Good. Good evening. Everyone. Today is Thursday, November the 14th, 2024. Is 6:30pm, the board of police commission is called to order. We have Deputy Chief chaplain, DeSantis Irvin on Zoom, you may open us up in prayer.
Thank you, sir, Heavenly Father, we
thank you for this day, and this time, we ask that you touch this board of police commissioners, that you touch the city of Detroit and the officers that serve our community. We ask that you allow this meeting to go forth according to your plan and your agenda, allow them to accomplish what they have come forth to do, and we speak blessings upon all the participants in this meeting, and just ask that you will have your way in Jesus. Name, Amen.
Amen. At this time, we don't have a quorum in but we expect a quorum very, very shortly. As soon as we do that, we get to the business, but until then, we're going to ask the secretary to give her a report.
Chairman woods, the report this evening is the, excuse me, Office of Chief Investigator, weekly inventory report for the period November 2 through November 8. The announcements this evening are as follows, our next board meeting is Thursday, November 21 2024, 3pm at Detroit Public Safety quarters. The next community meeting will be held Thursday, December 12, 6:30pm at Wayne County Community College District Curtis l ivory campus, which is located at 1001 West Fort Street. The next committee meetings of the board are as follows, citizen complaints. Tuesday, November 19, 3:30pm and budget committee on Tuesday, November 19 at 4:30pm the report and announcement, sir,
thank you very kindly. Um, we're going to until we get a quorum, we're going to go to Oral Communications.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, we have seven speakers. The first three speakers will be Mr. Ru Miss Glenda McAdam and mr. Gregory moss. Please state your name for the record when you speak.
Are they here? Yep.
How you doing? Ma'am, you may be heard. Make sure we keeping time properly. Who's keeping the time still? Madam Secretary, are we keeping the time?
Yes, sir. Okay,
alright. You may be heard Glenda
mcganney from Russell Woods Neighborhood, and this is a follow up information. A few weeks ago, I gave information regarding someone in my neighborhood who suffered from mental illness, and I'm really pleased this past Friday, I want to let officer George as well as command Commissioner woods, know that came home around two o'clock and the individual was out of sorts, and I called the not call 911, and within a Couple hours, thank God, two officers came out, they talked to him, and saw he was out of sorts, and then two other cars came. So it was a total of three cars, and he was taken to the hospital. I'm so thankful for that, and as far as I know, he's being evaluated since this past Friday. So I thank you for your prayers. And I just want you to let you know please continue to pray for our neighborhood. Also. Last thing some of you may know about Councilman he James Tate, he has to protect your crown survey. So I ask everybody that can go on internet and Google correct your crown, and they knew need to do that mental survey. It's about 5000 individuals who need to respond to that. Thank you absolutely.
Thank you very kindly. Excellent movement that Councilman Tate has in terms of protect your crown. Mental health is very, very serious in our community. I did the survey myself, and I do encourage everyone to connect with Councilman Tate's office, to participate in that and I'm so happy that you got the response for your community. Thank you for advocating for the gentleman next speaker.
Good evening. Everyone.
Good evening.
I'm Gregory Moss, proud resident of Detroit, just moved back last year. Did 13 years for college, and he Well, not all 13 college, but went to Houston study political science, minor in pre law. The whole purpose of me up here because the other day I was harassed by some police officers reached in my vehicle, told us to get out, very rude. Never asked for ID, never asked for anything besides attitude, actually, in front of my home as well brand new car, everything's in order threaten to tow us. I just want to get an investigation these police officers. I have the time to happen. What they look like, the partners, two different ethnicities, the type of car they drive. Obviously, you know, each color police car is something different. Um, the reason why I went to Texas to study political science was because of what was going on in the city, and I graduated from Cass tech, and I get back to the city, and it's the same thing going on with the officers. I'm very disrespectful, no communication, bullying, harassing, and they chose the right one. I have family members who was on the board. I have a lot of people that you know are behind me with this, and I'm going to continue to push this issue, because their job is to serve and protect, non bullying, harass, absolutely.
If we can have our staff member to stand up and you see our staff memory, you can
do a complaint with her right there, she'll take your complaint
sweet, and it's not a complaint. I think the word complaint is different from making like, complaint is, I'm like, trying to advocate something that's annoying. This is not a complaint. This is actually bringing light to an issue. This is a issue. Well,
we only take citizen complaints, you know, for the for the board of police commission. We take citizen complaints, and our investigators investigate them, and you will get a finding from my investigators for sure, if you want to, yeah, but he, she works for Warfield. She's one of our staff members, and she would take your complaint, and anything else that we could do to be able to help. Beyond that, we're here to help you as well. Appreciate it. Alright? Brother, yep.
Next speaker,
if you could take him in the hall. Good evening. Take care. One.
First up. James E Tate, Junior district one Detroit City Councilman is a whole fraud. Now I spoke to that man 45 minutes on the phone, and now I want to take get to that in a minute. I want to give big shout out. Big shout out to former Chief of Police, James E Craig, because had he not called in the Michigan State Police, I would have never knew who owned the bank account that canisha money went to from the unemployment insurance fraud that was committed against her. And then I also want to give Congratulations to Mr. Todd Batterson, the new chief of the Detroit Police Department. Now back to James E Tate Junior. I talked to him for 45 minutes on the phone. I explained to him how a small frame, individual woman could not take a gun and shoot herself in the left side, in an abdomen. Do it through gunshot wound. No no bullet fragment recovered at the scene, no crime scene analysis done. And I don't know how seasoned Homicide investigators and detectives no gun still blinks on the entry room, as a matter of fact. And she didn't die from the gunshot wound. She died from blood loss, massive blood loss. She lost 10 L's of blood. They left her to bleed out. Now, her five year old daughter asked for smell. Y'all been sitting up here. Darrell woods, you done got in the way, man, you got to go turn in your resignation now resign from this board, because you went in after the board subpoenaed to request the report Michigan State review of the investigation. You went in and said, Don't do the subpoena process. Instead, send a letter over to the Michigan State Police, and they returned a redactive report.
Okay, this time. Thank you. Next speaker.
Our next three speakers will be Yeah.
Okay, through the Chair. Mr. Rubin Crowley, I've spoken with you several times, and I don't know where you're getting your information from, but I did explain to you that I am handling condition Coleman's case right now. So if you would just be patient and just let I understand, but just be patient and I am handling it now. It is in my court. Thank you, sir.
Next speaker.
Our next Thank you, Mr. Chair. Our next three speakers will be Mr. Gigante Smith, Ms Williams and MS Padilla Butler, good
afternoon. I want to give a major shout out to the new chief, Todd Edison. I think they hate to say like this, but I think I hate to say like this, but I think this is the best decision the mayor has ever made in his tenure. Happy to see him go. So I appreciate the meeting we just had with most keeping boots on the ground. I was very, very informative, and that was very productive. But I do want to direct my attention to Sherman Lee butler and the fact that we need some accountability and transparency on that matter. The city of can't think of cities, but there's a John zoo zon John zuke Junior the city of Wayne Kenworthy in the city of Wayne just decided not to release the body cam footage in that shooting, which is another mentally, mentally ill individual called the police and was killed by you know, this is technically not police shooting, but police are present. We like to see that video. I feel like this is a this is a stand that the city can make. This is a stand that we can make, um, for a positive accord. You know, under under the last administration, I'm not going to talk bad on him, but under the last administration, we were not able to get this video. Be nice to get this video. Also want to turn my attention to Sergeant dowdy and homicide. I'm going to talk about Sergeant dowdy. Every single time I come here, I there's a there's a complaint against Sergeant dowdy. I want to talk about Sergeant dowdy. He's a homicide sergeant, and he is very rude to victims of homicides, family members. And I feel like in a tragedy, when somebody loses their life, that's that's the time that you want to be as, you know, as careful with the person, and you know as steadfast the person as you can be. And we have people who are not taking care with with victims or homicides families. I think that's a very important thing we should talk about. And also, just want to give another shout out to you know, Chief basin.
Thank you very kindly. We'll take this last one, and then we will have a quorum. Go ahead.
Hello, everyone. My name is sharnita Williams, and I'm here to speak about the homeless people. I've been speaking about this by some time. It's 26 shelters in the city of Detroit, and they receive over 75 million every year. The homeless shelter is for the homeless people, not for the people who have the means to pay rent. Officers are taking advantage of this, and it cannot go on. It's unfortunate that they do not comply to the laws and they carry badges. It's like they so arrogant. They like they are above the law, and they do not have to comply because they have a badge. It's not acceptable, period. And this is going on. It's 26 shelters, like I stated before, and it's 26 directors. Everybody is involved. This could not be going on like when I went to the second precinct today. It's six no 11 scooters. This is how they get transferred. I mean, get back and forth. They have to use their credit cards. They get a get in list. They order Amazon. That's why they have the garbage sanitation department come and dump that trash every day at these facilities. It's not acceptable, period, and it's they not just living in there. Chauncey is an officer. His father, grandfather was an officer. He's working at the facility where I'm at, and apparently he must don't know stalking is illegal. He used his personal device to record me live. That's illegal, stalking and endangering my life constantly. It's an issue. It's the issue with police officers paying the citizens to stalk me through the city and continue to endanger my life. And how they doing that, swiping and paying from the Dollar Stores. All this is illegal, federal stuff. Something needs to be done. It's not acceptable. All
right, thank you. We now have a quorum. Please call the roll.
Attorney Linda Bernard, District Two, welcome everyone.
Present. Commissioner banks.
Present district three,
Commissioner Bell excuse, Commissioner Burton, Commissioner Carter excused, Commissioner Moore,
President district seven.
Commissioner Hernandez is excused. Commissioner Presley Here. Commissioner de Walsh present.
First, I want to entertain a motion we have a quorum. I want to entertain a motion for the approval of the agenda, but with amendment to add, I believe four certificates and four resolutions. Mr. Chair, five resolutions or five certificates? Yes,
sir. Can I read them? Yeah, absolutely. Through the Chair. Those resolutions are for the school at Mary Grove, principal Lisa Williams, Mumford High School, Mister Damon pick Renaissance High School, and Miranda straw, so I like to make a motion to amend the agenda with those additions, Mister Chairman,
motion made by Commissioner Moore second, second by Commissioner Bernard. Any discussion, all in favor? Say, aye. Aye. Anyone opposed, the motion is carried. Entertain a motion for the approval of the minutes for November the seventh, 2024,
so moved support move
by Commissioner Bernard and supported by Commissioner the wash. All in favor. Say, aye, Mister
Chair, I would like to amend them. Amend the motion
for the minutes,
for the approval of today's agenda.
That's that's been voted out already. It's for the minutes. Oh, this one,
yep, I'm sorry, yeah.
And any All in favor. Say, I will hold on any discussion. All in favor. Say, aye, anyone opposed, the motion is carried. The minutes are 10 to entertain a motion for the approval of the minutes of the public session, or that was public session. I entertain a motion for the closed session for November the seventh, 2024 moved by Commissioner Smith and second by Commissioner Bernard. Any discussion. All in favor, say, Aye. Aye. Anyone opposed the motion is carried. Let's go to the introduction of the bopc staff, Chief of Police and all elected officials,
Mr. Chair. Currently we have chief investigator, Jerome Whitfield, Warfield, Attorney Dante Goss, Mr. Robert Brown, Miss Theresa blossom, Miss Johnny Underwood, Miss Candace Hayes, Miss army, see Joshua. Miss Mary Barber, Miss Jasmine tiller, Miss Felicia Tyson and Mr. Drew fries, supervising investigator la Sonia Sloan of OCI, our ASL interpreter on zoom this evening is Dr Stephanie Beatty, court reporter, Don Handyside, Charles Henry for Media Services and Chief of Police, Todd Bettison, elected officials, Marie overall From State Representative Tyrone Carter's office, Miss free, dear Butler with second precinct Community Relations and former Commissioner William Davis, is on Zoom. I'm sorry,
yes, alright, alright,
alright. Thank you very kindly. So this evening, we're in the second precinct. The Rec leader here at Adam bussel is Mr. Andre Harris is Mr. Harris in the room. He's not in the room, but we want to thank him and appreciate him for opening up the doors and for his great hospitality and for the Adam bussel staff. The President of the second precinct Community Relations Council is Miss Frida Butler. Miss Butler, can you please provide a brief welcome to at this time?
And she's an angel.
She ain't she looking good in that green? Come on.
Good afternoon,
good afternoon.
And welcome commissioners to the second, the seventh district. It's not on. You're
turning it up. You
can go right ahead.
Yep, are you go ahead.
I am welcoming you commissioners to the seventh district, and I am to introduce our Commander at the second precinct. Within any successful business group or organization that carries out its duties and responsibilities, there must be an effective leader. There are certain qualities and skills that a great leader processes, vision, commitment, compassion, dedication, and is a great listener. A great leader is one who will not only give an assignment, but when necessary, becomes a part of the team to get the job done. Commissioners, our commander O'Rourke, came to the second precinct as Captain Anthony O'Rourke in September 2023, and what's promoted to Commander in November 2023 so you see, he's new commissioners in life. Things happen and setbacks, as President Biden said that they are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgettable. And I believe our commander, Anthony O'Rourke, is going to work and become one of the best commanders to ever serve at the second precinct. Commissioners and Members, let's welcome commander Anthony O'Rourke to this meeting for this district seven.
I don't know if he speaks on the agenda. Do we speak now or I don't? Yeah, have a seat.
Okay, yes,
within the second precinct, there's overlap, a district of 126, and seven. Wow. This is a big district. He's get on all of them, like I know you will. She's actually is an angel. But so so the commissioners Smith representing District One, Commissioner Bernard representing District Two, Commissioner Carter representing District Six, and Commissioner Moore representing district seven. And so we're going to let them give a welcome as well. Commissioner Smith,
you want me to do more certificates
now you could do you can wait and give your greetings when you do that, that's good. We'll save some time by switching to Geico. So Commissioner Bernard
just want to say to everyone, welcome. I'm glad it's not a cold evening like what we usually have in November, and it's a pleasant evening, and so we all got here safe and sound. I particularly like to acknowledge all of the sworn officers in the room, and especially our new Chief, Todd Bettison. He is not just a friend to the community. He is an advocate for the community, and as you all know, as deputy mayor, he dispensed millions of dollars into the community that have buttressed the city of Detroit. The Commission is is actively trying to address all of the issues that the community may have, with respect to law enforcement and chief medicine has been our partner, and in that regard, so I urge you to contact me or any of us if you have any issues and so forth. I try to address them. I both it both, theoretically, if you will, through the Commission, as well as an attorney. So thank you for having us this evening. Thank you for this, this. I mean, the this place keeps improving. We keep you've invested even more resources in this building since the last time I was here, and it's really great see all the young people outside and going back and forth between the gymnasiums and so forth. And most importantly, it's important that it's safe. And I want to thank all of you gentlemen standing to the right and sitting in front of me for that. Thank you very much. God bless you all, and that's all I have to say. Thank you.
Thank you. Commissioner Bernard, thank you and Commissioner Moore, do we have any words from you today?
Yes, Madam Vice Chair, on behalf of the residents of district seven as a whole, which includes the second, sixth and 10th precincts, we appreciate you. As always, we have the best turnouts here. You know, I'm not making that up. Second precinct always represents so I just want to say thank you for coming out, and your input is, is always encouraged. Thank you.
Y'all did run out of candy for trunk or treat. Y'all had a phenomenal trunk or treat, and great, great community service, but you serve 1000s of people, and it was amazing. Thank you guys for being a blessing to the community like that as well. I want to give our condolences to one of our staff member, her mother passed away, Angela Cox, and say that we send our sincere condolence to her, and we, as a commission, is praying for her. We ask the community to pray for our staff member, Angela Cox, and we sending her a lot of love and prayers in her direction. Let's go to the certificate appreciation first, and then we go to the resolutions. The certificate should be. They going to be done in one swoop. Right.
The swoop is, I can swoop it, swoop it. Thank you, sir. Yep. You
Thank you.
I'm Commissioner Tamara Liberty Smith and I joined the second precinct for the trunk or treat, and we had a phenomenal time, almost like a whole block party inside of the inside of here. We had a great, great time. But I want to give you some certificates today to show you my appreciation for all that you do for the community. So is Jennifer Tyler, neighborhood police officer present today. Okay, moving along. And I have was my police mom, Collette Burke's weathers. Is
she present today? Oh, yeah,
this my mama and she know I love her and I appreciate everything.
I also have neighborhood police officer Todd is
Sergeant Edward Jackson. Now we really had a good time. I
You absolutely welcome
neighborhood police officer Lorenzo Hampton, that's my dance off battle.
So much
neighborhood police officer Errol Franklin, now
that's that's my favorite. MPO and all the department.
Franklin is not present, but I'm sure his colleagues will get it back to him. Yeah. Commander Anthony, oh
the demolition department for the city of Detroit, and I'm sure with the atom bustle and first weathers will get that to them. And for the Adam bustle complex, also, you
will get that to them.
Andre Harris, the supervisor I'm thinking, isn't present today, but they also will get that to him, and Captain Robert Mitchell, who is also enjoying his 32nd wedding anniversary. And anyone who can stay married for 32 years.
But this right here is a dedicated community member who has a relationship with the second precinct who was fatally wounded on his motorcycle while traveling on 75 a few days ago. Wow, he's known in the community. He's loved by many, his dedication, hard work and loving spirit. I would like to recognize him today and his family, his wife, who was present. This is to Mr. Anthony, who was affectionately known as hard life Dorsey, to the soul devils Motorcycle Club. Are you present? Can you please stand You?
Absolutely, absolutely,
not you alright, alright, alright. Thank you very much. Commissioner Bernard, are they taking a picture? Okay with Hello, yeah, that's our district. Yep. I absolutely do, which, yes, ma'am,
I'm sorry. I was just aware that Miss Cornell and Miss Pannell, can you I'm sorry Miss kanell and Miss Camille, thank you for your service, for passing candy out during the trunk or treat. We had a great time. Thank you so much. I'm sorry I wasn't aware that you were here, But My apologies. Thank you so much. Ma'am. You
Commissioner Bernard, if you need any help reading the resolution, let us know you got it cooperating. Okay, yeah, right.
We're good people.
My resolutions. First of all, let me see if any of the persons we will approve the resolutions through a through a vote of the board. Okay, let's see if the individuals are here. Is there anyone here from Renaissance High School? Come on up and you're going to be first. I
i, ladies and gentlemen, chose to honor those people who made all of us who we are here today, and that is teachers and educational institutions that are in district two. So I actually have a resolution for several schools, but I mentioned them. If they're not here, we're only going to pay attention to those that that matter, that they can't. So therefore, this is a resolution. First of all, I'm going to and the real resolution you're going to get is going to come in a big frame and everything like that. And it's a board resolution. And this is the resolution honoring Renaissance High School from which I hope we get lots of recruits. Um, Renaissance High School is one of Detroit's premier high schools. It's actually number one in the city. Renaissance high is accredited by
the get a point of order. Uh, connects. Actually want to be silent as she speak. Thank you.
Thank you, Mister Chairman,
can you read that first part again? Thank you so very much.
Oh, we've got an alumnus. Why don't you come up here with me? Renaissance High School is one of Detroit's premier high schools, and I said it's actually number one. It used to be cast now it's Renaissance. Thanks to you. Renaissance high school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum within a collegiate like setting with a population of slightly over 1200 students a cross section of socio economic backgrounds are represented, and it is comprised of 66% of females, yes, and 34% males. We have to do better. Guys. Renaissance High School is one of the five examination high schools and the Detroit Public Schools community district eighth grade, students from within and outside of the district, private charter and parochial schools are eligible to apply. Selection is based on a completed application, which includes recommendations a student written essay and passing the high school placement test. Students are expected to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to remain at Renaissance High School. And whereas academically, Renaissance high school high school students perform above the state and national averages, their average sa t Composite Score is 1012 which exceeds the state and national averages. The Advanced Placement report to the nation cited Renaissance high as having the most African American students in the world to successfully pass the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition exam. Yay. 18. The 18, Renaissance was recognized as a State and National Blue Ribbon School of excellence, and in the last several years, US News and World Report has awarded Renaissance their silver medal in the annual list of America's best high schools, and whereas Renaissance High School excels not only academically, but also athletically, boasting an award winning program, the school's athletic achievements are numerous and impressive. To mention a few. The girls track team and field team has secured the I'm sorry, 10 state championships, while the boys basketball team clinch state championships in 2003 and 2006 along with the division title in 2014 and whereas Renaissance High School has a Renowned and World Travel vocal and instrumental music department students have performed in London, Spain, Africa, Toronto and Carnegie Hall in New York. We also offer a nationally recognized dance program that emphasizes training in various modern and ballet techniques. The visual arts department has received numerous recognitions, recognitions on the local and state level, including being featured at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Additionally, the studio arts program provides students with the opportunity to expand their talents in drawing, painting, photography and graphics. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Detroit board of police commissioners, speaking on behalf of the citizens of the great city of Detroit, recognizes and honors life long, the lifelong contributions and commitment to excellence in public service. By Renaissance High School, their display of excellence and unwavering community spirit has improved the quality of life for the citizens of Detroit. We wish you, Madam principal, who we're going to address in one minute, the best in your future endeavors.
What is, what is, Senator, what is the pleasure of the board?
I move that we adopt this resolution to our archives board, a
motion made by Commissioner Presley, second by Commissioner more to approve the resolution to go into our archives. Any discussion? Anyone All in favor? Say, aye. Anyone opposed, the motion is carried. Come on, let's give them a round of applause.
If everyone in this room knows in order to have great results, you have to have a great leader. So the young lady standing to my left is vernda stronger. Did I say? It's pronounced, strawder? Okay, strawder and her resolution reads as follows, whereas the principal of Renaissance High School, verinda strawder has been an educator since 1997 seven. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Michigan and actuarial science and secondary mathematics education, respectively. She also has a specialist degree from Eastern Michigan University in education administration, and whereas her professional career began as a mathematics teacher, my worst subject. She taught mathematics for 15 years at Macomb County Community College and in the Detroit Public Schools. Mrs. Strouder took her first first administrative job at Cass tech as an assistant principal, followed by her being an assistant principal at seaborne High School in Birmingham. Finally, she landed her dream job as principal of Renaissance High School in 2018 and whereas Miss trouters husband Lawrence is also a high school principal at Hamtramck High School, together, they have three young adult sons, miles dialing, Dylan. Pardon me, Dylan and Lincoln. Miles is a graduate of Renaissance high and currently a junior at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Dylan and Lincoln are students at Renaissance high, alright, so like, Okay. Dylan and Lincoln are students at Renaissance High School, currently, in her spare time, Mrs. Strauder enjoys spending time with her family and friends, entertaining traveling and watching sports, especially college football, so do I. Whereas verenda is involved in her community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, where she has dedicated more than 30 years of active membership, serving on various committees and leadership roles. She is also a member of Jack and Jill's, the Jack and Jill Club of America, Detroit chapter, where she has been involved since 2012 with the local chapter, most recently as a two term president, and has served on several regional committees, and whereas Mrs. Strauter has dedicated her life to serving children in the metro Detroit area, she serves as a mentor to many as she is dedicated to the success, matriculation and aptitude of all with whom she encounters. Veranda is committed to all students and their academic and social and emotional success. She is a one. She is 100% committed to the growth and maturity of students becoming the best young adults they can be. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of police commissioners, speaking on behalf of the citizens of the great city of Detroit, recognizes and honors the lifelong contributions and commitment to excellence in public service of veranda strouder, her display of courage and unwavering community spirit has improved the quality of life for the citizens of Detroit. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
What is the pleasure of the
board? Mister Chair, I
move that we adopt this resolution into our archives. So motion
made by Commissioner Presley to adopt this resolution into our archives. Second, by Commissioner the wash, all in favor. Say, aye, aye. Any discussion. Or should I say? Any discussion? I should have said that first,
anyone opposed the motion is carried. Congratulations.
I think, I think we should stand up for this.
May our chair,
Governor. A lot.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you. Congratulations on all of your success. Thank you. You're going to get these in big frames with a lot of decoration, but these are just the credit ones. This is Charlotte. Thank you.
Thank you for your dedicated service. Next.
Go ahead, Commissioner. Banks through the Chair. Thank
you. I just want to say Dr Presley, that's you, Morehouse. I heard Morehouse. I heard that magic name. That's you, Doctor Presley.
Yeah, yep.
Is anyone here representing Mumford High School? Good old Mumford. Come on. I guess they didn't make it. We'll make it at the next meeting. Mr. Chairman, I okay the resolution. And then finally, we have for today. We have resolutions as well. Ladies and gentlemen, if you want to come the next third next Thursday's meeting, we've given you one to the University of Detroit High School for Boys, which is one of the most phenomenal academies in the country. So I urge you to come and listen and and brother, I forgot his last name. Now he's a he's appearing personally with the principal and everyone else. So the final resolution, we don't, can't do Mumford today, is Mary grove. Anybody from Marygrove?
There they go. Beautiful school too.
Okay, Mary Grove School. You guys know where the Mary Grove is? It's right over there on Sixth mount. It's actually the most beautiful campus in the city, because it's so stately, and everything is real Marvel and real, you know, mahogany, and it's just great. But anyway, okay, this is a resolution honoring the it's called the school at Marygrove, whereas the school in Mary Grove develops critical thinkers and community minded citizens who have the skills and knowledge to be makers, but I'm sorry to be yet to be, yeah, makers and leaders in the 21st century. The social justice and engineering focus enables students to identify and solve complex problems, actively participating in the creation of a more just and equitable future. Every graduate will be prepared to pursue their passions and succeed in any personal and professional endeavors. And whereas the school at Mary Grove will eventually serve grades K through 12, and has been adding grades each year since it opened in 2019 the school at Mary Grove is one school housed in two buildings on the beautiful Mary Grove campus, and whereas the school at Mary Grove is part of the Mary Grove learning community, A Detroit P 20 partnership that includes dpsc, dpsd, starfish Family Services, Kresge Foundation, Mary Grove Conservancy, and the University of Michigan School of Education. And whereas what makes Mary Grove unique is the K 12 focus on engineering principles and practice, social justice oriented curriculum, extensive and extended support from college admissions through college graduation, element elementary and high school and FIRST Robotics. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Detroit board of police commissioners speaking on behalf of the citizens of the great city of Detroit, recognizes and honors the lifelong contributions and commitment to excellence in public service of the School of Marygrove, their display of courage and unwavering community support has improved the quality of life for the citizens of Detroit. We wish you the best in your future endeavors. We thank and congratulate you the school of Mary Grove, what
is the pleasure of the board?
I move through the chair. Move that we adopt this resolution in our archives, motion
made by Commissioner Presley. Second, second, by Commissioner more. Any discussion. All in favor. Say, aye. Anyone opposed, the motion is carried
Mary grove.
This again, leadership is the key to success. This is a resolution for the principal, Lisa Williams, and woman standing to my right, whereas Lisa Williams the principal of the school of Mary gold, a P 20 partners, Partnership Program helps. It's a unique public education institution in Detroit, and it has a distinguished and multifaceted career. Careers. Oh, she has a distinct and multifaceted career in education spanning over 26 years. Her journey began with a deep passion for teaching, motivating and leading, and has continued to evolve as she gains invaluable experience in various educational activities and titles. Her career began as an English language arts teacher at Martin Luther King Junior High School in Detroit Public Schools, where she honed her teaching skills before moving to the Oak Park School District. There she had several key roles, including ELA, teacher, department, clear the department, chair, pardon me, and Dean of Students. These positions allowed her to develop a strong foundation in leadership, which she later carried into her roles as assistant as assistant principal and principal in both the Ferndale public schools and Van Dyke public schools districts. Whereas, in addition to her work in schools, principal Williams also served as a school improvement consultant with Wayne resa for one year, further expanding her impact on the educational landscape. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of diverse students and families, and her focus on building strong relationships with students, staff, parents and community stakeholders has been a key driver to her success. She is deeply committed to fostering high achievement, maintaining a safe school environment and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students, and whereas principal Williams is a proud two time alumni of Western Michigan University, yeah, where she earned both her bachelor's degree in secondary education, English and a Master's in Education Leadership. Her commitment to excellence was recognized in 2013 when she received the College of Education and Human Development Golden Apple Award. In 2023 she was appointed to the Board of Trustees for Western Michigan University by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. That's pretty important. That's important. She can get your kids to the school. She imma read your former region of Eastern Michigan University. I just want you to understand the essence of this. And as a region Emeritus, I can contact the President, and I can get people admitted that that's just part of what she Amen. So I want everybody to be aware of that. Okay, whereas outside of her professional achievements, principal Williams is a dedicated mother to two sons, Deonte Roberts and Jordan Williams, she enjoys spending quality time with them, cherishing, cherishing the balance between her career and family life. Her vision as an educator remains clear to creating a learning environment that fosters a continuous improvement and provides equitable educational opportunities for every student.
Mister pleasure, the board
move adoption support
motion made by commissioners the wash to adopt this resolution for the archives and support it by Commissioner Moore. Any discussion, all in favor, say, Aye. Aye. Anyone opposed, the motion is carried. Come on. Let's stand up and give her all
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for allowing us to honor those who all of us, all of our success to, and that is teachers,
absolutely thank you and principals, thank you, both of you principals. We thank you very much. We'll make sure that doctor Viti will get a copy of this and the president of school board share with the board of education. We deeply thank you, and we understand that the more you can educate our children and empower our children. Give them the tools they don't have to go see this guy, you know, so they see him anyway, in a positive way too. Though. Commissioner Moore, you have something. Okay, alright. Thank you very kindly. Again, one more round of applause. I want to recognize former city council member Roy mcallisters here as well. Thank you for being here. You always present. Thank you so much. God bless let's go to the chief police report.
Good evening to the board through the chair. It's definitely my pleasure to be here, yes, and so as I start with my remarks, I just really want to thank the board, you know, for all the support that I've received from you, not just in this role, but even as deputy mayor. And over the years, I'm going to thank you on behalf of the men and women of the Detroit Police Department, and especially department, and especially our our supervisory staff, and just even the officers as well, because with the power of the board and the oversight of the board and your mission, you know, I really understand that and respect that, and so I just want To let you know for me, I get that the board approves all promotions. The board approves the budget. Thank you. Yes, the board approves. It has a has a say in the discipline, you know, and so, you know, I just thank you for your role, and then to the community. You know, I'm giving the board the flowers because the board meets every week. Now, I know a lot about boards, right? And I don't know of a board I haven't found another board that meets every week and that is consistent and always here in this really accountable to the public. And so I'm just giving you all your flowers, because I, you know, in my role as deputy mayor, I didn't seen a lot of boards and a lot of stuff like that. And one of the things that a lot of folks don't know is this board does not get paid either. And then you got a staff that you manage, and you got a lot of reports that you read from the Detroit Police Department, and you take in the citizen complaints, etc. So I just say thank you to the board, and under my administration as chief, you know I believe in transparency, of course, is well known of how much I believe in the community, and whether you call yourself an activist or an influencer or just a community member who's involved and care about your block club, your streets, and who's sitting in the audience. And you know, it's a lot of folks who sit here and who repeatedly come like Miss Pannell. I met Miss Pannell at a board meeting, if at 1300 Bobby, wow, wow. Back, and I was I was a police officer, but I met Miss Pannell, and Miss Pannell was not happy with the Detroit Police Department that day, and they asked me to go out there and talk to miss Pannell, and I did, and we established that relationship, and she has become a strong advocate and been supporting this ever since. I want to give it up to that angel in the green over there. Yes, Miss Freya Butler, who is a fighter, a freedom fighter. And you know how we talk about as deputy mayor, bragged about how clean the city was and from light to beauty, Miss fruity Butler had her foot in our butt. He made sure that in this area, right here, with the auto repair shops that we she was on Mayor Duggan head, like, let's get this done. But she supports she supports the Detroit Police Department, she supports us, and she's always here. So I just wanted to give those remarks, just to give you an insight that under my administration, that I'm going to work hand in hand with this board. And so, of course, it'll be things that, you know, we have a difference of opinion on, but know that my heart and know that I see it's not going to be a whole bunch, it's not going to be a lot of daylight in between. You know, I respect your role. I respect the oversight and for the community. You know, one time I even went on a trip with when I was, I think I was a deputy chief. I went to one of the NACO trips. And I presented with Linda Carter, you know, and presented, so this board right here, which was established by the late, great Mayor Coleman Young, I think it's the oldest board in the country, and it's the oldest oversight board in the country. And so we have something special here, where folks look to the city of Detroit and what we have, and I lift up the board when you talk about the relationship between our law enforcement, our Detroit Police Department in the community, and then that trust is is just so strong. And so I know I probably went a little bit long with my remarks, but I just want folks to really know where I'm coming from. I am so happy to be back in this uniform. I enjoy being deputy mayor. I had a good time. Y'all saw me on TV smiling all the time, but when the mayor said, You got an opportunity to be chief of police. And would you like to go back? That was an irresistible deal, to be able to come back with my brothers and sisters over here and work with you all. Yes, a resounding yes. And so Mr. Chair, I would like to turn it over to the captain or wart, who has the full endorsement of Miss Freda Butler, so I guess you're doing a good job. You know, I don't know, but I think if she say you're doing a good job, you're doing a good job.
Absolutely. Thank you very kindly.
First, any questions or comments to the chief, anyone and the commissioners, right?
Chief medicine me, yeah, okay, yeah, uh, once again, through the chair. Chief Edison, Congratulations on your promotion. And just know that promotion comes from God Yes. Says that in the Bible, promotion come Amen. You, you're a believer. So yes, you probably, you know that. But anyway, update on the Jameson William case. Any updates?
So I met with the prosecutor yesterday, Prosecutor worthy and so with the, with the criminal aspect of it. She, you know, she's still reviewing that, and it will be, you know, I can't speak for her, but I don't think it'll take too long to wrap that piece of it up. And then, from an internal standpoint, we have IA conducting their investigations. And what I can say is, you know, I'll get a full briefing tomorrow. I'm going to be looking at video myself. I'm going to be looking through all of that. But one of the things I will say is, you know, it was some things done wrong on behalf of some department members from a preliminary view of just what I'm but I haven't had the full briefing. But understand, when I got this job as Chief of Police, sir, you know what folks said, say you got a big job. So you got a big job, young man. They said, you know we're going to be praying for you. I said, You know I do. But this morning when I woke up, God said, you got a tough job, but I made out of tough stuff. And one thing that, one thing that makes it not so tough is when you do the right thing, you do the right thing, and you treat everybody the same. You call balls and strikes like, you know, like, can we like with a football game, the referee gotta call it like it is. And so just cause referee might be from Detroit, and they playing in Detroit, and the referee is a Lions fan, the referee still got a call. He still gotta call them text and throw the flags on the field, and that keeps the integrity of everything, how it's supposed to be. And so what I'm telling you is, you know, it, after I get my full review, and, you know, get the complete investigation, you know, the board will be briefed.
Okay? And on that
note, coming today, coming in today, I was listening to Wjr. Jameson Williams was on Wjr today. We're talking about the game that's coming up on Sunday last week. He made 60 yards of forward progress in in the game. So it's something that the community is very interested in, and they're all for him. That's all I can say
as a football. Hey, look, go lions.
Oh, Jameson through the chair, yes. So
this is to Chief Edison. I was always instructed growing up that nobody is liked by everybody. But I don't know if that applies to you honestly, because in several conversations that I've had over numbers of communities and social economic levels, I mean, you are well received in this community, and I believe that that speaks to your character, your integrity and your reputation. But I know that sometimes titles can overshadow personas, if you will. And I mean, you are the chief of police, and I recognize that that's going to come with its arrows, its criticisms and the like, but I do find faith and confidence in the fact that even in your remarks today, that transparency will continue to be a mainstay of the department, the respect and valuing of community input and involvement into ensuring that we have effective policing, and to know the value of oversight and the work that we do. And so while I know that at the beginning of anything, it's a lot of love and salutation that is given, I trust you know that that is tight. No here, as we move forward, that we do have a willing partner to work with, and so I did want to share that again, from, like I said, almost every level and stage of community representation in the city that that we're behind you and that we're hoping your leadership will continue to excel the type of police department we have in the city of Detroit. Thank you. Chair, thank
you very kindly. Captain, command, Commander, he called you captain,
I don't know all that strike stuff, man, yeah.
Commander, yeah.
Thank you. We just celebrated Veterans Day on Monday. Yes, sir, as a veteran myself, 28 years. Thank
you for your service. Thank
you Good afternoon,
ladies. I will say I'm very humbled by Miss Butler's previous comments. I'm I'm glad that we have such a great relationship, and we think that's out of love and respect for each other. Um. Miss Butler is a model of passion and hard work that should be emulated by everybody, right? And I would like to publicly thank her for everything she has done at the second precinct. Thank you very much, Miss Butler.
Quick overview of the second precinct. It's roughly 10 square miles, and has well over 50,000 residents. We are committed to a high level of service for the citizens of the second precinct. Like to give you a quick example, and I'm not hating on anybody. Think friendly competition is very healthy, and in this atmosphere for priority one calls for service, the second precinct is ranked fourth out of 11 for Valve volume, right very high towards the top. As far as our rank for response time, we are also number four, which means we are the fourth quickest out of the 11, which is definitely where we are going, above and beyond, making sure that we are servicing the citizens of second precinct in a timely fashion. Just for the record, we've serviced over 9000 priority one calls for service so far here today, City of Detroit is experiencing historic crime reduction numbers. Since being at number two, I have been focused on the violence reduction that plagued second precinct in 2023 so far for 2024 the city of Detroit has recorded 40 less murders from last year. The second precinct has contributed a reduction of seven to that 40 good. The City of Detroit so far here today has had 164
less
non table shootings before 2024 compared to 2023 the second precinct has contributed a reduction of 42 to that number. So we are over a quarter of that reduction. Our detectives and officers in our investigative unit have worked to achieve a total closure rate for non fatal shootings, which they're the that's the highest level of investigation we are responsible for over we are over 61% for the year. We do lead the city in non fatal shooting closure rate.
We value
our partnership with our community, specifically through our neighborhood police officer program, which is led by Sergeant Edward Jackson, our team has been integrated into the neighborhoods on a daily basis, from abandoning cars blight, mediating neighbor issues, supporting all the community and block clubs within second precincts. In addition to these everyday tasks, we've done numerous community events a couple I'd like to just focus on. They take a middle schoolers to the Detroit Institute of Arts to show art that they normally would not probably see. So that's a great exposure for the kids. In July, we had our jazz in the park community concert, which was well attended and a great event. Think that's like the fourth annual one. We've had spectacular and then lastly, we've talked about already the trunk or treat, 1000s upon 1000s of individuals from the community were able to come into a safe environment and get Halloween candy. And I think it was a great event attended by all. And then lastly, I just want to touch on Adam, but soul Community Center has become our second home based on the extents of renovations that are taking place at the second precinct. Um, so we'd like to thank them for letting us be here, and please bear with us during our renovations. We will not close. We are still open. 24/7 365, days for the public, for anything they need. That's all I have any any questions
from the chair, yes, sir. Through the Chair, this is for interim chief medicine. Okay, I want to make sure I said it correctly. Yeah, Interim Chief. You know everyone's talking about at you got a tough task ahead of you, but just know, anytime God has given you a vision for that. So anytime God give you a vision, he also go give you provision to get the job done. And one more thing, there's a case where I'm advocating for the family Mario Willis, he was, he been incarcerated now 14 years up in Saginaw prison, and I'm advocating for the family. And can the family's hurting. They in pain? Can we get someone to reach out to the Willis family. They're in a lot of pain. They're suffering because I literally seen the video that they sent me, Interim Chief that Mario Willis and his mother, Maxine Willis sent me. I saw that the detective Shea literally committed police misconduct, I saw that with my own eyes on the video, and that we really believe that contribute to him being put away for 14 years in the Saginaw prison. So I don't know. Can I'm like I said, I'm advocating for the family. Can we possibly revisit this case or somewhat reach out to the family?
And then prosecutor worthy said that that case, she's very familiar with that case, and that the best avenue is through the conviction integrity unit or the Michigan innocent clinic or the innocent project. They have a number of innocent programs in there. So I don't know that she had addressed that when she was here. Is there something you want to add to that?
Yes, hey, I'm trying to reach out to anybody I can. I'm fighting for the family chair. They suffering. They painting. Man. I'm doing everything I can, anybody I see with some some power. Yeah, I'm asking questions
retirement case. So, so it through the chair? Well, he gets power
to go to somebody, though,
that you went to already.
Well, yeah, thank you. Maybe he can go back to him and get a new result. Maybe, maybe, you know,
through the Chair, I would just just echo what the chair said that, you know, the family did reach out to me in my role as deputy mayor, and I actually talked to a reporter that had reached out as well. So, you know, I'm not really familiar with that case, but what I did advise, because it went to a jury trial, and Mister Mario, and I'm not Willis, is that correct? Right? Right? Mister Mario, Willis was convicted via a jury trial, which takes it completely out of our jurisdiction, however, Prosecutor worthy, who I have the utmost respect for. And you know just in her intellect, and you know her the way she conducts and handles business, and creating the integrity unit, the conviction integrity unit. And so that's that, that's the best avenue, and I know they're working very diligently with that. And then the state of Michigan, also under the attorney general, has a unit that they look look at as well. But I would definitely advocate. I know that the family is working with prosecutor worthy,
okay, okay, still working with her. Yeah, it's
been they're reviewing it, so, okay, good. Oh, they're
reviewing it. Wonderful. Let
me, let me not. Also, I'm not going to speak the prosecutor worthy, but he's familiar with the case. He's familiar with it so but yeah,
I know they look and say, first of all, we're not investigators in the sense of, do? We don't do criminal investigations. Criminal Investigations happen on on the police level, the prosecutor level, the attorney general level. And, you know, I'm not inspected gadget, you know, now you see an injustice there, and you're passionate about that. You're doing the right thing and advocate for it. But we got, I got, I can connect you with the organization of exonerees, which is a strong organization that does, does a lot of advocacy in that space, okay, you know, and that may be of some assistance. But again, the University of Michigan, they have the Michigan innocent clinic in which I've personally seen people walked out of prison through that the conviction integrity unit, they just released their 40th person last week. So there's a lot of apparatus who could do real investigations and get cases overturned in the court. Yes.
Okay, excuse me.
Excuse me,
you know, but that's, you know, that's that's to make that
correct what, you know, mister, through the tear, yeah, give me some connections, man, where I can, you know, take some back to the family and hope to put a smile on their face. You know what I'm saying. So even if I gotta stay after but talk to you. I give you, I guess that's toss huh?
I give you all those numbers. Appreciate it. Yes.
Thank you, Mister Chair commander. I just want to say thank you for your leadership at the second precinct and the relationship you have with the community. It's phenomenal. Thank the NPOs, led by Sergeant Jackson. And I want to give a special thanks to MPOs EADS and Franklin. I hosted my Wednesday at Wendy's last month, and they showed up. It's a 10th precinct event, but they showed it from the second precinct, and that goes to show you the relationship between the second six and 10th precincts. District seven is one family. Doesn't matter if we divide into three different precincts. So thank you for leading that, and I'm a veteran too, so absolutely. But
through the chair, um, I just want to personally thank the department. You are my personal precinct in my area that I reside in. I see you all patrolling through my neighborhoods. I feel safe. I see familiar officers. I just want to thank you for your service.
Thank you, Commissioner.
Thank you any anything. Yes. And
keeping with what I said earlier, I want to thank you really, for being a partner with the community, particularly with respect to the schools, high schools, grade schools, kindergartens, etcetera. You're it. I mean, all the children and the entire community look up to you as you know, as we were all raised the same way. So I want to thank you for for for doing that within our community, graciously and at your own at your own personal risk, sometimes and certainly without any extra anything but your antennas up immediately when you see kids. I've watched you. It's amazing. Thank you, Commissioner. We'll make sure that nobody's bothering them, nobody's soliciting them, etc,
through the chair my question. I normally used to have the citizen complaint a weekly report, so I don't have the numbers in front of me, but anecdotally speaking, I know that oftentimes when it comes to misconduct, the two categories that have been problematic have been around procedure officers not wearing their body worn camera or not having them on doing the duration when they should and demeanor, which often comes with the use of profanity, profanity or using casual engagements with citizens you know, calling them guy or boy or whatever the case may be, so from your vantage point is, do you see there as a misconduct as an issue in the precinct, and particularly around body worn cameras and demeanor? Is there anything that is being done to ensure that we see less complaints from citizens regarding those two areas? Well,
I'm glad you brought that up, Commissioner, every comp stat we review the percentage of compliance within each precinct. I'm happy to say that the second precinct does leave the city at a 99% clip, or body worn camera footage. I mean body worn camera incidents that are supposed to be captured. Okay, good. So almost perfect. We are attempting to try to
get 100% Well, actually, the demeanor, because again, in some of the cases that I've read, demeanor hasn't had the intention of being rude or impolite, but again, being casual and unprofessional. And then we get these cases where citizens obviously are not satisfied with that. And so is there any kind of constant communication or training that's going on with officers to ensure that their engagement with the citizens are remain professional. Yeah,
and professional is the key word that I throw in every roll call I attend, every conversation I attend, every email I send out there, as if they remain professional, I will back them, you know, as long as they're following everything else, but if you're not professional, then that's the starter for the downfall of the incident or the encounter that we're having. So I have not seen, personally, a lot of issues with demeanor. There have been some things that have been identified and corrected at my level on a couple of those situations. Thank you. Thank
you chair. All
right, thank you. Thank you for your service, and keep up the great work. And tell Earl Franklin Hello, yes. All right, we're going to back to Oral Communications.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have four speakers our next three speakers will be Mr. Ronald Foster, former Commissioner William Davis, and individual with the last name Edwards. Please state your name for the record when you come to the mic.
Good evening. Name is Ronald Foster. First thing I'd like to welcome interim chief Edison. Let you know I think the board has been doing a pretty good job direction they've been doing. And we'd like to keep that, keep that up. Secondly, I believe leaders are not appointed or elected. They're identified in the time of crisis, your opportunity to be a leader is now there's a crisis of violence against children and by children. After asking answering these three questions, I will ask everyone to change your perspective. What choice do our children make and whom they are born to? What crime do our children commit to be born into and tormented by poverty, and what crime do our children commit in any material mind to escape these conditions that mainstream society turn a blind eye to, we have a crisis on mental illness. How do we plan to address mental illness encounters if you're not familiar with the DSM five,
excuse me, if we can get a point of order as he talking, you go ahead, give him to exercise
prices on Mental Illness DSM five, that book and document is larger than the charter. It's larger than your law book. So we first have to be able to identify so that we do not criminalize mental illness. We put the burden on mental health, then we take the accountability from addressing the social conditions. We need more social workers to work on social conditions, and less police to criminalize those that are surviving the conditions that exist. And so I simply ask this, that we change our perspectives moving forward, we put our children first at the forefront, and keep that there and that we use our CVI more in a more productive way, and keeping our children first. So I appreciate all you all listening and everything that you guys doing, and keep up the good work.
Thank you. How
you doing? Good evening.
Hello, everyone. Hello. I originally planned to come here to welcome Todd Edison back, but I had an extra reason now, because my nephew just recently was stopped and harassed in sixth precinct, one that I used to give high praise to, even though I don't know if it was officers from the sixth precinct anyway, this this week, my nephew was stopped, harassed. Was asked, you know, not asking, this car door was open. He was told, get out the car. This car was tossed all sorts of things that like, prior to this administration, I was appointed as part of the Justice Department that looked into Deborah up under the Obama administration and the Trump administration, and I said, it appears as if there's a problem. You know, anytime young black people are being stopped and harass and officers don't give their name, don't give their reason, you know, just think that they are empowered. That makes some young black people feel like they are living up under an occupation. We cannot, and I will not have that, you know? So I expect something to be done, you know. I my my nephew was so traumatized he couldn't go to work the next day. Because, you know, if you're young black person in America, you have to be careful, because officers sometimes shoot unarmed black men. You know, officers abuse their authority sometimes. And don't get me wrong, most officers are good, but you know, sometimes you have a few bad officers to make the whole department look bad. So hopefully something could be done, because like, say, previously, you know, when groups was piling complaints with the Justice Department, I decided to stay away from that, because I was already involved with Justice Department. But stuff like this keep happening, I can guarantee you I will get some results. Thank you.
Thank you. Through the Chair, I have a question. Yes, Commissioner, did he file a complaint? Yes, that was the gentleman right there. Okay? Because it's very important for people to file complaints, because if you don't file a complaint, it's just gossip at that point, right? And it's a dark figure as it relates to the the composer of an officer, so to speak. A lot of times we talk about the dark figure of crime, and crime is not reported, but it's the same thing with citizen complaints as well. An officer might develop, develop a pattern, but if nobody complains about it, then there it is. So thank you very much. Yes. And in fact, why
was the task force, Justice Department Task Force, you know, we did a whole bunch of policies and procedures in the police department for Dearborn. You know, perhaps we need to look a little bit closer some of policies and procedures here. Oh, we
got a deep dive. We got a new policy manager, and she a task master with with the
job. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I just want to say that when an according to policy, when an officer approaches a vehicle, he has to state why he's pulled you over. That's number one. Number two, there is no right to just summarily search a vehicle. There has to be probable cause to do so. You have a right to ask, I'm Officer Bernard, I stopped you because you ran that stop sign. May I see your license registration? It's insurance, etcetera, although they already know your insurance because it's in the database. Why that's a requirement, I don't know. But I'm just saying that that courtesy and that respect should have been shown to your nephew, and they had no right unless there was some other reason to toss the car. Yeah,
any other citizen with that the complaint is going to be taken seriously, just like every last one of our
you know, sometimes office don't ask for licenses, registration or anything. They just feel like they can flex, especially on young black people. I know that should not be tolerated.
It is not we get, we got, what, over 2000 complaints. Chief Warfield, these are complaints in here. There's complaints in a number of the folders, and we're doing our due diligence. The staff is working very, very hard. So absolutely, when that complaint come in, it's going to be addressed accordingly.
Absolutely the fact that you have legal remedies as well, complaint
that's within our sphere will be handled accordingly with our job.
Yes, Chief, yep. And through the chair to Commissioner Davis, you know, I'm glad that you,
you know, with let me get a point of order Please, ma'am,
just wanted to say to Commissioner Davis, you know, I'm, I'm so glad that you did, you know, ensure that your nephew came here to, you know, lodge his complaint. But also in your remarks, I'm glad that you, you know, recognize that the majority of the men and women of the Detroit Police Department, you know, are doing a great job. However, you know, with complaints, we'll look into it, and like I said, for individuals where it needs to be retraining, you know, if, if a complaint is sustained, we'll definitely take the appropriate action. So
I used to have a test the second precinct, yeah, so I could talk.
Thank you. Next speaker. Last
Name Edwards, and please identify yourself after Miss Edwards. Hi, Miss. After Miss Edwards, it'll be Miss Padilla Butler and then mister Michael Thompson. Then we'll go on to zoom.
Hi. My name is Leticia Edwards. I'm from district seven. I'm a community activist. Is James Tate here, okay, I'll talk to him on a later date. I'm currently being gang stalked, blackballed, and individuals are trying to kill me in my community for my mom inheritance. The probate court has um black bought me out of the um Coleman, a young building to prevent me from getting information on my mom. They have took my daughter from me to try to kill me, to prevent me from collecting my mom inheritance that they try to kill me so I wouldn't get my mail for the court date that's coming up December the ninth. Um dakoma, a young building, I know they have officers and stuff that work in there. I I'm in and out of there daily, trying to get things taken care of with no help. The 10th precinct is also involved. I belong to Detroit historical rock. Historical Rock Church on Woodward. My baby been gone for two years. They aggressively the police department aggressively. I'm from the sixth precinct. I brought some information I would like to give you all, um, I filed police reports. I've been I was chased out in the middle of Plymouth in my 2023 towel that someone it has never been investigated. Investigator counts just got the case, um, a couple weeks ago after I filed some complaints with the inspector general, but still, things are being covered up until they can possibly get rid of me. Alright? Thank you.
Give it to our staff member back there. Thank you, next speaker.
Thank you. Applause.
Hey, medicine, I will be speaking next week about you, but today we only have two minutes. I have to give my information, and because this is the limitation, I try to obey the rules, okay? And I hope next week, they will allow me a little more time to address cheap
Amen, okay, amen, commissioners,
since we are going to have a new administration, the first thing I thought about was our police officers. Mr. Trump has made many statements promoting violence and how our police officers should treat people when they are arresting them. Remember January 6. I am also concerned about an article I read written in The New York Times that some officers are members of the Klan and we know how they operate. I hope our officers are reminded to treat others as they want to be treated members in our communities we know right from wrong. Let all of us be great citizens and choose what is right to say and do. Thank you.
Thank you. Next caller. Oh, next speaker, you guys doing? How you doing?
Alright. I'm having a problem with, how you doing. Chief Chris, I talked to him already about it, but I'm having a problem with, I'm
having talk a little bit on Mike. Thank you. Problem with
the police? Did you trade police downtown, which are harassing me constantly, and they also confiscating my product that I've talked to them about before, because I have a license to sell down in the city of Detroit, they tell me that I can't sell down to the city of Detroit. So on, 922, 24 I had an incident with me and my wife. The police came up. They put me in handcuffs, put me on a dashboard, telling me that first they start saying, you know, where's your money, where's your money. I know she said, start giving. Give me your money. Give me your money. I'm not giving you money. So they put my they put my wife, who's standing right here, right now. They took my wife, put her over on her side, and she told her that if she didn't give her her money, she was going to put her in jail. My wife is crying. She's telling her, like, look, this is my rent money. She's like, give me your money. Give me your money. My wife crying. So my wife gave her the money. She went through the money, took $60 out and gave my wife back the money. So they put the money and they, she put the money in her pocket, and she proceeded to give me and my wife a ticket and tell us, if we come back down there, they're going to take us to jail and tow our car. Okay, now the problem that I have right now is, and I, I've been talking, I talked to a lot everybody I have a license to sell in the city of Detroit, but they're trying to tell what the Detroit Police is trying to tell me is that I can't sell downtown.
What did you sell? Them?
I sell novelty items. Okay, like, like, what like I do festivals. So I sell light ups, yeah, but I just sell,
sir, what are you selling?
Excuse me, sir. I sell. Excuse me. Okay, you out of order, but you out our order,
but, but
anyway, the problem that I'm having is that Detroit, I have a license to sell in the city of Detroit, and if I'm not mistaken, downtown is Detroit, if I'm not mistaken, if anybody can tell me anything different than tell me, but downtown Detroit is Detroit,
alright? Thank you. You can get what I investigated back there, and you want to make a comment,
I can provide some clarity. You know, I've definitely been talking to Mr. Michael Thompson, and one of the things that you know I looked into is that with our city ordinances, he does have a street vendor's license, and based off when ordinances was passed, or however it is, but with the street vendor license, it allows you to sell everywhere in the city of Detroit, except for downtown and so, yeah, and so, you know, I told him, one of his avenues to be able to do is definitely work through city council, etcetera, to be able to work towards changing, you know, the ordinance, possibly having it amended. He did bring up some valid points. But as it stands right now, on the license that was issued to him by the city of Detroit, it even says on there, you're able to sell, except for downtown. And so you know the officers when it comes to the enforcement piece of it, you know they're legally right when it comes to that piece, it's some other allegations that he made, as well, as far as money being taken, you know, it's over at internal affairs, they're doing their investigation. I did reach out to Commander McGinnis, the $40 well, $60 I'm sorry, but the $60 has been placed on evidence. And one of the things that they said that they found is with the items they're looking at it to determine whether or not is counterfeit. So you know, with the novelty items that you were selling right, that that creates another whole issue. Mister Thompson,
for you, and I got to a seat for everything that I paid for. So I'll make sure that
during the investigations, and you can have an investigation conducted here as well into that sir,
Commissioner Moore and then Commissioner dewasher, just
very briefly through the chair. I guess my concern was the $60 I heard a lot of emphasis on selling, right, but I'm more concerned about the stealing, right, because so
she
because I've been down there plenty of times that it confiscated myself plenty of times. Never, once have they ever asked me to give, me to give them my money. And why would I give you my money? Anyway? I'm
glad Chief betterson said it was placed on evidence. So acknowledging 60,000
they never gave me a receipt. Then okay to come down to get it, and then I didn't know what I see they the whole story is just not, it's not, not being told because I don't have that much time, but it's been a, it's been a constant, constant nagging with this situation. And even though, like he said, it's not, it's not as it's not like, click, click, cut, like he's saying, like, on the license, it says that I've got, if you, if I showed you the license, they put, they put that on there. It doesn't, it's not on the license where, or in this in the city ordinance that says that you can't sell downtown. They put it in there. They put in there for a reason. And I and all my license, it doesn't say, Okay, if you know when you do it, when you get a license, it says doing business as right? So they put your business name? No, on my license, it says doing business as down downtown prohibited. I'm not doing business this, downtown prohibited. That's funny. That's what he's talking about when he says it. It says downtown prohibited on my license, no, it doesn't say downtown. They put that on there. And that's what I'm trying to say, is that they're basically discriminating, pretty much, because the police officers that's coming to tell me that I can't sail down there, they're literally coming out of Little Caesars and coming out of fourth field. They're not like officers that's on the street. These are people, these are officers that's coming out of the stadium, something to tell me that I can't beat it.
So, Mister Chair, can we just get a follow up, you know, from the chief on this issue, or you, sir, come to the board and just keep us informed of what's going on. Okay, after today. So
yeah, Commissioner the wash,
thank you, Mr. Chair. I just have a question for the chief, what is the downtown area considered? What is it? What are the bound boundaries,
central business district? And so I could Google it. I don't have it committed to my memory as far as what the central district business streets are, but it's considered that. And I know you all have a you could fact check it. You have a lawyer, the law department, the ordinance, and it's been this way ever since, when I was a rookie police officers studying to get promoted for the SARS exam. It was there that with the street vendor's license, you are prohibited from selling downtown. And so that's just fact. And so if Mr. Thompson brought up an excellent point to me, because I explained that fact to him, he said, Well, I can sell everywhere else. And I say, and I brought up the fact, well, you know, with businesses selling in front of them, you know, it could create an issue. He said, Well, I could be selling in front of businesses in the neighborhood. So I say, Well, you know what? That's why you have policy amendments, ordinances amendments. You're going to have to take this up with city council, get somebody to sponsor you and see what they would do with it. So, but as it stands, the law is the law, and so the officers are obligated to follow that. Yeah,
Jim. So, so we kind
of exhausted it here, but let me say this to you, you do have the right to and talk to our investigator back there, yeah, and and do a citizen complaint. And I'm, I'm interested in terms of what happened with the $60 if it was taken, taken the wrong way, wasn't done properly, and then that, that need to be investigated by us as well,
right? Because I'm, Listen, I'm not here really, I'm not here really trying to be all, you know, political. I'm trying to make money. I understand the city back give me a license to sell in the city of Detroit. Don't, don't stop me from being in a certain part of Detroit. Don't tell me I can't be in this part of Detroit. But yeah, that's
a city council issue that's that's just beyond us, General, yeah, in general,
and that's what I'm here for. I feel that that's it. I'm not trying to, I'm just trying to get in the police. Just the police that that's bothering me is a piece of police. It ain't just regular police. It's the ones that's coming out of the stadiums who are telling me the state private security, right? You're saying no, no, police, okay, police sign, oh, I don't know if they have police uniform, yep, but let me, let
me say this again, I get get what I investigate if you want to do a citizen complaint, and that citizen complaint will get investigated accordingly. Alright? Thank you very kindly, Mister
Chairman. I
just have one quick question, sir. Excuse
me, sir, sir.
Why was your wife crying? What happened to her? Because
she threatened to put her in jail, like that, like that, that. Listen, that's why I said I had a problem with because we, I got a license to sit on Detroit and see, they see us down there all the time, and they, they, they mess with us all the time. And so she was just tired. She was just tired. And then when the lady told her, give her her money, like my wife, like, Why? Why? Why? And she started threatening
to, you know, she, she didn't give her okay? Get what I get with her. Go ahead
what I want to say. I know a lot of people sell different items and novelty items, but you aren't allowed to sell things in the city. And the reason that's why you may see like if you're in the area Greenfield market, or you might see people at gas stations or something, because they have some type of arrangement with that business to allow them to be on their property, of selling things to protect you and your your belongings.
But when, when you get your license, they always ask you, what are you selling? Because they got they already give you rule books of what you can so anything that I was selling I was legally able to sell because it's, it's all above my pay grade. You know, it was, I was selling, I put it on the list, and I was able to sell it. Now we have trained with what the chief just said is they want to take my stuff because they believe that my things are counterfeit, which I have a receipt for every place that I bought it from, from every building, everything, right? That's why I asked, What are you selling? So I wouldn't go down there. Why would I go down there and sell some counterfeit and then come up here and complain? I mean, that's stupid. Yeah, if I knew my stuff was kind of I wouldn't do it
real quick, just
to connect what I could investigate. I
agree with that. But Chief, do we have a detail that that works out of Ford Field and so forth, and for them to come outside and and do this. I mean, I'm just trying to figure it out,
did we
have police officers that whether it's a game where I would have to look at and see the details of the whether it's the body worn camera, but we have police officers assigned throughout downtown, and so is some that work inside to secure a venue, like, if it's a pistons game or a Red Wings game, we we assign officers there. They are signing throughout downtown. They are signed throughout the neighborhoods. But the big The issue is that I can provide the board, and, you know, a copy of the ordinance. And so it's an ordinance issue really, where, if you're a street vendor, and it's issued by the city of Detroit, you're prohibited from engaging that type of activity downtown in the central
the bottom line is that investigation that take place, and our skilled investigators would take a look at it, if there was a violation, then they'll give us a finding you know, we're not equipped to do all of that. You know, that's what they get paid for. And we have a staff attorney to look into all of those type of things. So he's, he's, yeah, absolutely. And so next calling,
our last speaker is in zoom, Mr. Scotty Bowman,
hello, you might be hurt. Yes, you might be hurt,
yes. First of all, I'd like to congratulate Todd Betten. I wanted to say it formally, I guess interim chief Pat. Bet he's had many different hats since I first met him with community relations, and he definitely excelled great at that. And I'm hoping he does as well as chief. I hope many of the things that maybe he said aspirationally regarding, for instance, final word on promotions, while the charter does say that, however, unfortunately, there have been situations where the board of police commissioners got overridden on promotion denials. But I hope that gets fixed, and I wish him much success. I also wanted to speak on some issues, and at city council, I actually listened to they had their public meeting, also on Tuesday, you know, their evening community meeting. And I heard from both Commissioner Bernard, who actually came to the mic at one point in the meeting, and from a number of activists seeking transparency in law enforcement. Well, actually, I should specifically say Minister Eric blunt representing a coalition of activists, and they're seeking to see more transparency and more ready disclosure of body cam recordings, green light recordings, recordings of events that the police have in their possession that um and often in many cases, really should be made available for public scrutiny. And while I understand there is a need to protect certain information during ongoing investigations. I'm hoping to see some progress in that area. I think there could be some common ground between the community activists and, for instance, the committee that that member, Bernard, has participated with. Thank you. Thank you.
I'm finished business at this time, the chair would like to entertain a motion for the postponement of the request for the board to receive a legal advice concerning employee evaluation.
So move second, move by
Commissioner more. Second by Commissioner Smith, any discussion? All in favor, say, aye. Anyone opposed on the motion is carried? Uh, let's go to new business to to the special personnel training search committee memorandum. Uh, Commissioner the wash, thank you, Miss on behalf of Commissioner Hernandez, and we continue to love to and prayers to Commissioner Hernandez.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to read the memo, the special person, special personnel and training committee meeting memo on Commissioner Hernandez's behalf, dear colleagues, on behalf of the Board of police commissioners, special personnel and training committee, please see the key updates from the committee meeting held on November 8, 2024 board of Attendees included committee chairperson, Jesus Hernandez, chair person, Darryl woods, ex officio member, Commissioner Linda Bernard and and Commissioner Eva Garza de Walsh. Staff, attendees, board secretary, Lydia Garnier, Robert Brown, administrative specialist, LaTonya limit, Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, section seven, dash 805, Chief of Police search. The board of police commissioners shall conduct a professional search with a reputable and qualified executive search firm or other equally qualified entity to identify candidates for the chief of police. The mayor shall appoint, subject to approval by City Council, a chief of police from a list of qualified candidates provided by the board of police commissioners. On November 1, 2024 the Office of Procurement sent out the advertisement for the search firms to reply. As of November 6, the Office of Procurement received four responses, one, Korn Ferry, a law Los Angeles company, 35% retainer fee. Two, TJ staffing and Southfield, a Southfield company, 30% retainer fee and three. JM, JG, connect a Detroit company with a 30% retainer fee. Four Capstone employment services, a Detroit company with a 15% retainer fee after thorough review of each search firm, previous experiences retainer fees, their ability to shortlist candidates and their ability to have a process between 60 to 90 days. The special personnel and training committee made a recommendation for TJ staffing to the full board for consideration the next special personnel and training committee meeting date and time is to be determined. Sincerely, has Sue Hernandez, chairman of the special personnel and training committee, Mister
pleasure, to board.
Hey, mister, got on the new business.
Okay, once we finish this, alright, okay, we've we're in the middle of a motion, right? Oh, okay, I'm sorry, go ahead. Yeah. Uh, moved by, uh, Commissioner Bernard of
order. So, because this is a committee report, I believe department chair would advise that it's just provided to us by recommendation of the special person I recommend, and then there's no second message. Okay, alright,
Yup, alright, by recommendation of the personnel and training committee, all in favor.
There is discussion, though.
First of all is any discussion
I have discussion I just want to stay for the record that I'll be abstaining on this vote, not because of my lack of confidence in what the committee has suggested, but because one of the proprietors of the company being selected as a member of my church. And so I just want to avoid any appearance of wrongdoing.
Okay, alright,
which pleasure the board? Well, by recommendation of the personnel training committee, Commissioner Bernard move that this be approved and anyone seconded it. Don't require the second All in favor say, Aye. Anyone opposed the motion is carried one abstention with one extension.
Thank you Mr. Chair.
Thank you so much. Thank you, Commissioner brasley, and we're going to go finally to the policy committee.
Just quickly. There is no action item, ladies and gentlemen, so I'm not going to read the whole report. There were a number of persons present, both from DPD, as well as board members and other persons who are participate with the policy committee. The item that we discussed was the bolo wrap, the department has decided, well, now they have two and they want to get more, and we were just developing a policy regarding the bolo wrap. The bolo wrap is something that wraps around you like a lasso and except it has little prongs and it immobilizes you. So the deputy chief bliss participates with the committee. He explained it to us. He's going to bring one next week when we have the meeting, but, but we're going to address the full we have a draft policy, and we will vote a policy out of committee during the at our next meeting, so there's nothing for the for the board to decide at this meeting. Okay, that completes my report. Thank
you, very kindly, Commissioner banks,
Thank you, Mister Chair. Through the Chair. I just wanted to say again to the chief investigator, good job. What you doing? You and your staff, you brought the backlog down from 1200 and something to 500 and something. I really appreciate, appreciate, I really appreciate the progress. Good job. I just want to commend you again. I know you took a little heat early on in the game, but you recovered, you turned the fight around, and it's going in your favorite now, bless your brother. Yep.
And again, I want to thank all of the staff back there, all our technical assistance back there, and all the staff that's here. And again, Interim Chief betterson, we deeply appreciate you rolling up your sleeve and hitting the ground rough running. I was deeply impressed to know, to see that you go went to all of the precincts, most of all of the precincts on your first day, on Veterans Day, to go greet the staff and talk with them and hear from them. And we look forward to doing everything we can to be able to do our best to bring more civility in the police department, which you guys are doing a great job, an amazing job, and but every we always need some tweaks. And so thank you so much. And having said that, want to invite you all on the 20th, Theresa, Miss blossom, where we at on the 20th? We at what time, 1pm we in the sky, Skylar Herbert room, we will be having a press conference, and we'll be unveiling something very, very good for the committee of press releases going out, but we have created a dashboard, and we are is you're going to love it, and we're going to go live at the press conference. And so please come ask some questions, engaged, but you're going to be very, very impressed that Commissioner Moore wasn't at the Police Commission meeting, going to sleep, but doing some work and doing some meaningful work for the city of Detroit. I haven't said that to entertain a motion to adjourn, motion made by Commissioner Smith, second by Commissioner Bernard. Any discussion all in favor, say aye. Anyone opposed. The motion is Carrie.
