Detroit Police Chief James Craig is doing something phenomenal in Detroit, Mich.: He is leading the charge in creating a robust culture of self-defense. Since December 2013, the chief has been publicly encouraging the city’s residents to arm themselves, and his advice has borne fruit—police issued 1,169 new handgun permits in 2014 and 500 so far in 2015. “When you look at the city of Detroit, we’re kind of leading the way in terms of urban areas with law-abiding citizens carrying guns,” commented Craig.
Although high violent and property crime rates, coupled with a lack of resources for the police department, are major factors behind residents’ increasing self-reliance, the police chief’s stance can be credited with furthering this tendency and lending it a positive attitude. “There’s definitely been a ‘Chief Craig’ effect,” said Rick Ector, a firearms instructor and blogger. “His support and endorsement have been helpful.”
