Good afternoon. It is now three o'clock PM. And so we want to call in a recording in progress, progress progress toward the water. We don't quite have a does not allow us to move forward with our amended agenda. And so we'll begin today's meeting as we begin all of our meetings with a word of invocation of being offered to us by chaplain, Lesley Walker, who is joining us by zoom
Board of Commissioners we appreciate the invitation to do the invocation. Let's pray Father in Jesus name we thank you for your goodness, mercy and grace. This is the day that you have made we shall rejoice and be glad in it. Now Holy Spirit, we give you charge take charge of this meeting. Father, give us a spirit to agree without being disagreeable. Give us wisdom. Knowledge and understanding to great to conduct the business of this great commission. And certainly we give you praise if there be any element of malice he'll us touch his body with your sweetener. Now Father, we say thank you, and we give you praise in Jesus name. Thank God. Amen. Amen.
Thank you so very much. For that invocation. And now have Acting Secretary brown to provide us with the Secretary's report and incoming communications. Good
afternoon, Mr. Chair, good afternoon to incoming correspondence, the OCR weekly inventory report and the DPO a grievance regarding OCR investigations.
And go right ahead with your announcements Mr. Brown. Yeah.
The next bill PC meeting is Thursday, June 6 2024 At 3pm the location be here at Detroit Public Safety headquarters. The next bill PC community meeting will be Thursday, June 13. At 6:30pm with the seventh precinct hosting at Detroit Edison public school academy auditorium. That address is 1903 Welcome, working street for a 207 the monthly committee meetings for the month of June 2024 personnel and training committee meets Tuesday, June 4 2024 at 4pm Policy Committee meeting meet Tuesday, June 11th. At 5pm citizens complaints committee meeting meets Tuesday, June 18, at 5pm. And the policy committee meeting again June 25. At 5pm and Mr. Chair, all those take place at Detroit Public Safety headquarters and you can also view almost zoom
in thank you so very much a noting that we've now exhausted our amended agenda and our yet one member short of a quorum. I know that Commissioner burden is somewhere near but for the sake of time and efficiency. We'll move ahead with public comment.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chair. We have two speakers. Miss Shanita Williams Miss Rella Llanfair and minister Eric blunt.
Right Miss Williams no problem. We have time.
Do we really need more than two minutes for this?
Unfortunately, you have two minutes
oh, oh no. Hello,
everyone. Let's go back to man 2022 a UPS truck was robbed. So that was the 12th reason I stayed in the 12th reason. So detective Douglas and a detective Williams came to my house because I had seven cameras around my home. And they wanted the footage. And this is the same detective who falsify reports who went to the prosecutor's office to get a search warrant. But the judge wasn't even on the bench at that time. Adam soubry so the sheriff came into my house without a search more removed my weapons illegally came back into my home with house key Well, my house keys, but we got to talk about the pattern of the illegal pneus of police officers. So falsify reports. My nine millimeter was taken from me it's a procedure you are supposed to do I was supposed to receive a not a five digit call I never received that. Never received my nine millimeter. They want to always talk about mental illness. See, but the thing about it, I'm too focused. I'm fully aware of all this illegal corruption in the city of Detroit concerning the Detroit Police Department. Officers, the therapists and have all 30 criminal reports and they label it general. No, and this woman who has something to do with this the same woman I've been complaining about for over three years to six months, Nikita Wilson. Now what's the ice on her being in the same shelter where I'm at today on this security holes pay a taxpayer taxpayer is paying for security helicopters, undercover officers in this facility. They say don't nobody know what's going on. But that's a lie. The other last week when I was here, I seen a woman sitting over there with the cheek white with the law brace she was on Iris street in a black Lincoln. months ago she were up she was right over here. So my thing is Why are you guys so concerned about what I'm doing? If you are not doing anything you legally if your house is not an order, like I said everything that I'm seeing the only need three things to prove is Rico because I'm tired of the city of Detroit and all this corruption period and especially dealing with my rape and trying to conceal that everybody seemed like they working with each other all the city workers from the top to the bottom and it's not acceptable. I want every last one of you are to be held accountable. hate getting locked up when I see y'all I want to see all coming out in the boxes. I'm suing everybody in this city.
DC Hayes it has been stated in the past that they're on the cover officers I think it's the Genesis two house and it was stated that there are no undercover officers at women's shelters. But I am interested to know whether or not there may be usage of the secondary employment program where they might be officers who have been paid after hours to work security. Do we know if that might be happening at Genesis house here? I
will check that and find out. Sorry, Chair Presley. I will find that out and report back to this body. Okay. Thank you,
Mr. Chairman. Yes or No? to Deputy Chief Hayes. Can you please advise not only the young lady that just spoke, but also our audience how people get their guns back? If she says her nine millimeter was taken would when it's taken. Do you guys keep a record? Can you explain that process if it's okay, Mr. Chairman? Yes, as
far as thank you once a firearm has been I'm sorry through the chair. Once a firearm has been deemed to have evidentiary value, it has been seized and placed on evidence. There are a number of reasons as to why a firearm may not have been turned back. The judge could have ordered it permanently seized and ultimately confiscated or destroyed. The firearm may still have an evidentiary value and an ongoing case as we know that there has been a backlog as it relates to cases being heard and adjudicated in the courts. While they're certainly working through that. There are still some outstanding matters and then there could have been some other issues. that have come up. Our citizen man who just had spoken mentioned, a mental health Nexus sometimes if throughout an investigation, there's determined that a firearm may have been possessed with someone and I'm certainly not saying this is the case but this is just an example of someone who may have mental health issues they may not, although at the time they may have acquired the firearm within the provisions to lawfully purchased one. Mental health issues could have arisen during that time in which they are no longer fit either being deemed by the law or certainly by a court. And there are areas where we may not through our legal responsibility may not be able to turn a firearm back over. So there are several different reasons as to if they would still be in our possession as it relates to when they are to be turned over. Once they have no no longer having evidentiary value. The officer in charge of the case will then notify the owner of the firearm at which point they will come here to Detroit Public Safety headquarters down through our property division in which they will be signed and the property will be released back to the rightful owner whether it be a firearm or any other property that has been deemed no longer having an evidentiary value.
So you send the notice to their previous residents or their residents.
We should have again through the chair so we will make contact with them that may be a written letter that may be a phone call. So there are a couple of different ways to get that communication out to them.
Okay if you did she's saying to her per gun was taken there was no crime as I ended I don't think Oh all right. Thank you Miss Williams. She contact me and who can she talk to in your office and then so
I've seen obviously ties here Ultra tight if you can get the information, and then we will speak with our detective bureau to find out exactly where we are. In her specific case. Again, each case is is different and unique in its own kind. So we will figure out where we are in the process. If her firearm is eligible to be returned to her we will expeditiously do just that. It's
your permission, just want to when you take a firearm Do you automatically fire it and test it to see if it's been fired in any other case? I mean, if you if I had a firearm and you took it would you be testing it just automatically through
the Chair of a firearm does have evidentiary value it will be going in the Niven system and I believe that is the process that you're speaking of. Yeah, so
every gun that you get you you check it out. Yes, ma'am. See if it was okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
No problem. Okay. And with that, we do indeed have a quorum, and so we'll move forward with our official agenda. And so Mr. Brown you can begin with introduction of commission to person
for asleep here. VICE CHAIRPERSON Smith present. Commissioner Bernard
attorney Linda Bernard present District Two Commissioner
banks. Whereas Commissioner bail present district for Mr.
Burton as in district
five Mr.
CART excellent excuse board. Mr. Hernandez, President, Mr. Woods.
Alright, with that we do indeed have a quorum now we'll move on to the approval of the May 30 2024 agenda. Is there any objection to this agenda?
Mr. Chairman,
Commissioner Burton,
I'd like to move that we give residents and those that are here today. Additional 60 seconds to speak added to their time.
Is there a second? Hearing no. Second, there is no motion. Let the record reflect that Commissioner Dr. Woods has joined us. Is there any further objection to this? Agenda? Hearing down the agenda will be approved. The agenda is approved rather. Next we'll move on to the minutes for the May 23 2024 meeting. Is there any objection to the approval of these minutes?
Substantive? Substantive
Do you have an objection? Yes. Okay. Your objection is type of and where is the typo? I
don't I did have some corrections that there on my on my desk.
I know the last time this happened. I was accused of somehow not being diligent in your objection. But again, it has been advised to me by the parliamentarian that when it comes to the matter of the minutes, is there any objection that you have you have to notate where it actually is in the minutes and so because you are unable to do so. The chair here is no objection. Are there any further objection to these minutes that the chair can make but
that doesn't have to but I do not have to approve the minutes. That is that is your right so so I'm not going to approve. Okay, so
the chair entertains a motion to accept the middle move or may 23 22 to four has been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing no discussion? All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. All right, the eyes have it That motion passes. The minutes have been approved. And now we'll move on to the introduction of BLP staff Chief of Police elected officials or representatives as well as community leaders by acting secretary brown
Good afternoon Mr. Chair Kurt we have with earth attorneys definitely bail. She's on Zoom Miss Kelly's haze. Miss Johnny Underwood, Miss Jasmine Taylor. This autumn Isha just Joshua, ASL interpreters Michelle Carter, Miss Joyce Washington. senior investigator Tiffany Stewart senior investigator Gianna Coulter DPD, HR director Katrina Portillo. Mr. Don Handyside is doing a court reporting Sanders Brian is doing a video with Sergeant Alan Quinn is doing the audio Sydney and for the chief is Deputy Chief frequent haze. elected official and representatives of Miss Murray overall state representatives tarot cards office, Miss Freedia Butler community relations president for the second precinct, Mr. Don Davis office, Councilman Fred Hall, the third former Commissioner William Davis, Lieutenant Mark young LSA President and Mr. Ron Thomas DPO, a vice president.
Thank you. And again, we're grateful for everyone's attendance at today's meeting is that as I always say I hope that it adds to our productivity. With that now we move on to the board of police commissioners officers report, and I just want to utilize this time to remind the public that if you look at the agenda under new business, we do have three closed sessions today. And so again, I apologize for that inconvenience ahead of time is that will require for you to enter and exit a number of times towards the end of our meeting. But again, I thank you all for your cooperation. With that. We will now move on to the chief police report, which will be offered to us by DC Hayes.
Thank you Mr. Chair On behalf of Chief white I like to present with the support and keep you abreast of the matters that are trending within the police department. We'd like to start with our updated update on injured officers. Currently we have one department member who is disabled and recovering at home due to an on duty injury, and the circumstances were as follows. On May 25 2024 officers assigned to downtown services were driving a fully marked scow car when they were struck by another vehicle. One of the officers sustained multiple injuries was conveyed to the hospital and is now resting and recovering at home. So this officer is on the road to recovery with the ambitions of joining the department soon sooner than later, again to serve the community and the residents here of the city of the city of Detroit. As far as our crime statistics are homicides last year to date we were at 101. This year we are at 78 for 23% reduction for non fatal shootings. This time last year we had 290 This year we are currently at 225 for 22% reduction for our robberies. This time last year we had 558 This year we are at 398 for a 29% reduction in our carjackings. Last year to date we had 74 This year we were at 31 for 58% reduction for our total Part One violent crimes. Last year we had year to date we had 4914. This year we are at 4368 for an 11% reduction and Part One violent crime as Steve talks about his the 12 point strategy that we are utilizing to make our community safer. One of the areas of focus is drag racing and drifting. We've started a detail that commenced March 14, and just to share a few of the stats as far as the work that's being done by the men and women assigned to this detail. We have investigated 471 persons 98 of which were non Detroit residents conducted 216 traffic stops, issued 109 citations impounded 47 vehicles recovered for stolen vehicles made 41 felony arrests, recovered 27 illegally possess firearms 13 We had 13 attempts of fleeing and eluding and while traversing through the city and looking for these drag racing and drifter and one of the other areas that we were able to put focus on and see are these pop up block parties and we were able to respond to 12 of those as we have seen throughout the BD a trending issue where these large parties are a mass oftentimes with no security protocols, unregulated consumption of alcohol and other substances and oftentimes fights breakout and no security and with that we've seen violence at a number of these illegal block parties that have been set up so in addition to the drag racing focus, our officers are also addressing the these issues and when we get calls for service or they stumble upon one, they are taking appropriate action. Mental Health continues to be a crisis that the men and women of the Detroit Police Department are constantly called to provide services for to get those the help that they need. Not the best fit, but we are the solution at this point and we take that charge and continue daily to carry it out. Some of the responses that we have the calls that we receive are for mental nonviolent last year year to date. We had 12 199 This year we are at 1445 mental violent arm last year 571 This year we are at 567 mental violent, not armed last year we were at 2284 this year we are at 2261 suicide and progress last year we were at 564 this year we are at 636 suicide threats last year we were at 1127. This year we were at 1180 for the grand total of these numbers compared to last year versus this year. Last year we were at 5845 this year. We are at 6093 for a total of 248 additional calls. Excuse me. This year we are up as far as responding to those calls with the mental health Nexus so we continue to work with our partners to address this issue but it is prevalent and is not going anywhere. Excuse me, wanting to talk about a couple of significant incidents. One is the non fatal shooting of an eight year old female that happened Saturday, May 25 at 2:10am where officers were dispatched to Children's Hospital to investigate the non fatal shooting of an eight year old female. And when officers arrived at the scene, they spoke to the victim's mother who stated that the victim's father were excuse me, they were playing in the front room of the home and the suspect who was armed removed his weapon and accidentally shot the victim and her right calf. This suspect was not a CPL holder. The victim was conveyed again to children's hospital where she is expected to make a full recovery from her injuries but the officers from the 10th precinct and the detectives investigated the matter and submitted a warrant to the Wayne County prosecutor's office for review. prosecutor's office signed a warrant on the suspect for the following charges weapons, firearms careless discharge causing injury or death and felony firearms. The subject is currently waiting to be arraigned at 36 District Court. This morning we had a double fatal shooting a double shooting one fatal and there was a six year old male that was also shot. This occurred is 6:04am at the 15,000 block of Wickham retirement, and officers arrived on the scene and talked to witnesses who stated they heard shots being fired at the intersection of tyerman and Wickham. They checked area and observed victims one and two. One being the deceased. Well, I'll get one, a victim one
was suffering from the gunshot wound to the neck of victim to also had a gunshot wound to the neck. The medics conveyed victim to who was the six year old or he is listed in critical condition. Victim one was found deceased on the scene. The relationship to the victims is unknown at this time. And the suspect who was last seen running from the location later turned himself into the sixth precinct. The accident the investigation is still being put together but at this point we do not believe the community is in danger and the person who's is believed to be responsible for this is in police custody. We had an officer involved shooting to that I'd like to speak up now. The most recent was yesterday at 11:07pm where officers were on patrol and Ferguson and West seven mile area when they observed a young man with the they investigated this young man while investigating the suspect was observed armed with a handgun. As the officers exited the vehicle. The suspect began to run north on Ferguson, the officers pursued the suspect on foot and giving numerous commands to drop the weapon. Fearing for their safety officers fire shot at the suspects as he's continued to run south on Biltmore. The suspect eventually surrendered to officers and it was later found out he was not a CPL holder and the handgun was recovered. The suspect was arrested and then taken to a local hospital for Gray's room to the head. The suspect was then transported to the DTC and the charges are forthcoming. There were no other injuries in this that was the injury sustained by the suspect and there were no injuries to the officer. And the last shooting that I'd like to talk about is the fatal officer involved shooting that happened Monday, May 27. At that 4:03pm where officers were dispatched to the 11,000 block of beacons field to investigate a fatal shooting of a 16 year old. officers arrived on the scene and were informed by witnesses that the victim a 16 year old male was inside the location and was just shot in the head by the suspect his uncle, who was reportedly suffering from a diagnosed mental illness. Officers made entry into the location and observe the victim lying on the floor, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head and an unknown female applying CPR. As the officers approach the suspect came from a backroom arm with an unknown handgun. The suspect and an officer exchanged gunfire and the suspect was shot. Medic 13 arrived at the scene and pronounced the victim who was the original call was for and the suspect deceased on scene. No officers were injured. This is currently being investigated by the homicide task force and this investigation is ongoing as well. Just last on a positive note. Yesterday, May 29. Our homicide section held a luncheon for the families of victims to offer additional support of those in mourning who have been impacted by homicide in their families. Tomorrow, May 31. We will be welcoming 34 new police recruits to the force this graduation will take place 10:30am At tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. And lastly Captain Brian Bounzer of the eighth precinct. District One he's retiring and there will be a coffee and cake celebration here in this in this very room to Skyler room tomorrow from one to 3pm celebrating his 27 years of service as a Detroit police officer to the community and the citizens of the city of Detroit. Mr. Chair, my apologies for the length of the report but that does conclude it and I will answer any questions that you may have. So thank you, Commissioner Hernandez. Great through the chair. Two quick questions for you. One referring back to the officer that is currently critically injured that kind of vehicle who struck the the scout car what were the circumstances if you can share just beyond the the accident that happened? I'm just curious if policy was followed lights were on etcetera it's broad daylight to 20 7pm I'd like more of a thorough kind of unpacking of layers of that went through the chair Commissioner Han Hernandez I do not have that information, but I can gather and provide it exponentially to Okay then I was the second one if you don't mind. Kids on ATVs. I continue to see what most would assume to be under aged kids on ATVs. And obviously, regardless of the age there's a responsibility factors to using those and how those are used and where those are used. I'm just wondering, similar to how we have ticketing in place for bystanders, whenever there's drag racing. Is there a similar approach that you might be able to share in regards to accountability of parents in this case? Because if they're down a, you know, Michigan Avenue, Fort Street, wherever it might be Warren, what are we? What are we doing to address and keep parents accountable when kids are essentially being kids, irresponsibly? Thank you for the question and through the chair. parental responsibility is also one of the pillars of Cheapflights 12 Point strategy. So in any case, we are speaking ATVs which again has somewhat become a nuisance and we have a strategy to address that both from utilizing our air support as well as the tips that we received through rewards TV, not many members of the community know they're just finding out there's actually a $250 reward if you if you provide information that leads to the seizure of an ATV and it's unlimited you can tell as many as you want. We would love to get those off the street and operate it in a in a proper place. But in any accord where there's a youth that has committed a crime, we will hold the parents accountable and parental responsibility is always triage and if there's an opportunity, or an example where that was not done, we certainly take the appropriate action and hold the parents accountable. Commissioner words they don't Deputy Chief definitely. We focus on making sure they're dead. The body cam or the footage be released on those officer involved shootings. Through the Chair. Yes, sir. Chief White and his commitment to transparency has within 45 days of an officer involved shooting that will be released to the community. Okay. And when would you find out exactly when the board will be off the opportunity? See those that famous Well, thank you through the Chair. Yes, sir. I will get that back to the board. Thank you, Commissioner Banagher. I've just quickly you mentioned in one of the cases that you were speaking about better, a kid had a gun and was running away and was being pursued by an officer. And you didn't say that this kid did not shoot it the officer he was running away. And then the officer shot him. At this, I was wondering why he was he was retreating through the chair that was a synopsis of the incident. That that is a police involved shooting as Commissioner Woods requested the full body cam footage of that will be presented at that time Michigan State Police or the homicide Task Force is currently investigating. So I don't want to get into the weeds of that. But I believe that the questions that you have will be addressed both with the video footage released as well as the findings that is submitted to the Wayne County prosecutor's office for that what I'm asking now is is the policy what is the policy on pursuing a person and shooting them when they're not shooting at you when they're retreating? Through the Chair, we the fatal force policy is clear. I did not speak to all of the facts of that case. So please excuse the brevity or the synopsis of it. But the answer I did not speak to the incident or the the factors that cause the officer to make that decision. That is forthcoming but I just shared an overview of the incident Commissioner Banagher okay, I look forward to do the video and as I'll take a look at the use of force policy because the person was no threat to the office circuit. Commissioner more. Thanks, Mr. Chairman. Chief if someone wants to get in contact with you directly what's the best way to get in contact with you? Through the Chair I can provide an email
address as well as my office. I will get that through to the board secretary. If it is your pleasure, I will provide that I appreciate that. What's going on at the second precinct seems like they don't have a continuity and leadership. They've changed leadership so many times in the past couple of years. The community is solid but it seems like that command staff keeps changing. And I'm just curious as to why it seems like they're changing. I'm just wondering, thank you. Well through the chair, one of the most constant things and the Detroit Police Department has changed based on the needs of the city. There was some skill set of some talent that was recognized that the 12 at the second precinct that the department needed in another place. We have identified a captain that was coming over there that's more than capable that has a strong community ties and we believe will certainly fit in with the second reason our commitment to this body into the community is that we will have an open house anytime there is a leadership change. So we will provide this board or this body with the date of the new captain that will be that is now assigned to the second person. And just two quick questions. Mr. Chairman, right ahead. What's the process for abandoned vehicles seems like you would now give us some bad information last week. They told you that a car was moved. It wasn't moved. You didn't say went to the abandoned car Task Force and now it's municipal Park and what's the process? So through the chair so there's a robust plan to address blight in our city and it's being handled by multiple city agencies. For vehicles that are abandoned on public streets and in public right aways that could be an alley that is being handled by municipal Park and for those that are on private property, on lots in driveways on fields that is being handled by the Detroit Police Department. There are also other instances where we leaned on GSD or DPW to assist perhaps there's an abandoned tractor trailer or the the big trailer of that box trailer that we may need a crane or a backhoe or something to come and we need to destroy a crush it right on the spot. So there are several different levels to addressing it. So depending on where the vehicle comes in, and there's still a bit of due process and so we may get an information that hey, there's a car on the field here. Come tow it well we need to find out who that car belongs to and give the owner an opportunity to address it. There may be something that this car is somewhat of a family heirloom or say it was their parents car or something that they just don't want to part with or working to fix it up. We will do our best to educate them hey if you store a car here can't be on all flats it needs to be not parked on the grass. It has to be on concrete perhaps it needs to go to the garage so we still give once we identify the owner of the car, provided it's not stolen and we will identify the owner of that car as well. But from that it's then a time period that's given and then each of the agencies will go out and address it. There's a list there are more cars than there are quite a few cars that across the city that we are working through to address so again if it's a while we may all receive that car or receive the information we would pass it along to the other city agencies. So for an example I got a phone call thank you for forwarding it to me where there was one car that was in an alley and one car that was in a field hasn't been moved. I will get back to you by the car and the field has been moved. The car in the alley has not but I've got to call in to find out where that is in the process and hope to have an answer for you by the conclusion of this meeting. And my final question already hails Wayne State Police I understand there was some activity with Detroit police dealing with an encampment Are you familiar with what I'm talking about? Chief? I am so okay. What activities did DPD play with Wayne State and removing the encampment? And do we have a memorandum of understanding with the Wayne State Police through the chair so DPD was requested to be present. We were present during the actions taken by Wayne State Police. They made the decision and I believe chief Holt and the President have given a statement as to their reasoning as to why they broke up broke up or removed the encampment from the university grounds but DPD took no action and removing anyone taking down any of the tents and everything we were there and it is both with the mutual aid and we certainly do we do have a MoU with Wayne State but as it relates to any law enforcement agency of Harper Woods, or if Hamtramck or Highland Park or the Michigan State Police if they are calling for police assistance. We will certainly honor their request. There was no need for us to engage and we did not engage. Again it was Wayne State that made that decision and they took all the actions what unit from BPD what was the mobile field force was a national response saying I need to find out through the chair I will find out exactly where those officers what their command was, I believe was our metropolitan division. I don't know the composition of who was deployed there. But our metropolitan division is who answered the call to Wayne State Police but they were not active in the removal. Of the encampment. Thank you, Commissioner banks to the cheer.
Blessings and to you and your household Deputy Chief. What type, the 12 step program, is crime decreasing with that program? is crime do on with that. Well, you got to 12 Step Program has crime come up with that and QC are decreasing crime and can you give me a percent give this board of the Senate chip you can yes well through the roundabout roundabout. Well through the chair we talked of violent crime being down across the city last year record low homicide and we are certainly on that same cadence this year as I shared with in my presentation earlier today, our total Part One violent crime again is down in double digits. We are at 11% of total violent crime with 23% reductions in homicide 22% reductions in non fatal shootings 29% reduction in robberies. 58% reduction in carjacking so certainly we know we did not do this by ourselves one of several times throughout the the pillars of Chief White's plan is community involvement and engagement so DPD with this community as well as with our other stakeholders, United States Attorney Don ISE, Wayne County, Prosecutor Kenworthy. And so many others are helping us collectively. This body we appreciate the work that you do. Encouraging sound decision making in conflict resolution collectively, we are down 11% And we will continue to do the work to keep that number reduced at one moment to 20.
Also, this this is not related to the deputy chief. I just want to mention this to the board. I saw a few things and I it was on my heart. I just want to mention this to the board. So we're not if there's any board member that's doing this.
We're not here to praise the chief or Detroit Police Department. We took an oath to stand for justice, that's what we took, an oath to stand for justice. We're not here to praise to Detroit Police Department. So we took a oath, the stand for justice. So I just want to get that out there.
Yeah. Okay, any further questions? Commissioner burger chair I have some concerns about district five a few different things. Residents of Lafayette Park talks about people are camping out in the park. Suresnes needles and syringes and stuff or are in the park near trees. When people walk into dogs. This is what residents and Lafayette Park is bring it to my attention. Also. My dugo Ilana shirt, there's like a wire and hanging and the center there on water right on MacDougal port right at lahner some wiring down Ashley have some pictures of that on my phone that I would like to share. Like for you know for the department, you know to get someone to look into that. Also. Another concern is Wayne State, which is also part of the Fifth District given given that the Vice President of Wayne State University's visited the camp man encampment and deny feeling unsafe, and what specific safety threats justify the violent suppression of the encampment protests by by DPD and the Wayne State Police Department so that was another concern from residents of my district, which is district five.
Okay. I have a couple of questions here. One. Well, I guess I have one question. I didn't want response at our last community meeting. One of the residents of Detroit a share that the data that we share is not easily digestible. When we provide the percentages, it isn't calculating in their mind what that actually means. And so just as a matter of recommendation, it might be better to just give the total number of the decrease. So as opposed to saying decreased by 11% saying this was less than whatever that number might be, so that our residents are better understanding the report because again, it was suggested to us that the percentages are a bit confusing to our citizens. But my question is regarding the pop up block parties, when DPD engages these block parties is dp DS intentions to shut them down or to keep them safe
through the bombsight wellness chair to fold and it depends. If a block party has gone through the proper protocols, then we would work with them to certainly keep it safe. If a block party asked for a ball we will bring them out if they need traffic control devices as it relates to barricades to to make sure if they are out in the street and again everything has been signed off on the neighbors in the neighborhood we will certainly help but from see others where we're getting calls for loud music when the streets are blocked people can't get home. Gunfire in the air again music working outs outside what the provision is for amplified devices. Then at that point where it's becoming a nuisance. Then we would go to shut down so it's a case by case scenario. Currently we are working on a a block party ordinance again just to set a tone that if you are hosting one of the event, there's some responsibilities for those that want to have it and what that looks like So more to come. But again, it's a case by case scenario those that have applied to have that we will certainly help and do our efforts to make it safe but when it spilled over and become a problem event we will move to shut it down sir. And I
noticed is probably very difficult to do typically for the ones that are spontaneously aggregated. But is there any effort that when you do see a block party that is not officially sanctioned, if you will, that there's some information share with those individuals about how they can go about doing it appropriately?
Thank you. Yes, sir. Mr. Chair, Chief white and everything we do the opportunity to educate before we enforce that is our strategy. So to let them know and it may be Hey, we got to complain you're having a balk party. But it's in your field next to your to your lot. Just turn the music down the music's too loud. We can hear it from two blocks away. So every single time when we share with them that the noise ordinance from an amplifier device you can't be heard over 75 feet. So it's a kicker any opportunity. We get to educate we certainly take advantage of that. Okay, thank
you any further changes of comments, Commissioner Bodnar.
I hope when we do that, that the the these are patrol officers, obviously within that district or perhaps community policing officers. They're very courteous to people because when people are having a good time, and then police come in, right so it's put puts a damper on it. But if the police are very courteous and just say, well, this, we can't do this. You can't let as opposed to you know, the heavy hand versus the polite and more courteous hand but that's not my question. My question relates to the people who we arrest and of course they're in the Detroit detention center. When is the jail opening and closing the detention center? What are we doing? Bigger laptop, the actual The jail was opposed reopened already. The sheriff's office has already has a for sale sign on it on Woodward. And so all of our people are still going of course to the detention center. But what's what's the plan? If you don't mind sharing with our community and the board
through the Chair, I do not have the timeline as it relates to the jail. The new jail versus the old in the sheriff's office that is Wayne County. So I don't know where they are in in the pipeline or in the project of transitioning from the new jail to the old jail. I cannot I don't have that information Commissioner Brunner,
we're going to continue with our detention center which
is through the chair. So as you know with the consent judgment DPD is not in the business of housing prisoners. So we currently have a partnership with the state, which is the DDC we I'm not sure we are working to a partnership possibly with Wayne County. We're still in the exploratory phases. So we are seeing what's in the best interest is it with our current partnership with the state or is it possibly with the county that is still in conversations right now. So when a resolute plan is devised, we will certainly update this body on that. Thank you Bucha.
thank Commissioner burger.
Well, thank you. Question for the chief. You know, as as I'm talking to our office, our office, our office still has officers that's not wearing body worn cameras. And so what is your office plan to do to ensure that officers are wearing body worn cameras and you know, keep them keeping them more and as you know, the body worn cameras is there to not only you know, that want to protect residents and keep them safe, but it's also there to protect officer as well and keep them safe. And so what are your office are looking to do or do differently because we do have policies and you know, in place and so that that's my question. So through
the chair, that is a a policy that we have extreme accountability on. So once we find out a member is not wearing a body camera. There's swift progressive corrective action that's taken. It's not optional. And for those that that do not adhere to the rules and regulations of this agency, again, through discipline of corrective action, and if it continues to occur, we're going to help them with a career decision.
Right. Thank you. And my comment is to the community around the community, excuse me around citizen complaint reports, you know, oftentimes and again, much of this, you know, we as a board take some culpability in in this in the sense that we have not been as efficient as we could have been in closing cases in a reasonable amount of time. We we acknowledge that and we're working to improve that. But my statement is more so to citizens being responsive to our investigators when they call because oftentimes what ends up happening and a lot of ECC ours, these cases are being closed as inconclusive. And everything closes inconclusive because when investigators are attempting to reach out to citizens to get more information or details, they aren't able to contact the person who made the complaint. And so when they aren't able to contact the person who made the complaint they have to just go on the very sometimes minor information that they have, and oftentimes again, those cases are being closed as inconclusive. Now that is just that what they complained didn't happen, but it means that our investigators just don't have enough information to sustain and oftentimes that, again, is a disadvantage for our community. Because if there was actually something that occurred where that issue could have been sustained, or we're unable to do so. So again, if you're making a complaint, and again, I recognize it is a bit unfair to the burden on someone who has had a negative encounter with police to engage in this level of effort, but we really do need your help and assistance in that regard. So again, we can ensure
that thorough investigations are being done. And in the cases where these incidences are sustained. We can therefore do so and so I'm saying that because there's been a number of cases that I've had to sign off on there had been closed as inconclusive, and many of them had been a result of not being able to get in contact with the original complainant. So, uh, please, if you can share that word that will be helpful for us our Office of OCI, but also as well as making our police department accountable and responsible to how it treats our our citizens. With that. Thank you all for your questions and comments. Thank you so very much. A DC pace. Commissioner Bucha chair, they see haze what category usage is that in? When the officer is not wearing a body? body worn camera? What's the category usage? What's the penalty for it? Is there a penalty for it? I mean, there is a penalty for what is depending on I'm sure there's a penalty, but what is the penalty? Thank you. Max through the chair. Started reprimand. Sorry, can be heard. It starts with a written reprimand. But it will progress into suspension and again a pattern of non compliance and willful non compliance we can escalate that and also worked with termination process if again, if it's a continued pattern of non bodycam usage. Thank you. All right. Thank you. All right. Now we'll move on to oral communications. So who do we have? Mr. Chair, we have six speakers. First Miss Rella, Llanfair minister, Eric blunt. Miss Bernie Smith. In that order, please. Hello, hello. I am Ursula Llanfair. But like to be announced as Michael's mother yet again. So first and foremost, I want to say I know no one wants to hear that they're not doing their job effectively or efficiently. But somewhere along the way the ball has gotten lost. And my son's case is been lost up in that. This is literally my fourth time down here. I came down here last week. I was really handled inappropriately, and kind of brushed off and pushed away and I didn't appreciate that. That's first and foremost. I am a constituent and I have been totally open transparent. And here coming to you guys for y'all assistance. When I came here the first time where my son announced that my son was missing and that I was the one who found my son. So now that means I came and made a report for a missing persons report. No one helped me find my child. I found my child. Now when I find my child, I'm coming here looking for answers. And I'm still getting the runaround. I was told on by the board as well as I'm sorry, I was told my cheap way. I believe it was March 28. Somewhere up in there that he would he was so eager to have a meeting with me and he wanted to provide total transparency about my case, my son's case and find letting me know all of the details. And you guys even said that hey, you guys wanted to know of the five things. Well, did you guys find out anything? Because no one contacted me. I was supposed to meet with Chief white on April 3, but I had a previous Adams found engagement schedule. I called him and said Hey, I forgot to sue Of course my son passed and that all that whole trip went out of my head. Let's reschedule this. I never got a call back. What happened was I got a call back from Lutz in it. Timothy John was about two or three times. I got a call back from a captain I believe her name was made X matter something of that sort. She said she was gonna call me the next day. I never got a call back from her. I got a call from commander Savary and telling me hey, well you know I know chiefs is really want to get with this meeting. But you know, the NFL draft is here. So pretty much you pushed me off again. So this is a map to come last week just to find out that my son's case has been transferred. And I want to know from you guys, what is it that you're supposed to do? Because according to this this sense that the Board of police commissioners has supervisory control and oversight of the police department and set forth in this chapter. So some point in somewhere. This this this this is not cool. I shouldn't have to keep coming down here every week to get some answers to find out what's going on with my friends case. First
of all, I'm sorry for that. But thank you for your comments. That is your time. DC Hayes you wanted to respond?
Yes through the chair and ma'am certainly. Miss Lanfear I believe you as to be referred to as Michael's mom. My understanding is that commander Severi who was in charge of homicide reached out to connect with you and spoke to you regarding your son's case.
If you have a date for that, I do not
however, I will take ownership and ensuring that that communication happens. There's a new captain over our homicide division now cap commander, Rebecca McKay. I will pass subsidised if you can, who's just standing right behind you to your right. If you can get that information. I will coordinate a meeting to ensure that you are updated as to your son's case and the findings. Okay, so can I
point excuse me, your time is expensive. But to your point to her point rather, what is a reasonable amount of time that we can expect feedback on that.
As Mr. Chair, I can get that to you. As far as the case findings. I mean
when she has actually had an opportunity to have a sit down with DPD and receive that information with a reasonable time that the board can expect to have feedback on that through
the chair. We will provide you the update immediately after that meeting happens.
Yeah, I'm trying to get in I see what you're trying to do. We say two weeks a month. Thanks. Mr.
Jacobs, two weeks.
Okay. Thank you, sir.
That one quick question for him.
So I'm sorry. You have to ask that question to the gentleman that he asked you to speak with and they will get that clarification. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, Commissioner. Woods is
my understanding that officer ties been very, very responsive. And a situation out there he has responded every time. And, you know, our role is not to investigate from no cases. You know, and so there's been a proper handoff and there's been a lot of communication regardless matter. You know, so it's not like it's being ignored. You know, every time off sanitize has been consistently you know, adhering to or, you know, addressing her concerns, to the best is that his ability, you know, so I have watched that and I've kept up with that situation.
Okay, thank you. Our next speaker through the chair, yes. Commissioner,
before you get to the next speaker. Want to say chief, you know, thank you for looking into this. This. This case here, you know, the young lady have been coming to the board meeting, and she's asking for closure. And and I think that she's the board as well as the department and so help her get closer to receiving closure. And and that and, and then I hope that she's able to talk with the captain or whoever you recommend, you know, soon because this is a grieving mother here. You know, she she's in pain. And she could she could use some some some help right now and as far as closure from the department as well as closure from this board. And, and, and so, if you can schedule that meeting for her so she can get the closures she wants. I'm sure this board and would definitely appreciate it. And
thank you it has been stated we should expect some back in two weeks. And so we will indeed do that. As a matter of fact, Mr. Brown if you can make a notation to remind us two weeks from now to make sure we've gotten some feedback on the status of this a case yes, conditional words.
Yeah, I don't I don't want to be lost. You know, you know that. You know command is every did address this issue. Where we don't have a magical one in these cases, that these are very sensitive issues and we're not going to play with the emotions of citizens. These are very serious situations. People are grieving people are hurting. We definitely care about her concerns and we want them to be addressed vigorously. You know, but you know, cases are cases and you know, and people are not ignoring it, because we have been following up on it. Absolutely, unequivocally. She is very sensitive issues. And we should never ever play on the emotions of the community to the
chair. While I think he's exhausted that issue. I think we've have some action items and then if in two weeks, those action items aren't followed up on and then we can open up for further discussion. Five seconds don't think that we need to extend this any further. Go right ahead.
Good afternoon board can administer Eric blood from Sacred Heart Catholic church right here in Detroit, Chairperson Presley, I've got to acknowledge one small step in the right direction that you have performed recently. At the last community meeting at eighth precinct. You were bold enough to ask a precinct why their citizen complaint numbers were higher than any other precinct. It was one small step in the right direction but I want to give it to you their response was troublesome. On the other side, you have chastised me for using strong language in describing some of the commissioners behavior. But when that same commission or use strong language against me, you throw up your hands and said hey, freedom of speech, they can say whatever they want to to the public. I don't think so. And while we're on the subject, Commissioner Banagher it is not your appearance, it is your behavior. It is your actions that cause me to be horrified. And to remind everyone exactly what you said when you said it, and where to find it if they need it. Whether they are the Inspector General, or the Auditor General. Ron's got convinced me to come to these meetings. over 10 years ago. And he says You won't believe it until you see it with your own eyes. And that's why I cannot stop. It doesn't matter what. And here again, the agenda says nothing about the HR report. That has been delayed what, two weeks now. And HR can go a long way in solving or at least addressing some of the issues like the risk management system. How do officers get on it? Is it their continual use of or non use of body worn cameras? Who really knows?
Thank you.
Good afternoon, commissioners. Good
afternoon. To you.
Well, thank you very much. This is good Lord's blessing for me to see 92 I don't think I'm gonna have enough time to tell you all what I want to tell you. Number one. I got notes down here. When are we going to stop letting your Commissioner Burton this respect? Commissioner Smith every time you will leave. Whenever she can pass the floor to do the things that she has to do. He interrupts her and he's disrespectful for her being a woman myself and raised by a mother who did not tolerate no disrespect to any of our children. I'm still maintaining my feelings as far as respecting the women. Now what you do is your business but we I demand he stopped disrespecting her every time she chairs to me when you leave. The next thing is the racing. In the neighborhood. My son and daughter live on West Grand Boulevard raised him there in a beautiful home for four stories. It's a rag now it's terrible. Every time I go by there go to my son's house down the street at 1390 It's horrible. The home that we've formerly had my daughter's in the next block. She's at 1441. Anyway. Anyway, we have a young man in our neighborhood who thinks he's good enough to sell drugs. I have reported to the drug people. I haven't heard any results but I will still work on it because my children live in that neighborhood. All right. And they have beautiful homes regrets is cut constantly, so I don't have to worry about them being disrespectful to their homes. The next thing I want to talk about is you're gonna come to my church tomorrow. Thank the Lord tabernacle is going to be very, very happy to have you in their presence. The next thing I want to do the
quickly.
I got you. Thank
you anyway, I'm glad to be here another year. And the Lord is very, very, very favorable to me. And I'm very clear, and you need to tell you, Commissioner stop walking out when we have prayers to the Chair.
Thank you real quick,
Mr. Chairman and patient of burden. I feel that we show off we should stand additional time to each person that comes to the meeting. Come to the podium. I'm going to start valon, I'm sure had a few additional words that he would have liked to raise, but his time would cut off after the two minute mark. I think if we're going to be transparent and fair we need to be fair to all of our residents icon before the podium. I also want to say point of order to Bernie Smith. allegations she made we as a board as a voting body as a board. We all have to follow Robert's Rules was Robert Rules of Order, including myself as a board member and any other board member here. Some commissioners I understand Robert's Rules of Order is a little bit clearer than others. But no one is disrespecting anyone here.
But all right, Robert's Rules of Order. Please ask us to restrict your comments so we can hear the commissioners saying alrighty hey come ask what our
bylaws got written that we follow Robert's Rules of Order. Also want to say quickly, that this is the same Bernice Smith that assaulted me and important public achievers I'm
gonna this is no you resemble for citizens who come to me
or nice Smith swag Chang at me, you know almost hit me in a board of police commissioners meeting along with Deputy Chief Todd Madison who said at the very at the far left for me at the time along with Commissioner duro Brown of district one. The former commissioners the three of us when she SWANA Kane that almost hit the three of us but she was swinging for me okay, this is asserting you are after the Smith who has a reputation mission of burden swinging canes, opponent
productive to your desires you were taking away from the citizens ability to be able to communicate you keep asking for them to have more time and more time could possibly be had if you use less time. Thank you our next public comment to
our next Our next speaker is Lieutenant Mark young and then we'll go into zoom with Marguerite Maddox. And last three numbers 534. Good evening. Good evening, Edgar.
I noticed a pattern recently that is disturbing. In the investigations of the members of the Detroit Police Department when it says not sustained, this should be exonerated. It's not fair to the members of the department. Now sustained exonerated. That's a clear definition. The other comment that I want to make is this.
I heard something very disturbing that you're not here to support the men and women of the Detroit Police Department. That's exactly what you're here for. Just exactly what you're here for. When we wrong, hold us accountable. But when we're right, you hold us righteous. The very rhetoric that comes from boards and meetings like this is why you have protests. That's not your function. Your function is simple. I'm not trying to be disrespectful today. I'm here as a union leader, and a law enforcement officer that holds due process. I don't tell you how to make your decisions. I say due process. And due process is important for a couple of reasons. Because the Detroit River on the surface looks calm, it's the undercurrent that's different. When you let it all play out there's times this board have made a decision to suspend without pay and the findings was far different in the end game. All I ask is due process. I'm not here to disrespect you. It's far from the truth. I represent people that give their lives and risk their lives that work doubles every day, that face people out here with guns, that have been separated from their families long periods of times. Yes, yes. People think because they're compensated.... It wears on them. It wears on me. I know. All I ask is due process and fairness. When you say that you're not here to champion the men and women of the Detroit Police Department,
take them go badges off, and you need to find something else. I'm not here to support wrongdoing. I'm here to make sure we all get it right.
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chair, Mr. Chair, can I can I come in on it?
Well, one minute go right ahead. Commissioner banks to Lieutenant
Mark young now what I say we're not here to praise BPD
We're not here to praise DPD. Bible says praise no man, no man, that's Biblical, that scripture. Those are biblical principles. So we here, we all took a oath to stand for justice on this board, here. Now if officers are doing well, doing a good, you got some great officers out there. They doing a good job, hey, we pat them on the back. I'm gonna pat them on the back, I'm gonna show them love.
I love Chief White, and other officers. But if they wrong, I'm not standing with them.
So hey, I just want to get that out there to
the chair missioner Burton.
You know, we often hear from the Union President Mark Yan cones before the board every week. I don't think he has missed a week. It'd be nice if the board can add him to the agenda. Sort of, you know where he able to get more time than two minutes? I don't think when we have the UE in here represent whether it's DPO as far as Let's finish him. Yeah. And I think as a board, we should allow them you know, time on agenda. You know, to give a monthly quarterly report or something that needs to be bigger. We can do that for a change. But also it's good that we can hear from more community stakeholders that comes to our meetings each and every week like Minister Eric blunt, who's a community leader here in the city of Detroit. It'd be nice if we can also add him to agenda where he can give a presentation before this board. Because sometimes two minutes is just not nearly enough. When you have individuals that's coming here that has a lot of concerns. Okay, thank
you, Commissioner burger. Our next speaker is
Maddox.
And I come at mission at Barnard. Just quickly. I understand. Mr. about your concerns about due process by the board, particularly with respect to due process issues. And actually I agree with you when other bodies have examined something with more than 30 minutes or 10 minutes of whatever it is we spend when we're examining something and have come up with legal conclusions that what is presented to us that is better that if we would address those conclusions, because those because the officers then have had due process, and I think it's better if we follow that lead versus our 10 minute examination and decision. Thank you. for bringing that up.
Our next speaker
mismatch Maddox, yes.
Thank you. Thank you. I was listening
and not not understand do is just convince me to give the permit
pour across Yes. It does. Me no good no worse
we Good night Good. All right ahead. No. No, no, I have been reading owe
me this the two years no more time to do a think tank right
now. Did my.
Time
do this again this
week cross three Can you not?
The
Third Avenue and
MA P there were three three
not only Oh
desk next to me
No, no no no boy no
hey that did to the office
nothing when this guy are alive oh
yeah
work.
More, more more Kenny.
Gang
to be clear, DC haze didn't make notation of the streets or where you were saying there were some difficulty with those were on scooters. Right I got right here. Yes.
The next speaker is the caller with the last number 534 And after that, it'll be the caller with the next with the last number 124 And then former Commissioner William Davis and then that's it.
Thank you. Caller What's the last three numbers 534?
Yes, good afternoon. May I be her?
She can go right ahead.
Thank you. That was also 124 came in into numbers to try and be sure I could get called in so thank you for calling on me. Yeah, I agree with Miss Margaret Maddox. The issue of communication. I mean so much stuff. When things go wrong a lot of time it has to do with the lack of communication. And we shouldn't be more kind and respectful to everyone. Makes me want to jump down to my last point. My suggestion would be that we look into trauma informed policing. And not only the trauma that so many individuals are experiencing and have been experiencing, and so they may not present well but police officers go through trauma to an overload of societal problems, etc. So hopefully we can look at that and keep all of that in mind. Now I'd like to give a shout out to MPOs Harris Hardy and Shanita more they get rapid response reward for me. I have been trying to get an MPO officer to call me for the longest but I went into the third precinct. Not particularly happy how that went. But I got a list of the NPO officers reached out to them about neighborhood concern about an arsonist who got a really light sentence. And we've got word that is current. He's on warrant status, which means tethered cut off very likely and he's been seen in the neighborhood violating a stairway order. So my tremendous appreciation for that rapid response and communication and I had more than two minutes to explain what was going on so that we can get special attention in the area and please reach out to Dwayne because a little bit of time it went to wellness did not do it. So please, that's serious. That is way more serious than cars parked even in a fenced yard. And they're like staffed and people for $250 tickets that I don't understand. They're doing it to my neighbor but it seems intentional, like to blow them out because people weren't as property yet city mowers are mowing over the garbage all the time. And some mowers lied about me to the police two officers came out Patterson and Abrams.
All with the last three digits 124
That was her.
I thought that was 534
She came in on to chew Alright,
so last speaker is former a Commissioner William Davis. Good afternoon cannot be heard. If you can go right ahead.
Okay, I'd like to start out by saying is as I said before, I think this board needs to be working with the department and ministration city council to do more proactively to reduce the vast number of lawsuits as you may or may not know I'm I wear many hats one of them is president of Detroit active retired employee Association. You know, the city of Detroit, especially the police department have a tremendous amount of lawsuits that you know, we need to cut back on these lawsuits. We need to be doing more to make sure that especially in these lawsuits were you have individuals that's violating policies violating the law violating, you know, all sorts of stuff, but you know, we're still representing them. We're still defending them and what have you, you know, we need to reduce the number of lawsuits. Also, this board needs to be doing more to make recommendations to help to encourage more police officers to live inside the city of Detroit. As you may or may not know, the vast majority of the police officers do not live inside the city train even a higher percentage of the command officers. Even though from Captain on up do not live inside the state of Detroit. That is a problem and there's a growing problem to come and worse and worse every day. Also, as you look at incentives to make people want to you know to encourage them to live inside the city. You should also be looking at how much does it cost the department for city vehicles to continuously go to residence in order to city well, you know, to officers residence is outside the city Detroit. You know, they you know, like say if you have a city vehicle, it should not be leaving the city of Detroit. You should not be doing errands and doing all sorts of stuff that the Attorney General does, you know, have somebody detained for doing that and arrested and so on. Thank you.
Thank you. I believe that's all of our public commenters. Yes, again, and we thank everybody for your public comment. Let me say this. There is a very delicate balance that I'm attempting to add here too. While I very much so hear the please and request for a more time in public comment. There is a thing called chairs discretion, and I try my best to at least give every speaker an additional 10 seconds just to complete their sentence and then if I feel they might be passionate, I try to give a little bit more. So I'm attempting to do that while balancing the other thing that I've heard you all say, which is that these meetings are too long. Okay, so I'm almost in between a rock and a hard place. I'm trying my very best so again, I want you all to know I do attempt through the chairs discretion to provide all of our citizens an opportunity to at least get their thoughts out. But again, not to have this meeting to go on for five hours and six hours. There is a certain limitation that we have to place and so for that I do apologize Okay, now we will move on to unfinished business. And under unfinished business. There are two policy recommendations that was presented to us and from our policy committee. That memorandum was dated May 14 to 2024. However, we did not act on the two policy items that was mentioned in that memo. Okay, and so with that, under tab eight behind tab eight rather, you should see both of those policies president and that again is policy 307 dot five the facial recognition policy. And policy 203 dot 11 the eyewitness identification and lineup policy. And so, by recommendation again of the policy committee, the chair now entertains a motion Well, I guess that is the motion that doesn't require a second and so there is open discussion for the policy 307 dot five of the facial recognition policy. Any discussion? Mr. Chairman, yes, or no,
I just simply like to note that both policies have been thoroughly reviewed and examined by the policy committee which, which includes obviously Commissioner Burton, and obviously Commissioner woods, along with the ACLU and Wayne State University, law school participants and the University of Michigan participants. So I've moved the board to approve the policies. I think that they are constitutionally correct. So I would move their adoption approval.
Sorry to make sure more well, it's not rolling out of committee. Yep. So Commissioner, Mr.
Chair, so this is my concern about the facial recognition policy. On August 10 23. We had a very robust discussion with the chief. That meeting is online so people can see exactly what I'm talking about as it relates to facial recognition. The chief promised this board in 45 days he said commander McGinnis would do an investigation surrounding the posher Woodruff Opernhaus pronouncing her name correctly. investigation. We never received that report. We followed up via email a couple of times, crickets, we didn't hear anything. It was just brushed off. So I'm very concerned and I know that all the major buys that came through Commissioner wuas has emphasized that Commissioner Brunner and I appreciate the work of that because I know it is a good policy. But I'm talking about the substance as relates to August till 2023 where there was an investigation where a young lady was arrested. And we didn't we never got a follow up for that. And I know I was advised that there were other issues similar to that one. And I was waiting to hear that I still haven't heard either way. What happened with that investigation? So just my concerns,
maybe commission Woods haze. Commissioner woods.
Yeah, I will ask that Deputy Chief Hayes addressed that concern. But again, this this policy is a historical policy for the city of Detroit is one of the strongest policies in the country. You had a renowned experts at the table from the University Michigan Law School, their civil rights class, or the Civil Rights portion of the University of Michigan Law School in which Michael Steinberg have litigated in the United States Supreme Court He's the former legal director of the ACLU, as well as the one who represented Mr. Williams and Mr. Williams had sprung say so and sat at the table concerning this policy. So I think this is a very strong, strong policy. Both policies and so I strongly support it. Right.
Any further discussion?
Mr. Chair,
Commissioner burger.
Can we table this until next week?
There's no second for that. So there is no motion. Any further discussion? All right. It has been requested to DC Hayes responds to Commissioner Moore's a question relative to the promise of date around the incident, we should say August the 20th.
August, put a chair through August 10 2023 was actual board meeting. The incident occurred in February and the chief didn't find out about it until August when the lawsuit was filed in regards to the particular situation. Last we heard the young officer investigator was placed on a leave after I asked and that's the last thing this board heard from that we followed up through via email. I know I saw a couple of them I was looking at since this policy has come up. Crickets haven't heard anything. So
do you have any update? Thanks.
Thank you, Mr. Chair and through the chair. This was my first notice that there is an outstanding report due to this body. If you can give me one week time, and that we will provide you at least with an update as to where or why that wasn't provided to you. And I am confident within two weeks time. Excuse me, we can get that information in totality to this body. Okay, thank
you. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none now the chair again, entertain the motion before the board by recommendation of the policy committee is the approval of the facial recognition policy 307 dot five. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those who oppose No, no, no. The eyes have it That motion passes. Next is the policy again coming out of the policy committee 203 dot 11 the eyewitness identification and lineup again this policy having been approved by the policy committee does not require a second and so the chair opens up the floor for any discussion. Hearing no discussion. Again the motion before the board is to approve the eyewitness identification and lineup policy 203 dot 11 All those in favor please signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. Write the eyes have it. That motion passes. Now we'll move on to new business. Thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
You're so welcome moving to new business where we have a special personnel and training memorandum and that will be provided to us by a commissioner woods.
On behalf of the Board of police commissioners special personnel and training committee please see the key update from the committee meeting held on May 24. You might now have it hard to see me I'm sorry. When we start over you can start
from where you are. Alright.
Committee meeting held on May 24 2024. BOARD attendees Commissioner girl was commissioned a tamper to map Tamar Liberty Smith, Lisa Carter and Commissioner Linda Bodnar, executive manager of policy position a candidates were invited to interview out of the seven out of the seven candidates invited for interviews, each attendant or the eight candidates. Candidates invited for interviews each attendant and actively participated in the process of following careful consideration during ties was chosen to proceed further in the interview process. The duration of each interview ranged between 20 to 25 minutes each at each end consisted of the following components introductions, instructions and overview of the position interview for students commission woodsmith card and Bernard X to Canis the standard six courses. After thorough review of responses any evaluation of qualification is best per special personality training committee made the decision to Avast or anti as this recommended recommendation will be presented in a full bore for consideration. Thank
you and so again by recommendation of the special personnel and training Committee. It is been motioned that we move Dorian Titus. Titus is excuse me. It's not moving him we're actually accepting Him in that position. Okay, so that we accept Dorian Dorian Tyus as the executive manager of policy that is there any discussion Commissioner Berg
discussion I sent an email out to commissioners yesterday and best practices for executive management management positions. The Board have always had three names come before the full board for final and that's that, you know, doesn't seem to be the case here. But that has been the case and past practices especially with the board secretaries positions to board attorney positions, all executive positions. You know the full bore have in you know some way have had three names to calm before to full bore. So they can come before the board and the board makes the decision to have one name come from committee. So the full board, we have to be very clear and careful of any form of nepotism and favoritism. Because this board has been down is bound as Pat before it has been sued. And we still have lawsuits. You know, that's, that's, that happens to be a cloud over the board even right now. And so I like to amend the motion by having three names to come before the full board and pass pride.
Hearing no second, there is no motion. Commissioner Moore.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a quick clarification. Mr. Chairman, as relates to the committee, eight candidates were interviewed or seven because
we are in a eight was invited and seven interview.
Gotcha. Okay. Thank you. Thanks. Thanks for Banagher just,
um, quickly, I just want the the board to be comfortable with the recommendations of the committee. This is an all day process. We were there from nine in the morning to like four in the afternoon. Commissioner Woods bought lunch for everybody. Because we worked through the entire afternoon that I just want to say to the board the can about four of the candidates were outstanding. One of them was a person that many of the people in this room know and that's that's former House of Representatives member Carrie gay, Daigo Shira Hagen and Sherry that carry on no I shared she's actually up in Makena today. She was spectacular, but at but we didn't weren't able to choose her because she has a contract that is going to start virtually immediately in Ohio and she couldn't give us the time that it would take to onboard and do this position. The other candidates Mr. Chairman, are equally several of them are equally impressive. This is the recommend this candidate is one as you're not yet a policy committee to board. There's another candidate that I found to be equally exceptional. And that was Mr. Nixon, who has participated with the policy committee in terms of writing policy, doing all kinds of stuff. But the consensus of the board was the committee this gentleman on the committee of the board of the committee, was this gentleman and principally because he is a graduate of University of Michigan, and he is all out and he went to Howard University Law School. So he is licensed as a lawyer in Michigan, and they felt that his academic credentials were superior and that that would be the that was why he was chosen by the committee. Commissioner
Hernandez,
thank you through the Chair. I just very quickly want to second and really uplift the background coverage that Commissioner Bernard just provided which has been provided to this full bore previously so that none of this is new information. Second to that just uplift Commissioner Darrell Woods who has taken on the lead in hiring not only investigators will previous to hiring, sourcing interviewing and ultimately presenting to this body higher ease that are now being on boarded and he's just done a phenomenal job. So just want to uplift the work. Kudos to
the chair, Commissioner burden.
You know, um, you know, I want I want our listening audience here today, to know that in past practices for executive manager positions, there has always been three names that come before the full bore for for a runoff. We don't know why this is not happening today. Nor have we got a memo or anything saying that this process is going to change or the process is changing. So you know, and so it comes off very alarming that certain names are being cherry picked. And and and being brought up you know, as one name. Once again, these are executive management positions that pay six figures. So you know, if you are a duly elected or, you know, you represent our district, it really takes away from democracy, what name is being selected and brought before the full board. Democracy is when you have more than one name calm before the full board, where commissioners by district as well as the Merrill appointees, in all weigh in on who will be a good service and a good fit for this organization. And that case, we don't really know if we every starting to hear that. We have many good candidates, but let's bring those candidates before the board if we really want to be transparent, really want to be open and really want to have a fair process. You know,
thinking maps we have to be clear one of boardrooms a democracy also include what we call representative democracy. And we act as if the committee's that are partners whether
it's like cow separate excu their media is made up.
appointees excuse me, Commissioner burden. The committee is not a separate and apart body of the border police commissioners it is a part of this body and it would be helpful if you shared some level and again it is your right not to but to share some level of trust in the work that your colleagues have done and not always attempt to characterize it or contextualize it as somehow being untoward point of boredom or agenda reappropriated.
I like to call for particularly being Mr. Mr. Burton, you have not been recognized like misuse me for a legal opinion for the executive position, excuse me, for the policy management position mission a burden on our attorney he's in a meeting you
have not been recognized. Lastly, I would suggest you are very competent, and capable. It may be if you were more proactive. You might be more effective on of what you're trying to do. So this matter was before this board for months, but yet we just received an email as you admitted on record yesterday. So again, if you can be more proactive, then maybe some of these concerns that you have could actually be included into this. On the border. He's just mentioned if you have not been recognized, excuse me, Commissioner Berger, and I've been recommending border for when you have not done that. And then yet you discredit the work of your colleagues who want to order. I find that to be one of order dreamily unreasonable for the order. So you're you're calling for late payments. It's your commentary has been noted. And we will move on Commissioner Mandel for a legal opinion Mr. Chairman,
want the record to reflect Commissioner NAND is
thank you so much through the chair. I really don't want to elongate this this item again and discredit any of the great work that's happened regardless of the posturing and rhetoric that is being offered. Not accepted but offered. I'll just remind the public just for awareness that and then really for facts more than more than just awareness. This process is consistent with city HR practice when it comes to appointments. This is again that as I'll remind everyone and Commissioner Darrell was knows this. This is an appointed position. It is an executive position, it's appointed, which means technically we don't even have to interview and yet we as a body and specifically the personnel and training committee has set the standard of wanting to uplift the process beyond just a simple appointment to make sure that there is a fair and due process with these interviews. So I'll just remind the public and you can check the track record how consistent we've been. And really the reason as to why we're even going back and I don't want to deviate to board secretary is because his body was not satisfied after a thorough search. That's why we're going back because we're not trying to institute nepotism or, or cherry picking as it's been suggested and offered. So again, we're doing our due diligence to make sure that we have qualified candidates who can support us in keeping the video accountable. And
just again, so that I'm not accused of being a intractable to Commissioner Burton's request. Mr. Brown, please let it be noted that he's asking that the attorney provide an opinion that has just been made clear by our personnel and training a committee chair Vice Chair Tamar Liberty Smith. No, I
really through this here, I really don't say much. But we have spent countless hours here interviewing candidates, many that you all will know who are very, very impressive. And then afterwards we debrief we have spent from 9am to almost 5pm with taking a 15 minute break in between just just to get ourselves some strength to eat and go back at it. I'm very confident in the candidates that we have seen and very confident in the candidate that we have picked today that will serve to do the job that we have selected him to do here. Last question here. One second,
please. Mr.
Chair, alternatively, Bill this online, she has a hand raised.
Okay, Attorney LaBelle.
Hi, commissioners. Ger, can you hear me?
Yes.
One verification on the legal opinion that Commissioner Burton has requested.
To paraphrase his requests or whether or not it is in line with HR policies to bring one individual for recommendation for hire, as opposed to three. Thank you. You're welcome. Commissioner woods.
Absolutely. Service is the rent we pay for the space that we occupy. The fact of the matter is, is that we take our jobs very seriously. We're not into games, or anything that's going to be able to be exploited the citizens of the city of Detroit we take it very, very seriously. We have been grossly behind in terms of some of our hiring process and this team came together in a powerful way to say hey, you know, with the blessings of Commissioner Hernandez and definitely with the direction of chairperson quantity has gradually to say, hey, let's get the job done. And I think the citizens of the city of Detroit should be very, very happy that we have filled every investigative position. We have filled administrative assistant positions and now this is a policy position that is very, very vitally important to the direction of the Detroit Police Department. And so having said that, I want to thank forget about thanking me with thank the team for coming together. And say, let's get the job done. And let's represent the citizens of the city of Detroit and get them the best product that we possibly can
to share.
Thank you, Commissioner Bodnar.
Mr. Chairman, first of all, I'm on that committee and I'm not a mayoral appointee. So it's wasn't all appointees the second misstatement that my colleague made was that the position pays $100,000 or more it does not, is substantially less than that. At least 20% or 30%, almost less than that. Thirdly, I enjoy serving on the committee because as I've said before, I'm the only person on the board who has hired hundreds of people and compensated them. And I won three labor cases in the Michigan Supreme Court. So therefore, the board should feel comfortable with with what the committee has done and obviously, with with my representation as a community member Thank you.
Good to hear you. Through the Chair, Commissioner burger. You
know, I want the audience to know that we have members on that committee that have not attended college. Don't have any college background, education wise nor do they have any HR disappearance or things of that nature. This is a executive position. And for executive positions, we ought to have three names coming for the full bore as we had it past practices with the board secretary position, and other positions, executive positions. We have to have a run off and we have had that before but right now, we have not gotten any memo saying anything was changing and to now make them out of the committee with one name. Once again, we must be clear. And from any form of nepotism and favoritism this board has gone down that road before has been sued. And if you you know, you check and see how many how many lawsuits have this board have had in the last several years. You'll be very alarm about some of these elements of you know, far as lawsuits and and so I just wanted I just wanted to say that if we have nothing to Hi, Mr. Chair, ru why not bring three nays? The motion. Thank
you. All right. So we have exhausted the conversation again. The motion before rest is out in the special personnel and training committee to accept Dorian Tyus as the executive manager, let's analyse for Matt, executive manager of policy contingent upon background checks and negotiations. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed, no, no. All right, the eyes have it That motion passes as chairman like to make a motion. We are now still under new business and we're gonna go with the items that are listed here. And so bow to the citizens complaint committee. memorandum was given to us by Commissioner banks.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Appreciate that. On behalf of the Board of police commissioners citizens complaints committee, please see the key updates from the committee meeting held on May 21 2024. Board members or members, board members committee chairperson Cedric banks commissioner, Commissioner Linda Barnard attendee Chief Investigator Jerome Warfield police community relations coordinator, Teresa blossom, acting board supervisor Secretary Robert Brown administrative assistant Candice Hayes, guest speakers, public commenters Wayne State law professor Rebecca roba Shaw, Wayne State law fellow miles Molly moaning Graham Graham Barton Angela Angela hoto. Michelle George, report from Chief Investigator Chief Investigator Jerome Warfield provided the key update. Six new investigators will start June the third wonderful blessings blessings. Thank you, Jesus, with the addition of new investigators OCI will be follies day in the back law cases have been closed by three investigators that started in January, OCR received several complaints from citizens. Steaming from the encounters with DPD during cinco Cinco de Mayo festivities, those complaints are currently being investigated. Chief Investigator is visiting the Atlanta citizens review board to discuss best practices and efficiencies that they currently have in place, as well as best practices OCI in place report on finals summary procedural justice Wayne State law professor Rebecca roba Shaw and fellow Molly moaning provided the following key points on procedural justice procedural justice focus on the way police interact with the community and how those interactions affect the public view of the police. how the public views these interactions, affects citizens willingness to obey the law and cooperate with police. When police are viewed as legitimate. The community is more willing to cooperate procedural justice matters because it is essential and developing good will between the community and police the next citizens complaint committee meeting will be June 18. Tuesday at 5pm. And, Mr. Chairman, we we had a wonderful meeting. The meeting was wonderful with our law professor, Rebecca Robert Shaw and student Molly moaning it was just wonderful. We had Michelle George Dowd also, she's my National Action Network. It was a wonderful meeting. It was really wonderful. Just wanted to get that back to you. And Mr. Barr was there.
I just I want to concur with with what the chairman just said about his committee. It's a great committee, very interactive, and even I learned a lot about procedural justice and we're implementing that that information and the police, police department representatives were great. Deputy Chief Hayes, they really made a substantive contribution. It was a great meeting.
Thank you. And thank you for that report. And now we'll move to closed session and so the chair entertain a motion to enter the closed session pursuant to section eight A and the Open Meetings Act MCL 15268. A the department's request for the board to consider administrative leave without pay. But with medical benefits for police officer Jared Shaw badge 3091 assigned to the 11th precinct so no second problem moved and seconded. Any discussion? Yes, that Commissioner Hernandez which I think is relevant just as a reminder to the public, who is in person and also online and has the visibility to see who walks out whenever we have critical items. Thank you. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. Right The eyes have That motion passes. We now enter into a five minute recess. But to set up the room and again, recording that musical chairs you're gonna do this at least four times. So I apologize in advance.