Gov. Rick Snyder says Michigan should fight crime by arresting more criminals while also steering youths toward school and jobs and sending some of the accused to drug and mental health courts.
In remarks prepared for Wednesday in Flint, Snyder says the state needs a system of "smart justice" that includes prevention and intervention.
That means making sure those who commit crimes get punished, whether they're involved in retail theft, drug trafficking or murder.
But he says it also means giving inner-city youths a chance to work in parks and receive job training. Under Snyder's public safety plan, ex-cons would get help with literacy and job skills.
Snyder also wants to require that all school-age children attend school in order for their families to receive welfare benefits.
