparency, Training, and Accountability
Accountability and proactive training are central to the FPD's efforts to modernize and rebuild public trust in 2025. The department is taking concrete steps to ensure its officers are prepared for complex situations and that past wrongs are addressed.
The FPD has been a recipient of federal grant funds from the U.S. Department of Justice to address the backlog and processing of Sexual Assault Kits (SAKs). This effort, often done in collaboration with a new prosecutor and sexual assault advocate, demonstrates a commitment to resolving cold cases and providing justice to victims, improving the overall integrity of the investigative process.
Furthermore, the department has stressed the importance of community preparedness by offering free Active Shooter Training for community organizations, schools, and churches. Chief Green publicly noted that recent violent incidents in nearby areas underscore the necessity for everyone to be prepared, highlighting a proactive stance on public safety education.
The ongoing legal scrutiny, such as the civil rights lawsuit against the Chief and Mayor, serves as a constant reminder of the need for internal reform, transparency, and adherence to constitutional policing standards. Addressing these issues head-on is crucial for the FPD to maintain its legitimacy and effectiveness in the Genesee County community.
Future Outlook: A Dual Focus on Enforcement and Public Health
The future of the Flint Police Department hinges on its ability to successfully execute a dual strategy: aggressive enforcement against violent offenders while expanding its public health-oriented community partnerships. The FPD is actively seeking to improve its January 2025 crime summary comparisons and move away from the high violent crime rates that have historically plagued the city.
The focus on the Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiative (CVIPI), the Peer Mediation Program, and the Active Shooter Training programs indicates a long-term vision for public safety that goes beyond traditional policing. This holistic approach, combined with successful recruitment to address the staffing shortages, will be the determining factor in whether the Flint Police Department can achieve a sustained reduction in violence and foster a safer environment for all residents.
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