It’s been nearly 30 years since Deborah and Michael Johnson first decided to relocate from Chicago to Flint after visiting a friend.
“I moved to Flint because I love this small community,” said Deborah Johnson. “In Chicago, we lived in a high-rise condo with two young children; just taking them to the park was complicated. “Here, my friend had her own home and a backyard; it was perfect. I knew Flint is what I wanted for our family.”
After moving to Flint and working in the security sector for six years, the Johnsons decided to take the business into their own hands. In 2003, the husband-and-wife duo founded Citizens Statewide Security with the mission of making modern security technology more accessible in mid-Michigan.
As a new business owner, Johnson loved meeting her neighbors, talking to homeowners and business owners about their security needs.
“It was just awesome, knocking on people’s doors and then they just invite you in and treat you like a family member,” she said. “I knew it was the business for me.”
Citizens Statewide Security grew slowly but surely through the years; Deborah recruiting new customers and Michael installing the security systems. The company, now headquartered at 3805 Fenton Road in Flint, has grown to five employees. They pride themselves on customizing any security system to meet each client’s unique needs and lifestyle.
“The purpose of a security system is to, literally, help you feel more secure — and that’s what we love to do for our clients,” she said.
The business has built a solid reputation as an authority in home security and surveillance camera system installation, monitoring, service, maintenance, and repairs. And the market for security systems is hotter than ever.
More than half of U.S. homes now have at least one security camera, according to a recent report from safehome.org. Among the four types of devices studied — cameras, alarms, access controls, and video doorbells — cameras were the most popular.
Only one in four households have no security devices at all.
Most home alarm system users are motivated by factors other than crime risk, according to the report. The most common reason people used alarm systems was because they had children in the home.
That’s the same trend Johnson sees in Flint & Genesee.
“Everybody wants the smart surveillance systems to see who’s at your front door or when the kids leave the house,” Deborah Johnson said. “The ability to monitor your home right from your smartphone is, honestly, one of the biggest technological advances we’ve seen in the last two decades.”
While Citizens Statewide Security currently serves more residential customers, sales of commercial security systems in 2025 are the highest Johnson has seen in five years.
What’s more, their customer base continues to grow, including first-time homeowners, families, small businesses, and older adults. Johnson attributes that growth to providing comprehensive security coverage using cost-effective solutions.
“We offer a range of security packages because everyone deserves peace of mind, no matter their budget,” she said.
Johnson’s biggest frustration is out-of-state security companies that mislead her clients with flashy sales and false promises, sometimes tricking them into signing expensive contracts. “We try to stay ahead of these problems, telling our customers to call us before they sign anything with one of these companies,” Deborah Johnson said. “It’s important to stay local when you’re talking about the security of your home or business.”
To meet growing demand, the business recently added a second location in Detroit’s Renaissance Center, offering Motor City customers the same level of service they’ve delivered for more than two decades in Flint & Genesee.
“We’re always looking for the right opportunity to grow, and Detroit was the perfect fit for us,” said Deborah Johnson.
Johnson said she’s grateful for the support of the Flint business community — and residents. “We want to give people the tools that make them feel safe and confident,” she said. “This community has always supported us, and now we’re excited to bring that same level of service and care to Detroit.”