assist you with any questions that you may have. Again, thank you so much for your patience I waiting for a signal from media services recording morning
in progress
again, on a billboard, thank you so much for your patience and community. We are waiting, working out an audio issue what it's reading at this time.
Good afternoon. I'm Brian Ferguson, Chairperson of the Detroit board of police commissioners. I want to thank everybody for coming out to this meeting. It will be now called to order. Yes. At the sound we have an invocation from chaplain, the Shawn Curtis Duncan, is here in person.
Good afternoon to the board, especially to our chief of this esteemed city. Just want to say thank you for the opportunity to do the invocation if we could just all bow our heads and go before Him in prayer. Father, God, we thank you for this day, we thank you for everyone that is in this meeting for an opportunity to come together to serve this city to uplift our officers and to be what the community needs at a time such as this, we ask that every seat that is filled in this room that it is conducive to the atmosphere of the meeting that is going to go forth of the business that is going to be discussed, we ask that it'd be a meeting of the minds in that resolution. Be clear and concise and it'd be everything that this board desires and everything that the city needs. We ask that you continue to blanket and shield our officers as they continue to leave their homes to go out and serve this great city. We ask that you Planck's a spirit of truth and a spirit of peace upon them all. Finally, Father God, we just ask that you be with those that are in Florida that you touch them in the midst of their circumstances, in the midst of this hurricane that you quiet the storm that is over their state. We also ask that you quiet the storm that is over the city of Detroit, because we know that you can do anything and everything but fail. And we will continue to give your name honor, we will continue to give your name glory for our great city and our leaders of our city. In your mighty and matchless Son Jesus name we say amen. And
thank you, Chaplain the Shawn Curtis donkey. Thank you. Thank you so much. Madam Madam Secretary.
Yes, yes sir through the Chair. Madam Vice Chair any Holt present. Commissioner Linda de Bernard,
Attorney Linda Bernard district to present
missioner Sedgwick banks present. Commissioner Willie Ebell, present district for Commissioner Willie E.
Burton. Commissioner Lisa Carter,
your Commissioner Ricardo more present Commissioner Hazleton Andy has submitted an excused absence notification Commissioner Jim Holley, present. Commissioner quantas Presley. Mr. Chair, you do have a quorum.
Thank you. Now I'd like to entertain a motion for approve the agenda for today, September 29 2022. so move.
Second. Any discussion?
I have an objection. Mr. Chairman. Yes, I understand that under new business, if I'm looking at the agenda correctly, it indicates that it was a motion to rescind presentation by Miss Victoria Shaw scheduled for October 6. I do not approve this agenda. The board voted on this. And I don't see any reason for it to be rescinded.
Any further discussion?
Just briefly to permission to Banaras point. Michelle wasn't a candidate. So that was the reason that was given before why she shouldn't be on his list. He's not a candidate for either position board secretary, or for Chief Investigator. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, she is Mr. Issues of court, not according to my lists, to
what, according to the list I receive, she's not a candidate, you
know, but that was a resume. We can't We can't speak my mind. This is not a personnel matter. What the personnel department did was give us a recommendation. And if you look at that recommendation, regarding people who we should interview, they incorrectly made a determination regarding that certain people did not have the qualifications for the position when in fact, they did. So by any objective reading. So you're saying she's on the list? I'm saying she is certainly eligible. She's on the list. You shouldn't be on the list. Yes.
Okay. Any further discussion? Mr. Chairman?
Yes. The objection to the minutes was that, that the person Miss Shaw was was, is renewed or resented. I made a motion that was accepted to give a third in the 20 minutes
again, I understand. I'm sorry, Jim, can you speak in microphone? Yeah, I can't hear
that. I made a motion that she would have 20 minutes. And it was approved and approved by majority vote. Alright, so I don't know why she's not showing the agenda night. But to talk about personnel matters. Up on discussion. We talked about the minutes. Right.
We know the agenda,
about the agenda. So you can't talk about personnel matters.
So I'm asking you about are we see on? I have not had an opportunity to look at the agenda issue on the agenda
through the chair. Oh, no, wait, hold on. If you guys look at your agendas, it's under new business, as commissioner said. And under new business. Plan A is a motion to resend presentation by Mrs. Victoria Shaw scheduled for October the sixth. That's all we're discussing right now. Right? Well, so that's gonna be for both it's either yes or no,
through the chair. And I may just provide clarity. So this is the motion to approve the agenda as printed. Right. And under new business is simply a motion that one of the board members wanted to include on the board's meeting agenda. It's not approved, the motion is not approved. But it's a motion that one of the board members wanted to give notice to the full board that they plan to bring under new business, they'll
still object to being on the agenda. Okay? Because there's To my knowledge, board members can't just sua sponte decide to add or delete things from an agenda that we have, we have a standard agenda protocol. And I've never been able to ask you to put something on the agenda for a vote
as the chair, please. It is the right of a body or an individual to request that emotion previously voted on to be rescinded. Robert's Rules of Order and I'm sure Miss White can can resurrect that whole discussion that the
question is whom? Who's Who's whose motion is this? And if this is a transparent body and a transparent
the board missioner Wait, hang on. We're gonna get to that when we get down to new business right now. We just called
gen two up or down. At no, no,
I mean, for the agenda. I'm saying
that this is a chair not properly on the agenda
through the chair. Could we just accept her objections and move on? Absolutely.
So I'm going to we need a roll call for the vote all we could just go. Right.
We have to vote. Yes, we have to vote.
Madam Vice Chair. And I'm voting on
whether to approve the agenda as printed. Yes.
I mean, Mr. Hawley? Yes. Commissioner Presley.
And this is again, as a reminder, this is the motion on the floor is to approve the agenda as it is printed. I will come back to Commissioner Presley. Thank you, Commissioner Linda Barnard. Absolutely not. Commissioner Cedric banks know
what is what is this for for Miss Shauna be on the agenda today?
No, sir, through the chair. The agenda is what the board is currently taking up as an action item. So we're just reviewing the board is reviewing the agenda as printed and accepting whether or not you want to approve the agenda, as printed with the new business item added that is already printed on the agenda. And, again, as a reminder, this agenda was distributed on Tuesday. And again today, but just just sharing as a reminder, the times that we distributed the meeting agenda, I can come back Commissioner banks. Commissioner Bill.
Yes. Commissioner. Commissioner Carter? Yes. Commissioner Moore? No. Commissioner Presley? Yes. Commissioner banks? No. Mr. Chair? Yes. There were six
yes votes and three no votes, the motion passed to adopt the agenda as printed.
Thank you. Mr. Chairman. I just point of clarification, I want to understand the protocol. I can give a Melanie, a motion that we can then discuss under new business, any of us scan on any issue. When the when the matter has already been passed by the board. I just want to understand what the protocol is. Because if I can do that, if I can do is I got lots of motions to put on the agenda.
Well, hang on. Hang on, Commissioner. All we're doing right now is voting? No. Would you get down to the new business? I
don't know. Mr. Chairman. It's not even supposed to be on this agenda. That's my point. Exactly. I mean, if I could put a motion on the agenda, I got some motions to put on the agenda. I've got one today on the new business that you will find interesting.
Mr. Chair, yes. If I may just share clarity. The motion that was placed on the agenda or that was asked to be placed on the agenda was asked to the leadership to the chairperson not to miss white, or the interim Board
Chairman made this decision to put this on the agenda. Is that what you're saying? Absolutely. Gotcha.
You if you email me and say you want something on the agenda? Absolutely.
Mr. Chair. I really don't I know, this is a personal embarrassing tears if we can get out of the Get out of the chute without arguing. But I just feel like just for me, and for Mike, I have a problem
with his mic isn't on.
So I'm just saying I had a motion to have the young lady to 20 minutes. It was approved and passed. Right? If that's if that's the end, we talked about the same person, it was seemed to me that we ought to be able to see what day the person the person is going to have the presentation. We all have. One person cannot. Even the chairman cannot teach resend a motion that's made by the editor. The entire body just helped me I'm I have a problem. A mental I kind of do the soul learning curve. So I just have to be honest, I got
so right now, only thing that we're voting on right now.
Now you have to ask, wait a minute. I'm
getting ready to is coming in there. Trust me. It's coming in. We're voting on the agenda right now. And what is on the agenda? Correct. You have voted up or down on already went through hang on Commissioner that already went through. When we get to new business. Then we start this process all over again. You have discussion, and then you get a chance to vote it up or down I just whether it should happen or not. So it shouldn't be any any discussion right now,
whoever Holly's point was that the chairperson cannot unilaterally make a decision to put something on the agenda to resend a board vote. And that is correct. Otherwise, I could make a decision. I can make a recommendation that could be on this agenda to resend a number of votes.
Chair. Yes. Miss Wyden or our attorney? Can we clear this? How an emotion can appear on the agenda to be resend as a motion to resend? Yes, Robert's rule allows that
yes, it does not take the three court doors fold or something else that Our parliamentarian is not here. And besides that, I just want to know if I can get your wishes to resend on this agenda
we are going to order.
Just very briefly through the chair we have consulted with the parliamentarian in regards to the proper procedure in alignment with Robert's Rules of Order. The Open Meetings Act any other parliamentary procedure, the Dr. Jackson, the board parliamentarian has consented and indicated and approved that that is proper to give notice to the honorable board that a motion is coming forward from a board member it is not decided. The chairperson did not decide to rescind the motion or the presentation. It is simply notice to the full board that that item is coming forward under new business for a discussion and a revote. That's That's simply what it is, as final secretary
was that sent out to the full board
through the chair that was not required to be sent out to the full board. It was sent to the leadership.
I'm saying on the agenda was that on the agenda sent out to the full board,
of course, I
just indicated everybody got it.
I couldn't discuss it till we got here. I believe.
Mr. Chair, I just got one quick question is Vicki Shaw go get her 20 minutes like we 20 minute presentation, like we told her she was okay. When we when we voted on we get
to new business, then you get another boat. Okay. Okay. Now let's now we move on. We gotta move
on. Now. That's all I was concerned about. Now,
I can I can make a motion to resend motions that we passed. I got it.
We're moving on. Okay, thank you. So that motion that it to accept the minutes, set the agenda has passed the minutes where the previous meeting had been distributed?
I vote no on it. And I do think it's important that we have please. No, I didn't know that. I didn't know you were taking a vote
and kept going on when it shouldn't
be. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The minutes
for the minutes of the previous meeting have been distributed. September 22 2020. Are there any corrections to those minutes? No further corrections? Those be.
Mr. Chairman, I object to the minister's Well, let me explain you why?
Because 22 Exactly. Okay,
because unlike every other discussion in the board, the Melanie has decided to repeat. I guess because it was sheet it was voted down by Nicole board to repeat all the comments that were made by by Commissioner Holly. We have never including the comments that I have made an objection to things ever repeated verbatim. The words of a commissioner regarding an issue is always simply the action item. And if you look at all the other things that passed that day, not a single one of them has any commentary or post attached to it. So I object to the minutes, they do not meet the format of this board. And they are self serving clearly on their face. So I object to the minutes because it my amendment to the minutes would be simply that the resolution regarding board supportive of harassment in the workplace was approved. That would have been the discussion regarding that has nothing to do with it through the
Chair. Yes, this for clarity for the the meeting record. As the commissioner has just indicated, there are no specific remarks from Commissioner Holly included in the minutes so that I'm not sure what document the honorable commissioner is looking at. But that is not the draft meeting.
I'm reading it the high regard for the city. And this board was however not without unfair and inappropriate and appropriate challenges from within our organization presented during the conference to make the city and the board look less than that was exactly his words.
Through the Chair, I can maybe speak with you after the meeting. I don't want to take pressure.
I want I want the commentary stricken I want to the words that in fact, we approve the harassment policy. I agree with that. I voted for that. And I did not vote for the commentary. And it's what you put in Melanie, in order to question,
Mr. Chair. Yes.
So there's an objection. We'll move to the question and just approve the minutes. Absolutely.
That's what we're moving to order.
Mr. Chairman, yes, I would appreciate the chair as the honorable attorney, Commissioner Bernard, not to make reference to Miss White as Melanie We are professional by Are they there to protocol if all of us and Miss White is entitled to same protocol into secretary or Miss White? Could you remind the honorable attorney Commissioner Bernard, all that fact
you would remind my fellow Commissioner, he doesn't want to go there with me? Because I can be very specific about this role. very specific about who occupies
the chair? Yes,
I believe we are in a position to take on an amendment or a vote to so that we can move on absolutely on this discussion.
Yes. So now,
Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment to the amendment to strike all the commentary after the resolution affirming border support. It was unanimous, as I recall, the rest of the commentary should be deleted.
Is there a second or before? Okay, Madam Secretary, can we do a roll call on this?
Any discussion?
Any discussion? Any further discussion? Hearing none, can we do a roll call?
Madam Vice Chair? No.
Mr. Hawley?
I really do. I'm kind of lost what most? I'm sorry. It's been a long day for all of its Commissioner Bernardo. They just tell me one more time
there. The chair Commissioner Bernard has placed an amendment to the motion to modify the minutes to remove the resolution language. So
my motion is say no, it gives her
staff the resolution language. It has nothing to do the resolution that we pass had nothing to do with any any however, unfair and inappropriate challenges from within our organization presented during a conference to make the city and the board look less than that was a proposed resolution with the chair provided that was not the resolution that was
no, no.
Commissioner Presley? No. Commissioner Bernard. Yes. This is my amendment.
Commissioner centered banks.
No. Commissioner Willie Ebell. No. Commissioner. Mr. Carter, no. Commissioner more? Yes. Mr. Chair? No.
There were two yes votes and seven no votes, the motion failed to adopt the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. So next week for us to amend that motion. Because I can do that now. And move on. I'll be on the agenda next week for the board.
So do we need to have a motion to approve the minutes? Yes.
Yes. Moving on. I move that we
approve the minutes for September 22 2022. Second,
any further discussion?
I have appointments. I'm serious about this. I'm very deeply concerned.
Linda, my sister, my sister.
I am your sister at the gym. But this is so improper is unbelievable. Your your your comments, and we'll take it now. We have a protocol for the approvement of the minutes. That protocol is the action item and the vote. It does not include the discussion or personal parodic Leo's of people who happen to be on the board regarding a matter. You are changing. Fundamentally, our process and our procedure, and it is embarrassing to me. We know what we know what we're doing up here. And
you said that what's your vote commission? We respect Well, I
didn't, but that's okay. So I'm gonna raise private I'm gonna raise it other than the Socialists were
There was seven Yes. votes and two no votes, the motion passed.
Thank you. All right. And I'm secretary, can you introduce your staff, please?
Yes, sir. Before moving to staff introductions, we want to acknowledge Sergeant Quinn and The and his DPD team who provides the audio setup and assistance for the board meetings. And we just want to also note that he has gone over and above and beyond and getting audio and other plugins unnecessary for the force meeting. So again, we thank our Sergeant Quinn and his DPD team. Also as a reminder, again, for Media Services and the Department of Civil Rights inclusion and opportunity. The city has a new requirement for closed captioning features. And there is a delay for city TV broadcasts and will post for the Board's meeting. So again, you can visit them Well page, a Detroit mi.gov backslash B LPC to find the regular schedule of zoom links for a board meeting. So again, visit the board's web page for more information. Our court reporter today is Mr. Don Handyside and the following Board staff members are in attendance. Assistant Corporation Counsel Christopher Michaels. Miss Teresa blossom is Community Relations Coordinator Attending via zoom. Mr. Robert Brown administrative specialist, Miss Jaya Underwood, administrative assistant senior investigator Tiffany Stewart, Director of Katrina Pattillo, Director of police personnel, Interim Chief Investigator Loris Akbar, and our American Sign Language interpreters are Mr. ukata and Dr. Stephanie Beatty. Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Chief. Welcome.
Thank you. Yes, I'll let them introduce themselves. So don't listen to names everyone can see everybody. We'll start with lieutenants for Gen Z, who's here and go down
436. Performance is
fantastic.
That's why do we have any guests,
Mr. Through the Chair, Miss for the butler, a second precinct Community Relations Council president and DPO a vice president, Officer Ron Thomas is also present. And that concludes the special guests introductions. Thank you, sir.
Again, I would like to say thank you for attending the board meeting. As you can see, this is a very spirited board, right. And commissioners? We are but we're gonna get through it. Today we have several action items on the agenda that require the LPC vote, including and not limited to knowledge in the life and legacy of Sergeant Robert Walter Klymit. We look forward to honoring his service and dedication to the department and to his community. His family is also here with us today, so we look forward to presenting this tribute to his family. We also have other business items including the LPC hire DPD appointments and other business matters to complete. This week, we received the legal opinion from cooperating counsel discussing one of those items as a reminder to discuss any personal matters require a closed session under the OMA which is stands for Open Meetings Act. I want to say thank you, commissioners, and the public and everybody else attendance for your cooperation. Additionally, today we have two presentations. One from the detective bureau and a civil rights presentation, which we moved to this week to ensure that we were able to attend CI wives townhall summit last week. We look forward to those presentations and updates. The department will share as part of ongoing measures to provide transparency, accountability to the bo PC and a community. Last week, we attended chief Weiss townhall summit where law enforcement traditional and a community at large discuss strategies methods towards reducing gun violence in our community. Chief white o Hall was excellent. With meaningful substance presentation. It was just awesome. And the discussions to better inform the community on message that DPD has taken to reduce and deter crime and effective technology leverage to make a difference. The auditorium was packed. I mean it was standing room moment and was an excellent turnout by the community community showed up and showed up and we were all sure at this time we start contributing initiative towards ensuring a greater community education, engagement and partnership towards reducing and turning cry, which is here in our city and enhancing police community relations. Ci we look forward to your update on town hall. All your town halls. I know that gonna be the last one, as well as other measures regarding crime trends and other information of interest to the board and the community. Regarding ShotSpotter technology policy, the board looks forward to receiving the department's Proposed updated policy for review and approve as part of our continuing efforts to ensure the policy is in line with the best practices and constitutional protections for the community. And to this date, I can surely say that this policy has not been broken. Last Lastly, we as a board continue to work with the department to enhance data reporting on non criminal, non criminal citizen complaints, outcomes and outputs and other key law enforcement data collection measures. We look forward to sharing more updates findings and with the community from the board, the department as part of our joint commitment to transparency and accountability. Commissioners on Friday, October 7 2022, at 10:30am is going to be a DPD graduation ceremony at greater Grace Church located at 23 500. West Sam my role. I personally would like to see all the commissioners there, I think that will send a strong message to all the new recruits that's graduating to the Detroit Police Department that we have their back. Right. So I would love to see you guys there. And if you need a note from a doctor or from work to get worked out right.
Now we're gonna have the resolution for Sergeant Robert Walter Clemens. Walter Robert Clemens. I'm sorry.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, just for the record is water. Robert collimate. Waters, my cousin, we spend a lot of time talking and debating law enforcement. And one of the strong points that Walt had was reading the book, you know, in the Bible talks about it is written, it is written, it is written, and Walt was one of those type of people who was the operations guy, but he changed into an administrative guy by reading the book. So it's an honor to me for me to read this on behalf of Walt and his family is present, as well as mentioned earlier, resolution honoring retired Sergeant Walter Robert Clement posthumously, whereas Walter Clement was a graduate of Milford High School. He was a true athlete from the neighborhood who ran track and swam after a 10 affair State University on the track scholarship. Want to return to Detroit with a commitment to public service. He was appointed to the Detroit Police Department on October 24 1977. Upon graduating from the Metropolitan Police Academy, Officer Clement began his career at the second precinct. And whereas officer Clement dutifully served the second precinct, third precinct, 14th precinct, special response team, Detroit Metropolitan Academy 13th precinct first precinct a Sex Crimes Unit, after displaying tremendous knowledge and leadership skills officer Clement was promoted to the rank of sergeant on March 20 of 1998. His assignments include the 11th precinct, eighth precinct and Management Services Bureau, Sergeant Clements served the Detroit Police Department for 35 years before moving to New Mexico on Monday, September 19 2020. To retire Sergeant Walter Robert Clinet, passed away from a my trophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, and whereas doing his law enforcement career, retired Sergeant Clement was the deserving recipient of many recognitions including department citation, wound award to perfect attendance awards for Chief chiefs merit awards, all star baseball award Super Bowl 40 award, Rosa Parks funeral award and numerous letters of commendation from citizens and superiors, and whereas his legacy of public service endures, he was a strong opponent of marijuana and the beginning. Towards the end of his life, he radically changed his view and supported the criminalization of marijuana and expungements of existing convictions for the crime of cannabis as fundamental to justice. Therefore, be it resolved that the Detroit board of police commissioners and speaking for the citizens of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department, wars, this resolution posthumously, in recognition of retired Sergeant water Clement, for his dedication and diligent public service is professionalism, integrity and standard of commitment to the city of Detroit. And its citizens mirrored our highest regards. We salute you retire Sergeant Ward deployment. For Job we'll move to adopt Mr. Chair Second.
Any discussion? All in favor?
Hi.
All opposed.
Mr. Chairman, can his family come up and say,
Hello? Can you present it to at least that paper will then give her a big one later? She'll have a copy. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Chair can Mr. Brown take a photo?
I guess I'll make it quick. My name is Richard Clemente. I'm the one of the oz Walters younger brother, we had six brothers together. And to my left here is my fiancee Cynthia will be, and to my left is surely will it be love? Okay. Walter man, he really, really enjoyed his job. He really want a team made an impact in the community, who's good brother to follow. He used to take me with him on the Harbormaster boat and everything. And always stressed like mine did talk about education. To get what you need, you must learn how to read. Okay, that's what he that's what he preached. I know he likes he was a big, big cannabis opponent coming up, and somehow he got me a job working in a Narcotics Division during the day at work. And they were very appreciative of it. And I know when he got injured in the line of duty first time, you know, it was it was kind of tough, but you know, he stuck it hung in there like a trooper. You said he's always preaching swim in and always reaching back to the youth to better themselves. And he had a big, big, big love for the city. And like I say, he's truly missed and likes on behalf of my brothers and mom. And basically, he passed away on his mom's birthday. So mom called him home after all of them the service he did with us that in any way, like you said he did use the CBD. And it helped them with the ALS because there's no cure for ALS. And it's probably one of the treatments and only thing I failed to do was get him a medical marijuana card with his picture on it. But like I say, we really appreciate the trade beliefs and stuff y'all do. And you know, just keep up the good work and work out your differences. And together man, we can make this a real better city. And like I say, on behalf of the Klamath family and all his peeps a month a high school, eight mile road and all over we want to thank you for this award and it'd be it'd be so so greatly appreciated. And just keep it short, and we'll say thank you. Thank you, thank you
we have to hire for Miss Candace Hayes as the LPC administrative assistant. I had the motion.
Mr. Chairman, I make the motion that we hire Miss canas Hayes, administrative assistant for the board of policemen permission.
Is there a second? Second? Any discussion? Mr. Chairman,
I wish to acknowledge certainly receipt of the corporation counsels opinion regarding this matter, I would simply call to the attention of the board the fact that the Corporation Counsel has indicated
the chair Yes, the legal
opinion is confidential and sensitive and all personnel matters must be discussed in a closed session.
Excuse me, acting for three years BOARD SECRETARY Melanie white. This opinion is applicable to the general public in that it simply states that the board has to approve. Hold Mr. Hall,
hang on, hang on. Go ahead. And the Border Police Commission Commissioner commission one second I
was speaking can you give me one professional cursory one session,
your commission a point of order? You're going to get into some try to untie the waters here. I want to hear from Cooper rescue Council right now. Go ahead, sir.
The point is well taken from a commissioner but as far as the contents of the memorandum for cities policy, it should be discussed in a closed session. It is confidential attorney client communications between Corporation Counsel and this board. So if if you wish to discuss what is can tained in that memorandum or discussed whether or not you agree with the memorandum, I'm not going to do so at least discuss it in closed session. What is written is for the Board's eyes only should not be discussed in open session.
Right. And it says confidential when you guys, when the commissioners got that email, it says right on their confidential, you can't discuss with anybody you can't share with anybody. You can't. Mr.
Chairman, I think the public has a right to know who has the authority to hire for the board of police commissioners. That's the issue that I'm addressing. And, and clear appears to me, that's the only persons that can hire for the board of police commissioners is the full board. Do you agree with that? That is a matter of public policy? Not a matter of a loan
Commissioner? Right now the motion is again, your vote either yes or no? Yes, we can do that. Madam Secretary, can you wait, any further discussion? I'm sorry. Just briefly,
I had a conversation with the chairman of the Personnel Committee who advised me that we will do things in a better way moving forward. Absolutely. So I just want to put that on the record. We can take the vote. Thank you.
Yes, sir. Through the Chair and Madam Vice Chair. Okay. And to what the motion on the table on the floor at this time is to approve the hire of Candice Hayes as VlPs trading assistant. Mr. Hawley? Yes. Mr. Presley? Yes. Commissioner Bernard.
No. Because of the process
of Commissioner banks. Yes. Commissioner Bell? Yes. Mr. Carter? Yes. Commissioner Moore? Yes. Mr. Chair? Yes.
There were eight yes votes and one no vote. The motion passed.
Fantastic. Welcome, miss Canada's Hayes. Is she here to work for you?
She's a fine, young lady. I don't have any problem with her personally. The process though is important. Right, Mr. Chairman?
You're right. I'm Chief. Your recommendations for appointment to the rank of captain and Commander.
Okay. We want to do this with the report and we want to go to the full report and get to that are we gonna start how we
can do this first? scenario I want to see
you through the chair. Would you like me to call the names of Yes. And what happened? The first appointment candidate or the rank of commander Captain Ryan Conner to the rank of commander.
All right. Good afternoon board and chair. Captain Ryan Connor is a 25 year veteran with the Detroit Police Department. As an officer he worked at the fifth precinct eastern district on patrol the north western district special operations. As a sergeant he worked patrol and budget operations in the Fourth Precinct as a patrol supervisor. I was kind of surprised to learn about the budget operations piece because I've only known Ryan to be a cop cops cop. When Captain Connor was promoted to lieutenant, he was assigned to the sixth precinct as the officer in charge of the precinct ceasefire unit. And when appointed to Captain Captain Connor was assigned to the organized crime unit. Captain Connor also worked downtown services and a Fourth Precinct, which is his current command. He has a bachelor's degree in business management, and a Master of Science degree in criminal justice, along with Captain Connors education and accomplishments as a Detroit Police Executive. He has also completed the police executives in new chief school at the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, and that was the fall 2020 class. And just an added note, we've had some really complex crime fighting challenges in heavily populated areas. Captain Connor is a person that I have heavily relied on to manage those areas of the department, particularly downtown, where we get large crowds that swell up in a matter of hours. And it creates an incredible challenge for any executive or manager. He has managed it with such ease that I pretty much took his whole summer from this year, including every weekend and asked him to go back downtown and replicate some of his success. So it is with great pride that I recommend him for commander and for all of his hard work. He gets the ninth precinct. The chair.
Can I see it? I want to see him now.
I move that we accept chief quite recommendation of Captain Ryan Connors to the rank of commander.
Second. Any discussion?
Discussion? Yes, chief. There's no report in here on any complaints that would have citizen complaints regarding Captain Connor
through the chair. That's
that will send an email when
Yeah, I can I can respond to that
it won't let him respond through package,
I submitted a very detailed breakdown of every individualized complaint that I read myself, and provided a response to, I want to point out a couple things. Number one, the complaints are older complaints. Older than eight years, I believe. There has not been one complaint since this board selected now commander, or soon to be commander, kind of hopefully, to Captain Connor, less than two years ago, and there's been no complaints even within years prior to that, his performance demonstration. In my opinion, it's certainly indicative of leadership. I think also the complaints that he had, I have confidence in how they were acquired, that the things that needed to be corrected, work corrected. I also looked at where he was assigned, the type of work he was doing at that time, the level of interaction he was having, and the type of leader that he is today. I think our younger officers, who are we call it boosting, but working Special Operations and those types of high profile areas can learn a lot from his experience, doing the work himself, and then reaching down and teaching them how to do it better to minimize those complaints. So again, it is with great confidence that I make this recommendation.
In fact, a follow up just briefly, complaints that I'm particularly interested in as you and I have discussed this chief and I appreciate your consideration on this involve use of force, particularly was interested in you reviewing those complaints. I did yes and no can just be sort of iffy.
Yeah, I looked at those complaints. And I found nothing outside of our policy. I found no, no incidents of unnecessary force, excessive force, I found no protected class violations with force. What I did find was high profile interactions. violent offenders, some that were not happy with the police engaging them, but nothing that gives gives me pause at all.
I have confidence in your recommendation. I have my support.
Thank you very much. Roll call.
The chair Madam Vice Chair, yes. Mr. Ali? Yes. Presley? Yes. Commissioner Bernard. Yes.
Commissioner banks.
I'm going to oppose this promotion. I'm gonna go No. 43 complaints and 22 uses of force. Let's hear the chair. Wanting 43 complaints 22 uses of yours. I'm going to post this promotion
through the chair.
You got to understand Yes,
Commissioner. Yes. Go ahead. Too slow. You
got to sign this guy.
I just would just like to share a reminder to the honorable board. This personnel matters she talked may not be disclosed on the open public meeting record that requires a closed session. Just Just a reminder. And then just one last reminder before I move forward with the roll call vote. Commissioners please speak one at a time so that our ASL interpreters in court transcriber can record the minutes.
Mr. Chairman, for in order to roll call vote is yay or nay? We don't need an explanation. Why are you voting? Yay or Nay? There is no explanation for it at this particular table. Can we move on and that formality through the Chair?
Mr. Bill, roll call vote.
Yes.
Commissioner Burton. To the chair.
I just wanted to make it clear that I'm just just now arriving. I've been out talking with residents all day today. And so I'm just now getting here. Talking to residents about serious matters that pertains NASA Chairwoman
process of voting. We're voting voting here.
But I'd like to come back to you can vote on something that I don't know what I'm voting. That's what I liked. Okay, for the cheer. It really
is. Okay. We'll come back and there's Okay.
Through the Chair. Yes. Michelle Carter. Yes. Commissioner Moore. Yes. Mr. Chair. Yes. And again,
this motion is regarding approving the appointment of Captain Ryan Connor to the rank of commander. Commissioner burden. Mr. Chairman,
I'm just arriving so I have not been have not reviewed anything pertaining to this is the captain right corner. Is he here?
He's right there. Through the Chair. Yes. Where he is in a boat. It's either yes or no sir. He's a standing.
I'm just I'm just now arriving. Mr. Churchill. What what Can we call for for two minute recess?
There were eight yes votes and one no vote. The motion passed. Thank you.
Congratulations, sir. I'm sorry for bad regulation. Congratulate.
Through the Chair, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you to Chief, James White for giving me this opportunity. It's my pleasure to continue my service with City of Detroit. Thanks.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, please, sir.
Before we move forward, before we move forward, please respect the community. Respect this board, and respect the chair, when I call on you, please be ready to answer and give what we're talking about. That means you have to keep up and make no mistake to the public and our audience right here. Every commissioner has gotten all the documents, but everybody that was getting promoted all up for promotion. And since a documents, that's everything, personnel and everything, so I just want everybody to know that. So it's up to the commissioners to read their emails and read their documents. That's what it's up to. Because these are very important decisions. And for us to be sitting here having discussions on something like that without reading, it is not fair, especially to somebody that's getting promoted, and the public and the rest of the board members, because we take time out. And we take this very seriously. I'm sorry, go ahead.
And through the chair just because it's in the public's now. Mindset based on what was stated, There should have been in a private or non public meeting forum. I just want to clarify, and I'm not going to get into numbers to the characterization of those complaints is very different than presented here today. In addition, I think it's important to note that Captain Connor now commander Connor, did not receive one complaint from Captain to Commander and those complaints that he did receive prior to that were odor complaints and each complaint was assessed. It is this board that elevated him from Lieutenant to captain and that one additional complaint. And now I'm asking for an elevation based on performance dedication to this community. The performance that I have personally personally witnessed a high level of education and a commitment to community that I would like for him to serve at a higher level. So just want to put that on the record. In addition to some of the things that were put on the record. The next candidate is Lieutenant Matthew for Gen Z. Lieutenant Matthew freezin. For Gen Z is a 15 year veteran with the Detroit Police Department. As an officer he worked at the north western district patrol during that time as an officer. He was also assigned to the south western district, eighth precinct sixth precinct detective unit. As a sergeant he was assigned to the second precinct starting from Gen Z was also assigned to professional standards, as a lieutenant Lieutenant for Gen Z was assigned to the investigative operations unit in the 11th precinct, which is our detective unit, as you know, and where he is currently assigned, doing an outstanding job. A very smart young man who uses technology and data to inform his decision. He's also a data person, like I am, Lieutenant Gen Z has earned his associate of applied science degree in law enforcement and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree. Forgot the college is first aid. That memory along with Lieutenant for Gen Z's educational accomplishments, he was named a 2013. Detroit Police Officer of the Year, again, a person who is committed to our community, a very hard worker, a very analytical up and coming Lieutenant comes with great pride that I make this recommendation for him to become a captain and take over our crime intelligence unit.
I like to have a motion. So moved. Second. Any discussion?
Discussion? Mr. Chairman, again, Chief, you've had an opportunity to actually review citizen complaints concerning concerning him Do you have reviewed the use of force compliance and you're comfortable that they were properly handled or dismissed or whatever
I am, and again, it is any more imperative that we recognize complaints as just that complaints that we have to analyze and see what happened if there some will be converted, depending on what happened right. And some will be educational opportunities and some will be complaints that are unfounded. I saw no complaints that are career ending. Obviously, I saw no protected class complaints race, sex age type discrimination. I saw assignment Type complaints that high level complaints. And I saw some complaints that require some education. And that happened. Not a large number of complaints over a 14 year career span. But certainly enough to, for me to go through and analyze that your request. And I and with that I still make this recommendation.
I appreciate your analysis and taking the time. I know how busy you are. But it's just important to me that that we be able to check that box. And I rely on on your history, your demeanor, certainly your education, and your experience as an officer as a fair officer and making that determination. Thank you for doing it for me.
Thank you. And I did provide a subsequent supplemental document to the chair with that information,
I rely on your word. Alright. Thank
you, Mr. Chairman. Yes,
I would like to wait to elaborate in terms of the process for making these appointment to command position. It's just not a one person operation. But I think we need to remind people I was shared with this board. And the public thing was sort of enlighten us in terms of the process.
I will do so if that's okay. Now, and I'll do I'll be brief, I can be rather long winded sometimes. You're confirming I can be read along with
no. To be honest with you, to me, it was stop all this.
Through the Chair, it's so first and foremost performance base and the performance basis how a we have a we have a good problem at hand, we have a lot of really good lieutenants that are eligible for elevation, we have a lot of really good captains that are eligible for elevation, so forth and so on. The problem is we have a few positions. And as any organization goes, it kind of goes into a pyramid. So as you get closest to the top, it gets narrower and less people. And so it's not just about who meets the educational requirements, even though education is is a strong component to what we're doing. It's it's community engagement, because we're heavy on community engagement. It's it's mentoring and training and how do you work with others? And how do you demonstrate that you are committed to this community with that a few names come up. And we talk amongst the command staff, particularly I start with the senior management team, my ACS, my DCS, and we talk about people and some we agree on some we don't I will say unanimously, we agree on the ones that I'm recommending to you today. That's not always the case. And we all agree, as we did last week with the deputy chief appointments and in the commander appointments, that these are good fits, these are highly education or highly educated people with high integrity that are the exact fit that we're looking for, for our community right now. Doesn't mean that they're the only ones. But these are the ones we're looking for right now. And when we talk about Lieutenant for Gen Z, unanimously, we talk about how he will fit using technology, crime findings, strategies and data. That's that's why he was the fit over one or two other that came very close, because of the opening that we have and how we want to use them. But this is not done in a vacuum. We talk these through, we look at their backgrounds, we look at their education, we look at how they have engaged with with command officers, you know, you have to be coachable. If you're not coachable, and you're the smartest person in the room, you need to get in another room. And so we look at all those things. And we all have arrived at these candidates.
Yeah, Mr. Chairman, I think was interested in is that the chief has done his own analysis. Yeah. And that's what we need to do as a board, which we say that again, I didn't hear you, the chief has done his own analysis. Okay, good. I got that part. And we as a board should do the same.
We as a board agree to the same commission. We as a board today saying, and one thing, you did say something that that I kind of like you say you guys had discussions with them amongst yourselves, right? That's correct. And you're arguing amongst yourselves, correct?
That's correct. But it didn't get much of an argument. But you know.
That's what I'm trying to get out of this board here. Right? If we're going to argue, let's argue not in front of the public, putting me out in the hallway. I'll take the steps all the time. Put me in there. Say what you gotta say. But let's be orderly here in this meeting. That's what I want to happen. I want to be just like that. That's what I came here to be. Alright, so we're the
chair. Yes. That much. I mean, it was motion. But I don't believe the lieutenant's Lieutenant Matthew fool. Oh, gee, James's name was part of the motion for the record.
Right? It wasn't.
So can you say it? Yes, sir. I'd like to make a motion for Lieutenant Matthew for Gen Z. To accept chief White's recommendation to promote our appointment to the rank of captain and then a second. DCA
Madam Vice Chair holds Yes. Commissioner Halley Yes. Mr. Presley? Yes. Commissioner Bernard. Yes, Mr. Banks. Yes, Mr. Bill? Yes. Commissioner Burton.
I'm gonna stain just not arriving. So
Commissioner Carter? Yes. Commissioner Moore? Yes, Mr. Chair? Yes. There were nine yes votes, one abstention. The motion passed. And congratulations.
The board I'll be, I'll be brief. So I start off by saying, Thank you, Chief, James White, for this opportunity and the support throughout my career. Thank you to your executive team. They've mentored me through my career and supporting me. Thank you to the board for this recommendation. I look forward to working with you and reducing crime in this great city. Briefly about myself, I just want to say I'm very passionate about my work, passionate about the city, and leadership, and most importantly, passionate about ensuring the citizens are receiving the highest level of service. So again, thank you. I look forward to this next chapter in my career. Thank you. Erin.
Hi, Pete. Do you have another have one more? Yes, sir.
And we can bust through this one once this and complaint for years so we can just move off of that right now.
Okay, one, okay. All right.
This is Lieutenant James Cole. Lieutenant James Cole, the 24 year veteran Detroit Police Department as an officer he worked patrol at the 12th precinct. He was also assigned to TSS and commercial auto theft section. As a sergeant he worked attend to precinct patrol. He also was assigned to the training staff at the Detroit Metropolitan Police Academy when it was the Detroit Metropolitan Police Academy announced Training Center as Lieutenant Lieutenant Cole work again at the police academy. He also spent a large amount of time at the recruiting section desperately working to get us to find his recruits and did a phenomenal job there. He is currently assigned to the second precinct detective unit, and also doing a really good job. There was one of the highest closure rates in the city, which put him on my radar immediately after ComStat meeting. Lieutenant Cole has earned his his bachelor's degree in leadership, diversity and public safety through Clara University. Along with his educational accomplishment. Lieutenant Cole is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity. And he is also an ordained deacon at Life Application ministries, Christian Church, we've got some really good lieutenants Heather Cameron was really doing her thing I like to say, over at the seventh precinct, which put her I mean, she was on my radar from from the Leadership Academy. But we look at these lieutenants, who are working hard in our detective bureaus where the work never ends, and how they train up other people and really serve in a mentoring role to our younger officers who were bringing these cases in, which is one of the things that led or influenced my recommendation for her, I see the same thing. And Lieutenant Cole sort of funds. It is in really good hands with these these up and comers. I'm very proud to recommend this young man for the position of Captain where he will immediately take over the Fourth Precinct assisting John, sir.
Mr. Chairman, if I may, yes, I'll make a motion that we approve the chief recommendation of James Cole to the rank of captain. That is my motion second board to recommend the board. I just want to add, some of us know, Lieutenant Cole extremely well, right. In terms of the cynical Junior Junior, Jr. We know him in terms of the transition of personnel director recruiting. He's a hard worker. So we have had interaction with him over the year that just want to add that to the table. Thank you pass it
to the chair because there's Yes, I want to also echo pass here, Willie bells words. We are very familiar with Lieutenant COEs work and performance. He's one of those stars that we have on this department. I can definitely see him moving up through the ranks as high as I don't know, Commander, Deputy Chief system chief or possibly chief of police and some other state because we have police here, but I mean, he's one of those. He's one of those dedicated individuals that asked we give a gives a lot to the department but also to our community. I love that about Lieutenant CO or so that's a captain code. Oh, Today so
any further discussion? It would take a roll call vote madam.
Chair? Yes. And yes votes, the motion unanimously passed. Congratulations.
Thank you very much.
I will be extraordinarily brief to the Chair. I just want to thank Chief white. I think all of you I think our executive board, everyone who had anything to do with me coming up in this department has trained me to be the person that I am, I am going to continue with all my heart to serve the city and just be the best captain that I can. I really appreciate it. James Arcos, Jr.
I like to thank the chief again for explaining the process. I appreciate that I didn't I wasn't aware of the whole process that you have to engage in terms of your promotions. Thank you. Thank you.
All right, Chief, your report. Yeah. All right.
Why close the book like I was done here. All right. Let's start with the update on the injured officers. And we have a sergeant from the second precinct. One police officer from auto theft unit. And two police officers from the seventh precinct are our home disabled and recovering from injuries. Our COVID stats are 19 members that are quarantined or isolated. Last week, we have 1715 of the quarantine isolated members are positive. And that's that's up from 13. So we're hovering around the same numbers. And we keep an eye on that just to make sure that we don't have to to initiate our protocols. If we hit a certain point, our homicides, still too many. But we are looking at a 3% reduction over the same period last year, our non fatal shootings. Again, too many, we have a 14% reduction. And at a time that major cities aren't reporting a reduction in these two categories. We will take the reduction, but we recognize that more work needs to be done 6% reduction of robberies that's a really powerful reduction, because those are officers on the street that are engaging people who are up to nefarious acts. So that tells us that our patrols are out there they're doing what they should do. And when you look at the number of people we've had in our city this this summer, with all of the openings of all the activities, that 6% reduction is quite significant. But again, much work needs to be done or total Part One violent crime is down 12%. We look at our other crime stats of note that we keep an eye on. I will mention our aggravated assaults are down 14%. We look at our carjackings, which still trend in the wrong direction. We have a major problem with auto theft and carjackings are carjackings are up 32%. We're doing some making some adjustments to our plan on that and we're going to try to really turn a corner on those soon. Our sexual assaults are down 7% Over the same period of time last year, and our crime intelligence unit, which will now be led by Captain who Gen Z will be looking for patterns that we can identify and quickly get out to our precincts. Moving on to some significant incidents of note on Sunday September 25. At 3:40am officers from the 10th precinct responded to the 13 300 block of liver noi. On a report of a person being shot that 30 year old female victim was standing outside of a restaurant that was being used for private event a suspect appeared from the alley fire about 20 to 30 shots. With a rifle striking the victim. The victim was declared deceased on the scene. A preliminary investigation suggests that the victim was not the intended target. And the suspect is described as a male black 30 to 35. Six feet to under 20 pounds. Medium complexion we continue to work that case. Second incident is a non fatal shooting of an MSP Detective Sergeant. You know the collaborative work that many don't know happens in our city. We work with MSP we work with the feds we work with Wayne County Sheriff's this collaboration led to some investigative undercover operation type work. While doing that work. The MSP detective sergeant was shot what appears to be by a male from the second floor of an apartment complex striking him three times he is critically injured. will require extensive and significant home care. He is battling some very, very, very significant and severe injuries that I won't disclose publicly at the risk of someone in his family not knowing. But let me say that they are extremely serious and very, very sad for him a very young man, newly married, and unfortunately, this heinous act will change the course of his life, likely forever. This unnecessary violence and explicable violence in our community. There have been two people charged and the case is being handled Unbeliev. We handle in Zombicide Task Force handling this by the handle homicide Task Force. Horrible. This is the third incident in a short amount of time of offenders firing from elevated vantage point, second floors of apartments and things such as that, obviously, we lost our own officer officer courts to someone who shot from a second or third storey building. There was an incident in Garden City at a church where those shots didn't take effect. And then now this one, so again, sad.
Another inexplicable act of violence to our most vulnerable community, our seniors, a carjacking of a 95 year old woman. This incident happened a couple of weeks ago on September 19. At approximately 1:55pm, a 95 year old victim was carjacked for her red 2015 Chrysler 200 in the area of Woodward and Merton. The offender was approached for the offender approached the victim. While she was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. She was sitting in the passenger seat to where the vehicle was parked, she went whomever she was waiting for whatever she was getting ready to do is unclear. But she sat in the passenger seat to not have the sun directly pointing at her. The offender opened the driver's door of the vehicle got into the driver's side of the vehicle and attempted to drive away with the vehicle. He struck her. He wrestled with her and he took her vehicle. The suspect was identifying, arrested and charged with carjacking, robbery, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and receiving and concealing stolen property. Officers did a masterful job on that and should be commended. He was taken into custody without incident, which also should be commended. Then he will be facing charges. But a 95 year old victim I mean, just just unbelievable. And we'll move to some positives. We had the town hall meeting. First of a few we're going to do we've decided to do town halls every quarter. They will change a bit we learned from this one. It was it was a lot of people, not enough time for questions. So we're going to recalibrate have another one east side and another one west side. And really leave a lot more time for discussion, less presentation more discussion from the community. Another positive on Monday, September 26, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the media relations unit posted a tribute on Facebook. We will continue to do that. To celebrate our diverse cultures. Yesterday, we did the walk them on Wednesday. Chair Ferguson, thank you for attending. Any eighth precinct was well received we pass out a number of gun locks. And we're going to continue to do that one last one before the winter. And then we'll get back out in the spring. With those those are really well received. On Friday, September 30. We will host suicide prevention, training and public safety headquarters in this very room. The training will be from eight to 10. A members will be trained on recognizing warning signs of suicide contemplation and be provided with resources to help an individual experiencing suicidal ideation and thoughts. We also got to make sure that our citizens as well as our officers have all the information they need on that on Friday, September 30, a coffee and cake will be held again here for Sergeant Babcock who's retiring after 53 years of service. Wow. So we've lost about 106 years of service in the last two retirements, both having over 50 years. So good for him and his family. He worked at the second precinct aviation seventh precinct crime scene services. Most notably and I think, I think my whole career has been at crime scene services. So he's, he's an incredible man and very happy that he's gonna take the rest of his life. It's been not doing this. So Alright, with that I'll take any questions.
Awesome, awesome cheap. I want Did you have your little Walker's? Your little walk once calibrated mapping, we were more than more than a mile. My legs started burnin commissioners. Commissioner bank.
Yeah, yes. Do the chair Peace and blessing to your chief. Why did you say this? Lady was what? 9595 and steel drum
and? Well, trying to.
Okay, wow, that will get his hands on. So like I say that that's it.
Okay. Commissioner Presley.
Thank you three chair Chief, I want to say that I attended to town hall and was heartwarming to see the reception of the community to come out. I was a little bit taken a jarred by the lack of a female presence on the panel, I wonder how that impacts our safety plans in the light? About one question that I want to kind of circle back to because there was just such a breadth of representation on that panel. And I know we had some conversations maybe a month or so ago about challenges with individuals who are being led back out into the community on tethering the lake. And I know that none of the questions were able to kind of get targeted to that. But I'm hoping that with that kind of breadth of panel that you're seeing some progress in that area. And so that's my question, are you seeing any progress in those conversations about how each layer has to cooperate with each other to ensure that these actors aren't being led back out in our community without proper supervision?
Well, I will say this through the chair, Commissioner Presley, that kind of HALL MEETING caused a lot of conversations to start happening. So we we have an opportunity now to really do something impactful, we recognize that there are no disposable people are returning citizens need an opportunity. People make mistakes, and people can recover from mistakes. So if we're going to be about the business of making people count, we got to give them opportunity. And so we've got expungement, Fairs and things like that out of forthcoming. We've got job opportunities for them, even in the police department. And so we're just going to be more deliberate in our approach to reach them. And that's why we want to do these town halls and tailor it down a bit. With regards to the diversity of the panel. The the attendees versus the invitees changed a bit. And it just lined up that way. But I am absolutely in touch with the importance of diversity, as evidenced by my command staff, and senior management team, which I'm proud to say is led by women. I mean, I've got I mean, with the exception of a few. I've got a deputy chief in this room right now who's in charge of investigative operations, which is a huge piece of what we do all of our detectives, our homicide, our Sex Crimes Unit, and that's Deputy Chief Carrie Sloane, that's in the room that you elevated. Just last week, my Eastern operations is led by Tiffany Stewart. And my Western Ops is led by Deshawn Sims. So all three are females. I think this may be the first time in the history of the department that those three major components of the police department are female LED. And it's not just female, that it's competent led, and happens to be female.
Yes, yes. Well, just a little point of clarity. Again, through the Chair. I'm not making any accusations on your part, but it was a glaring observation. And again, a kudos to you that you're being intentional, even in your police department to ensure that the best candidates are receiving these opportunities, whether or not they're male or female,
so I mentioned it, but Bernard I'm sorry, Commissioner. I mean, I mentioned a burden looking at you and talk
to the chief, it was good seeing you out in the community at a community event on Saturday. I thought that was I thought that was a good look, having you on you know you out in the community interacting with with residents. I just took some notes here. You mentioned something about what we're pertaining to the 96 year lady which streets with that again.
I will get that to you. It was Merton and Woodward. Thank you in Palma Park.
And, and final question to the chief. When it comes to the neighborhood police officer Do you see
do you see a need right now to increase the neighborhood police officers per precinct I think well I think there's four Do you see a need to grow that or you like to keep that the same? Or
I see an opportunity there? I do. I don't see it happening right away. I gotta get these cars filled up with patrol officers. We're gonna be graduating 30 Next week. We're returning something special details. So we got about 5060 officers that are returning to precincts which is great, but I agree. I'm hoping after we resolve our contracts and become much more competitive economically The and get more officers and keep more good officers that were able to do things just as, as you mentioned, increasing the MPLS because that is a really
effective program. Mr. Bell,
I just want to say cheek white, I like your approach to being aggressive with law enforcement in terms of the issue at hand. But also like the two prong approach you've taken with the community to stand up on strong issues that impact all those you might disagree. But there's a small percentage of people who get the soapbox, and most of the people in Detroit, some 100,000 are quiet on issue. So you bring it to them. I commend you on that continue to do that. And we have to do our part. If we believe in something strongly advancing the issue of crime fighting in the city, Detroit, then we have to get on that soapbox. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you.
AC see hope.
Thank you to the chair, Chief white, I mean, I have only positive comments to make about DPD. And last week, as it's been communicated, the forum was very broad in this communication and topics. One of the presenters do I understand was a former gang leader. One,
it was more than one. And we actually had some returning citizens. There was a gentleman there who had done 29 years. And he's doing amazing things in our community right now. And I think his voice in our next one needs to be heard more, they've heard from me, and I think that he will have a tremendous impact on our young people.
Well, thank you to the chair, the one individual I'm thinking about, he was very vocal. And you can see how maturity has also allowed him to be open and honest about his offense to some of the crimes that were probably committed by him himself, as it relates to today, and how that's impacting our community and have enough not to be saved. One other question? I mean, a question this time. Okay. I appreciate you being over in precinct eight, yesterday, I was at the movies. Last week, we had a citizen, a citizen come to the mic, who made mention not in my community, but she made mention about the MPOs, and how they seem to work a nine to port 30 kind of assignment. And in our precinct, hey, our MPLS are absolutely revered by the community. But they tend to be off duty at 430. So we would like to know, what can we do as a community to encourage MPOs being more accessible, let's say from four to 12. At night,
yeah, this isn't the first through the transition, the first time that's come up, I'll be talking to the ACS, who I think has skated out on me. But we'll, we'll get some answers for you on that. That's an easy fix. For us, we've directed in the past that the at least a small group of MPs rotate in the precinct evening hours, it makes no sense if they're not available to you in the evening, if when you get home from work. So I'll make sure that I double down on that. And we need some rotation where we've got weekends and evening MPLS. So we'll figure it out.
And lastly, one concern, we received the very detail and from my email from one of our citizens, who is the president of an association, and from her description, her blog is being terrorized by one home. Miss White, you were gonna share that?
Yes. Through the Chair. I have shared that with the chief's office, so they are aware of it.
Okay, we're on
it. Oh, thank you. And I'll communicate to this particular person because I'm afraid she'll move
if we don't. We have some people working on it as we speak. Thank you so
much. Permission, no more. No questions. Mr. Lokar.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chief, I just have questions about the carjacking incidents. And it's up 32% I think is what she said. And have you looked at the data or can you tell us about Is it random? Or is it a businesses at gas stations that don't have the green light? Or is it just all over?
We are going to take a detail analysis or detail look, we've already done some analysis. We're gonna do an even deeper dive. This DC that I keep bragging about? It's also an MBA from Wayne State and she has a tendency to take a business Looking at things, and we're gonna look at it in that way and looking at the data, but just from from a cursory look, there is no specific group, we do have an emerging issue with these, these little pop up gangs, young kids who are almost using carjackings as ways to get quick money, you know, they take the card, they if a person leaves their purse, they they take money. And we even have had some groups that are almost kind of using it like an Uber rented just to move throughout town just carjack somebody and move throughout town. So we've got a lot of young people engaged. We are not just sitting still on this issue we've got, you see are undercover units out there. And we have made significant arrests. The problem is we need to do more. And that's what we're going to be doing. We're going to be looking at bringing in a federal partner and taking some of these cases federally, doing some public info type presentations, let folks know, look, you do this, you're gonna go to, we're gonna send us one federally, and you're gonna be you're gonna, you're gonna be live in a prison outside of Detroit, where you won't even be able to get visits from mom and dad. So we're gonna do some other things.
And one other thing, I just want to say congratulations to the deputy chief from Wayne State who was once assigned to the Fourth Precinct, Deputy Chief Sloane, who has been great, a great partner with the community. So congratulations to her as well as the other two as well. Commander, Commander Russell and Lieutenant Captain mCore, but especially to the deputy chief from Wayne State. Yes, ma'am. Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner Holly, up to the Chair. Thank you so much, chief. I like to encourage the the community to meetings, he has a quarterly whether we can do to help you. The other. I like that you're doing that quarterly. The second thing, the walk the walk to the community, you know, in terms of that, I really think those two things are really helps a lot in terms of making the connection between the police officers and the community. My concern not concern but question is hijacking. What's the penalty of hijacking
carjack it can vary a lot of variables and impacted I mean, it could be anywhere from a 15 year felony, depending on the variables can be up to life depending on what all the other things that go into it. So it's no, I mean, generally speaking, it could be anywhere from eight to 15 years could be a life penalty, depending on how the cases prosecuted
did my my final question. To the chair. My concerns has always been the fact that the the elite guns that when people have them, and this will get to yours for Eminem, and we don't do that. And like I can't believe that I will face into that 15 years, or 10 years, eight years, the hijacking is still what hijacked. And I guess my concern is this that is that there's consequences. And, and we is cooking these young people, not just young, but when I see him across the country, this is what they're doing. And when I'm always concerned about what's going on in Philadelphia, or South Los Angeles, is pitched is going to come to Detroit to urban America period. And that's reason why I really feel like we ought to be on not on the defensive. But also the offense in terms of trying to get these things as you tried to do under control with the people around the table, who really has the answers. But this just seemed like it's been activated so that the community can feel safe with carjacking. As with the guns as well.
I agree with you, Commissioner Holly, I think we have to start having real conversations about crime and stop making excuses. You know, you You're right, we've got mandatory minimums that we used to have for carrying an illegal firearm, and it made an impact. You look at what happened in New York years ago, when you get to for carrying a gun, there was a football player who was on his way to a football game, he shot himself in the leg. I think it was practical bursts and who did two years, you know, and 10 has an impact. And so, you know, this is a conversation about keeping people safe. And if you're illegally carrying a weapon, we stop treating guns like you can't help a carry one, right? I mean, we we've had discussions about people who are illegally carrying a weapon without a Cpl. And if it's within the same year that they don't get charged, don't carry the gun. You don't have to carry a gun. And so I think when we get serious and start holding people accountable, you know you will see a change and these types of crimes but In the meantime, you know, the police in the Detroit Police Department will continue to do our job to the best of our ability and do our part. But the back end of the judicial process is completely broken. There is no fear of going to prison. We give out tethers and personal bonds, like they're nothing. And people have committed heinous acts. And oftentimes, it has a trickle down effect. Persons on a tether or personal bond. Now the person who's making the complaint is victimized, again, by the fact that they're not even locked up, it makes our citizens reluctant to even participate in prosecution, and then it'd be creates an never ending loop or never ending cycle of victim crime, victim crime. If we want to get serious, we got to hold people accountable black folks up. And again, the back end services are important. I say it all the time, the answer isn't to lock everybody up and arrest your way out of crime. The answer is to add all the pieces, you know, it's not an either or it's and and it's and the services and education is an poverty is an end. But when you commit a crime, it has to be penalized, or people are gonna continue to do it.
Mission a but nah.
Thank you. I have a couple of comments. And thank you, chief for your, for your commentary. The first is, you mentioned that your suicide training was at I think eight in the morning to 10, don't you think is a little early for people would be better, like from 12 to two?
Well, let's, let's see how we're just asking. I mean, we we just wanted to provide the training, and we'll do an assessment after.
Secondly, you mentioned your jobs for ex offenders. What are those jobs,
we've got some towing, we're looking at bringing some other areas in of the department that don't have to have high level clearances and see just clearances for data and things such as that. So we're looking at ways to fold citizens into the police department in a non enforcement capacity, where they can be functional. And in, you know, use whatever expertise that they have. Is
there anything other than towing, most girls aren't really towards? That's why I was asking. I
beg to differ on one of our best tours as a female. Okay,
well, great. I didn't know they could.
She does an amazing job.
I stand corrected. But other than towing, is there something else? Yeah,
it depends on the level of offense. I mean, I'm not suggesting that every member of our of our civilian staff is never had an issue with law enforcement. But those who have done time. And I don't want to I want to be careful not to characterize the tow yard is all returning citizens. That is not the case. However, it is open to returning citizens. And we've got some other areas of the department I believe our vehicle operators are also and those are people who move cars that are being repaired throughout the city and drop them off at precincts and things like that. That's open to returning citizens as well.
The other thing is I was very impressed at your town hall meeting by the fact that you had made it a piece that you had acknowledged that the 22nd was the Peace Day with with revenue avala Avella, sorry. And I wanted to thank commander hope for the white ribbons that she gave everyone when they came in, I still have mine. I wear it on my blazer. My question, though, to you, or other comment relates to a couple of things. Number one, Plaxico Burgess was an NFL player. He was not a retired player. He did shoot herself in the thigh and on a jogging suit, his pistol fell, the pants were loose, they fell down, they shot him in his thigh. He was, I believe in most of the media news as well that he was actually targeted, he had a seat have a concealed weapon permit. It had expired by a couple of days. And they elected to make an example out of him as an African American athlete, professional athlete regarding that case, and you may recall that But secondly, the I wanted to the town hall, the comments and everything that I heard regarding the town hall were very positive, with the exception of the young people that I've talked to that old people talk to them all, they wanted to communicate with you and they've asked me to set up a meeting. And hopefully we'll be able to do that, where they can come in and talk to you about how they see the streets, how they see what's happening, and how they can stop crime. 123 said, you know, if I walk into a gas station, something's gonna I can get them to stop. But and they also commented about the fact that in the old days, police used to talk to them, they don't talk to young people anymore. I just You got to hear from them. They they have a different way of expressing it. But it was it was very insightful to me. And I would I would like to do that if I can help host whatever you want to do. We better if you hosted this this this conversation with a young African American, male and female youth. Finally, the That was the only criticism I heard that there was too much too much people pay tribute just talk and you didn't have a chance to get to hear from them about what their concerns are. And that the ShotSpotter presentation, which lasted about 70 minutes was was long and took up most of the time. And you know, they were they liked that, but they just thought it was way too long. Finally, the regarding the neighborhood police officers, the same criticism, I heard from the people that I was with the beach and a whole bunch of other people on Sunday, that the and this is true, at least in my neighborhood Chief, I don't know if you're aware of this. But the neighborhood police officers deal principally with black clubs. And that means mostly senior citizens, they do not deal with the community would use the new young people in businesses, that kind of stuff, that does not happen. They don't even approach it. They only deal with the people who you know, who can put you know, who can say atta girl, attaboy, not anybody else. So I just wanted you to be to be aware of that. And again, I you and I have a disagreement about the issue regarding tether, and bonds. Bond is for people who are not a flight risk, as we know, and who are not likely to reoffend and that is in a different Lane than our lane as law enforcement. There are three different lanes, there's we arrest, we enforce the law, judges, look at the proofs, look at the whole case and make decisions based on facts that are that the police department does not have, including the Constitution. And then the third part is the adjudication process. I just want to remind our, our our residents about this, it is not a one way street, it is a three way street. So we have to keep that in mind when you are criticizing to others in bonds, and as my vice chair pointed out a week ago, is $60,000 a year to keep a person in jail. Okay, just a year. So this is a lot of fact, there's a lot of moving parts in this. All right, we don't criticize my profession, by the judges
got through the Chair, just three way street. I mean, I agree with most of what you said, due process, I totally disagree with the tether issue and the bond issue for violent offenders. I just want to go on record with that I get the process. Policing is reactive business, something bad happens, police come in large part, we try to be proactive, but you can't measure crime that didn't happen. When we get there and somebody has has violated the law and hurt someone and we get them off the street, it's imperative that you're part of the process helps us out. So that offender doesn't come out of reoffend murder in his attempt is a very, very serious act to society. And when you've got people who tried to kill somebody out on bond and tether, that's unacceptable, because they're not going to just turn the corner and say, You know what I'm not going to try anymore. And it makes our citizens live in fear. Because it takes a lot to call the police and participate in a prosecutorial process only to have the person you're working against to get them off the street back on the street. The last thing I wanted to add, but I respect your opinion, and I hope you
respect and I respect yours, but you know, that has all of the circumstances are relevant, unfortunately, to African Americans,
and the last thing I just wanted to add just quickly and on and on a very positive note, second deputy chief hope another female does a really good job with our community. And my other two deputy chiefs, Deputy Chief Sims and deputy chief steward are also MBA grads from Wayne State University. So we have three MBA grads, running the top level of our department, who are very competent, very professional and just happen to be female. So thank you very much. Thank you,
Chief. Thank you so much. Thank you again,
through the Chair. Mr. Chairman. Yes, I have to leave. I just wanted to address a certain issue because I'm not gonna be able to address it later. I have a number 14. I would just encourage commissioners before they vote to look at an email from August 8. That's the only thing I would like to say. Thank you. Now what? In regards to item number 14.
You get the absolute Thank you. Gotcha. We got Mr. Brown oral communications.
Yes. Good afternoon. Mr. Chair is on the board. There are currently nine speakers. Your first speaker would be Miss Victoria. So followed by Minister Eric glandt followed by Miss Bernie Smith.
