Board of Police Commissioners

    8:15PM Nov 30, 2023

    Speakers:

    Jim Holley

    Commissioner Banks

    Commissioner Bernard

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    you for this day that we have never seen and what we come into this meeting, asking you just to provide order because we know that you are not the author of confusion, but a peace and of sound mind. We thank You today. We didn't only come here today just to be seen what God but we came for guidance and direction we came to let you lead the way so we can follow we thank you oh god we think we pray that everything that be said in this meeting Lord God will be of you. Now Lord God, we lift up chief white and every officer that serve on the city of Detroit. We lift up right now chairman Presley, Lord God and every member that's on this board. We thank you we actually do you to continue to lead and guide us and show us the way for every complaint that is lifted. Lord God, we give it to you for more directions. We thank you. We give you the praise in Jesus name. We pray and everybody said amen. Abraham,

    thank you so very much for such a powerful prayer. But at this time, we'll have an introduction of our commissioners have by Secretary Shaw

    chairman. Yes. Would I pause? Yes.

    To Charles Adam. I think we have a moment of silence. He was very historic and asserted short. He was very supportive of public safety and he's a very supportive African American black police officer in this city. So good Paul's to analysis. Transition will say,

    may we all pause for a moment of silence to honor the life the legacy and the memory of the Reverend Dr. Charles Gilchrist Adams.

    Amen. Thank you. And now introduction of commissioners by Secretary Shaw.

    Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chairman quantas. Presley here. Vice Chair Jim Holly here. There Tamra Liberty Smith, here, Commissioner. Linda Banagher.

    Attorney Linda Bernard district to present Commissioner Cedric

    banks. Commissioner Willie Bell person, District Four. Commissioner Willie burdens submitted an excused absence. Commissioner Lisa Carter also submitted an excused absence. Commissioner Ricardo more Rosa. Commissioner Hastings Hernandez submitted an excused absence. And Commissioner Rory Gamble is listening in on Zoom today, Mr. Chair.

    With that we do have a quorum. At this time we'll move to the approval of the November 30 2023 agenda is there any objection to this agenda? Hearing no objection, that agenda is adopted. Next we will move to the approval of the minutes for November 17 2023. Is there any objection to these minutes? Hearing no objection the minutes will be adopted. And now we'll have introduction to be LPC staff chief police elected official representatives and community leaders by Secretary Shaw.

    Thank you Mr. Chair. For staff today for the LPC staff we have Chief Investigator Jerome Warfield Miss Teresa blossom Miss John your Underwood, Miss Candace Hayes and Miss Jasmine Taylor supporting on Zoom. We also have President acting supervisor investigator Elgin Murphy. Also present is the American Sign Language interpreters. Dr. Stephanie Beatty and Misha kata we have DPD HR director Katrina Pattillo Don Handyside is our court reporter sighs providing video and Sarge Allen Quinn is providing audio. Sitting in for the chief today we have Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes. For elected officials and representatives we have Miss Murray overall from state representative Tyrone Carter's office, Mr. Don Davis city council member, friend or Hall The third office, former Commissioner William Davis was for D Butler community relations president for second precinct and Mr. Ron Thomas DPLA. Vice President.

    Thank you so very much Let the record show that Commissioner Banks has joined us Commissioner Bodnar just quickly I

    believe Peter Rhodes is present as well from Councilwoman Calabrese office.

    Thank you. We're so grateful to have you here. Thank Commissioner Bernard for that recognition and to all who have joined today's meeting whether in person or virtually. We're grateful for your attendance and hope that it might add to the productivity of today's meeting. With that we will now move on to the VO PCs officers report where we have an opportunity to read into the record a resolution for a now retired commander Kimberly M Blackwell. But before we read that resolution, let me remind the public that if you're here in the room, you can fill out a public comment card and to provide it to Miss Jones Underwood, if you would like to speak and then those online can make yourselves can identify yourselves if you also would like to speak and again that will take place directly after the chief of police report with that. Commissioner Moore the resolution for retired commander Kimberly in Blackwill

    Thank you Mr. Chairman, resolution honoring commander Kimberly M Blackwill, whereas Kimberly Blackwell was appointed to the Detroit Police Department on June 12 1995. Upon graduating from the Detroit Metropolitan Police Academy, Officer Blackwell began her career at the eighth precinct patrol operations Services section. And whereas officer Blackwell demonstrated leadership and a commitment to the department's mission and her assignments at the eighth precinct, police recruiting executive protection Office of the Assistant Chief of Operations 12th precinct internal controls and the police academy on December 21 2010, she earned promotion to the rank of sergeant at internal controls, or other assignments include the criminal investigative unit, Detective Bureau Support Services Bureau patrol operations Bureau and city council security Sergeant Blackwell was promoted to Lieutenant on April 8 2019, and assigned to the Chiefs neighborhood liaison on February 8 2021. Lieutenant Blackwell was promoted to captain and reassigned to chiefs neighborhood liaison and the Special Victims Unit and whereas Captain Blackwell continued to display tremendous knowledge, skills and inspirational leadership on July 25 2022, she was appointed to Commander and assigned to the 12 I'm sorry tough precinct. Commander Blackwell was assigned as the commanding officer of major crimes, where she served until her retirement, whereas commander Blackwell was the deserving recipient of numerous other honors and commendations. Her awards include the for fireworks award, the Major League Baseball All Star Recognition Award, the Rosa Parks funeral Recognition Award, both consent judgment Awards and the Super Bowl 40 Recognition Award and whereas numerous letters of commendation from residents and superiors and whereas she has dedicated herself to the role of a leader that leads by example with a strong work ethic in

    years, with her loyalty, integrity and dedication to public service. Commander Blackwell is widely respected throughout law enforcement and the Detroit community as the consummate professional, 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 and public service of Commander Kimberly M. Blackwill. Her display of courage and unwavering community spirit has improved the quality of life for the citizens of Detroit. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Move for adoption, Mr. Chairman,

    it's their second.

    Thank you.

    I'm probably just second all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The eyes have it and that resolution is adopted into our archives. Once again. Congratulations, our retired commander Kimberly Blackwell for amazing years of service to our Detroit Police Department. With that in the border police commissioners report. I want to just share with my colleagues that I do recognize that with the onboarding of two new commissioners and soon to be three and with the leaving of Vice Chair Holly at the end of the year, there is some business that we will have to tend to and so it is my intention that we will reorganize committees, as well as having an election for Vice Chair in our first meeting of 2024. Okay, I think that it's appropriate to seat our newest commissioner who comes on board at the beginning of the year, so that he might have a voice in who the leadership of this board might be. And so I did want to share that because I know that there has been some inquiries regarding the vice chairman, Vice Chair persons election as well as committee assignments. Any questions or comments for the board of police commissioners officers report? A hearing none. We will now move to our community impact report where Secretary Shaw and Ms. Blossom will provide us further information Secretary Shaw

    through the chair. some very exciting news reached the board's office this morning that we believe will have a positive impact on the community in the development of the next generation of oversight practitioners. I'd like to read a memo from Miss Teresa blossom, which is in the front pocket. Of your packets. This is dated November 30 2023. The Skillman foundation share today that it is awarding $15,700 to support the youth advisory panel based on our grant requests for funding. This is this is great news as Yap completes this first year and now is building capacity and sustainability. After starting with five members last fall yep now has 16 members for the next year in 2024. Based on the grant request. The Skillman award will help to support stipends and refreshments for the 16 youth to participate in yet meetings, transportation assistance to attend Yap and B LPC meetings and certain DPD youth events, community capacity building activities by the program, including civilian oversight of law enforcement training for youth and Yap lead seminar workshops. The Board staff continues to rely on the Detroit Public Safety Foundation to serve as our fiduciary for receiving and managing grants and donations. We will work with the Skillman Foundation, Detroit Public Safety Foundation staff and be LPC fiscal executive manager on the budget implementation and compliance for this grant. Since yep got underway in May of 2022. A lot of work has been done by many people board of police commissioners, the first five yet members and Wayne State partners helping to shape the grant proposal, target submission opportunities and ensure this outcome. We are grateful for and acknowledge the impact of letters of support for Yap from Detroit Public Schools community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and police chief James White. Please know that we continue to seek support to ensure Yep, yaps effectiveness during this pivotal period of growth and youth engagement. The projected total budget needed based on market cost and expected full participation of all youth is $26,995.50. While the Skillman grant will make a phenomenal difference, especially given the notable achievements with no funds, we continue to pursue opportunities that will support the goals set in the board's 2022 resolution and implementation of yet decisions. Mr. Chair if you would like MS blossom to have further comments and or respond to any questions, she is prepared, prepared to do so as well. Are

    there any further questions or comments for MS blossom? Awesome. Is there anything that you would like to add?

    Through the Chair, I just want to say again, kudos to the leadership provided by the board in particular, former police commissioner vice chair and any hope and to District Six Commissioner Lisa Carter for really pushing the idea of a Youth Advisory Panel to formalize the board's ongoing youth engagement. And I do want to just echo the thanks to Chief White and his team for providing that letter to get us over the hump because we had been out in the market all year. Thank you.

    Thank you, Commissioner banks.

    Yes, through the Chair. Thank you. What does the app stand for?

    Why the Youth Advisory Panel? Okay. Thank you. You're so welcome

    to the chair. Yes, if I may add one more piece may I just want to especially acknowledge Miss Teresa blossom. In this effort. She has been working for quite a long time and there have been multiple ask obstacles which she probably will downplay in order to get this grant through. So just thanks to her for her tireless work her. her excitement was explosive in the office today, When this came through. and we all were very excited along with her. Yeah, we

    talked about 15 stacks. Yeah, everybody's willing to be excited. young people would say but of course, with her extreme humility. we know that she pushes away the credit anon or she deserves but we're grateful for her diligence and persistence in this matter, and are so looking forward to the increase impact of the Youth Advisory Panel as a result. And so for those who may.

    ers support the youth advisory panel. We encourage you to reach out to our office. With that. Is there any further a report under the Community Impact Report? No, Mr. Chair. All right, hearing none, we will now move to our chief of police report and we're so grateful to be joined by

    Chief James White. afternoon. Good afternoon. Thank you through the chair. I'll start with our crime report. Our homicides are down 18% from 278 to a low of 227 year to date. Our non fatal shootings are down 13% 172 and 2022 to 757 and 2023. robberies are down 2% 1290 and 22 1002 69 and 23 1% reduction in part one total violent crime and a 36% reduction in carjacking. Also, we look at our criminal sexual conduct numbers. That's an area that we were extremely focused on making sure that victims are given the opportunity to report the crime and as such, sometimes you see those numbers increase which we saw last year, for a period of time. Those numbers have stabilized and we're looking at a 6.6% reduction in sexual assaults about a 1% reduction in aggravated assaults. So the crime is moving in the right direction, certainly not celebrating. When you have the type of numbers that we have in the city and the number of victims in our city. You know there's really not a celebration to go from 278 to 227. But what we do know is that our plans are working. Deployment is working or strategies are working and we're going to continue to try to drive those numbers down even lower next year this time still have to get through December, which historically was a very violent month for the city of Detroit when the average was about 30 murders in the month of December. Some are domestic violence related and there is a number of suicides in December with the holiday season. So again, not celebrating but certainly very happy with the numbers and very happy with the work that the men and women of the Detroit Police Department are doing. Moving on to the ShotSpotter report that was asked for last

    meeting or two meetings ago and Commissioner Gamble is joining

    us online and Commissioner gamble asked about adding those numbers, which we went back and did that back to April. I'll just report out for the month we'll be asking the Board to consider the the firearm numbers a monthly report, but we will still provide the weekly report on ShotSpotter incidents. tracking the data for the weapons is a bit of a task to add them in and attribute them to each ShotSpotter incident. So we think we can provide the most accurate numbers if that report is 30 days, but the weekly report on the actual incidents will remain the same. Looking at the ShotSpotter arrests from

    October

    30th to November 5 was for RAS seven firearms on November 6 to November 12. Seven arrest eight firearms on November 13 to November 19, five arrests, seven firearms and then November 20th to November 26 For rustling seven firearms. So that concludes that report. I'm not going to go into the individualized incidents this week. I'd like to take some time to respond to a couple of things. First and foremost today I reviewed a Detroit Free Press article authored by Commissioner Ricardo more. It would be remiss if I didn't not take a moment to respond to that. First and foremost, Commissioner Moore my heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the death of your grandfather in 1984. This is my first time being made aware of that incident and as you're fully aware, I was not chief in 1984. I became chief in 2021. So I'll address the allegations made of me under my watch. When there's honorable board approved me as Chief, I committed to be fully transparent to this board. And I continue to work to that in I sit here weekend and week out and provide this board with information. Very complex information. Those of us in law enforcement understand and know that there are certain things that I simply cannot disclose period. And if we if we hide that under the cloak of transparency, I think that we missed an opportunity to understand oftentimes when I speak to this board, I want agreement, but the goal is an agreement. The goal is understanding and I understand that the board has a duty that they must adhere to and they have a responsibility but there are things that I'm not going to do. I'm not going to say there's going to compromise the integrity of an investigation. There are people that are listening to every word that comes out of my mouth. I know that because I get FOIA quite a bit about the things that I say, to confirm the things that I've said said and the four year rules are there for a reason. There's certain things that I can get into there's certain things I won't when we talk about criminal investigations in the complexities of a criminal investigation, particularly a homicide. There could be the suspect listening and if I forecast the move of the police department that's a problem for making an arrest of the suspect. But there's a bigger problem. We are one piece of the investigatory process in prosecuting homicide, we provide a warrant to the prosecutor's office who has to review it, make a determination and make an arrest. That's a multi layered approach. Oftentimes what the board does not know is that warrants are being worked on this information and people were looking for, to submit information into that warrant. And it's fluid process. There are times when I know information that we're looking for somebody to ask them something about something to add to a warrant to submit to the prosecutor's office. If we act haphazardly, we act without detail. We could completely damage a case. You get one bite at the apple. You don't get to bring people in, charge him with murder, and then do a shoddy investigation and have them release and then they get charged again for the same crime. It just doesn't work that double jeopardy is a problem. So we want to make sure that we diligently work towards providing all the information and do a quality investigation for submission to the prosecutor's office so that she can make a charging decision on on the cases that we bring forward. There's a issue. The second issue that I identified in this article was this issue of transparency. For me in other areas of the department is simply not true. Again, I work towards trying to be transparent in areas in this department changing policy and making sure that we are on the forefront of best practices I engage in in best practice studying. I talk to my colleagues around the country. One such meeting happened recently when I was at the ICP, and I learned of a model that LAPD uses for releasing officer involved incidents involving critical uses of force as well

    as officer involved shootings. I'm sorry to interrupt you. Can

    you explain what I a I'm sorry. To interrupt International Association of Chiefs of Police. Thank you Major City Chiefs from around the country meet and to discuss best practices. I participated in that and we've been looking to move towards the release of a a model that would show officer involved shootings and critical uses of force not just officer involved shootings, but also officer involved shootings. We looked at a model in LA. We liked that model. It provided as much information that you could at the time, certainly you made it very clear in that in this particular model, that because of the nature of these cases, that some of the information is subject to change. So what we want to do and what you've noticed we do and critical incidents and Officer particularly officer involved shootings is we rush to put information out we do. We put information out we go right to the scene. We talk right to the community about these incidents. I don't see a lot of agencies doing that Detroit does it. We go out we're standing there. It's important. I can put out a statement now we're standing there at the scene. We're telling the community this is what happened. We put it on our social media, this is what happened and we we then say and we always said as boilerplate language. This is preliminary information subject to change. And most times it does. We get the we download all our video assets, not just body camera, but video assets in and around the community that are germane. To the investigation. We talked to witnesses and sometimes things change if there's a charging decision against the officer, or I make a disciplinary decision, and I can and I have the authority to do that. And sometimes I do that and it's not always tie bar to whether or not the officer has been engaged in an unnecessarily an excessive use of force or an improper use of force, but there's a procedure evaluation that I look at. Okay, so there have been cases where the officer made the appropriate decision to administer feta force Absolutely. And the answer is and one case in particular, that has come up, the officer was used the appropriate level of force with the threat that he or she was met with. The problem is all of the facts and circumstances that led to us being in that circumstance in the first place. That's where the violation occurred. And that's when I submitted to this board, a suspension without pay. That was candidly refused, based on the inconsistency of the chief. So you've got the chief now who is trying to hold an officer accountable and the board saying, at least not publicly, that this is improper, but then of course publicly. We speak to this lack of transparency, and these issues involving releasing information. So as a result, I've repeatedly asked his honorable board to follow the law department's legal opinion, mandating that the board act according to the city of Detroit charter article seven, specifically chapter eight, by citing the relevant portion of the Charter, which you may be seeking the information under some of the information that's been asked for we know has been talked about at nauseam that one instance incident in particular, officers information was compromised. Put on someone's social media platform. And this had to do with the officer. Again, an alleged inconsistency of two documents where one document internally did not speak of specifics as to why this particular officer was being suspended which is by design because that first document is an internal document that goes to payroll goes throughout the department to make a payment decision for the officer and the status, whether he would be he or she would be suspended with or without pay. If with pay before this board could act, then they would be in an administrative capacity without pay it would be with benefits. And then the board gives them more granular detailed information, which again changes from the initial incident with as to why I want to suspend without pay. The two documents were posted side by side on social media as evidence to my inconsistency. Now what I find ironic is I offered both documents. So if I signed it authored both documents, one would imagine I would pick up on the fact that there's a bit of difference in the two documents. So again, I offered to this board that that was by design because one is internal, and one is for this board and subject to all the rules of FOIA and other things such as that. So that is where I'm at. I continue to want to work professionally with this board. Now this is not about scorn or ridicule. I took an oath of office, and I am very committed to doing my job in the face of danger, scorn and ridicule is actually part of the officer's code of conduct. But what I am looking for is this board to to continue to engage in a professional oversight of this, this police department as I intend to do, and that we not go back to a very dark time in the city's history where council members were fighting amongst each other. And certainly that is something that I will not participate in. I enjoy having a measured approach in a professional attitude. And I think it really does a dis to the community. It does a disservice to this police department when you're looking at a major city reporting numbers such as this. You've got officers working very hard. Lastly, I will say this. There are two cases that continually come up to him and we want to solve them. We really do. We're working very hard. Get the best homicide group in the country that are working day in and day out to close these cases. But I spoke to this board earlier in this presentation and told you that we have 227 homicides, we got a 52% closure rate. So that tells us about 112 have closed maybe 111. And we've got another 100 Plus families that we have to deal with. We're going to put the same energy and effort in the other 111 as we have in the ones that are not going to treat any two cases any different than any others. And I don't have any information I can provide any different than I have and when I have more information on those two cases that come up, I will be prepared to present them as I have in the past, but that will not be today.

    Thank you. Thank you. And it is expected that with the characterization that has been presented in the article that you're referring to that you would speak and I appreciate the tone and the demeanor in which you have done so. And I ask that my colleagues would do the same thing that there is a way for us to disagree with dignity and to ensure that our voices are heard on behalf of the citizens of the city Detroit without us losing our composure. And so with that, I ask you to keep that in mind as I opened up the floor for questions or comments for the chief from any of the commissioners, Mr.

    To the chair banks, Chief since the Union House so what I wanted to ask you was what type of information do you have? To have to present to the prosecutor up to prosecutor's office to get a warrant? You've been talking about warrants today to get a warrant on an individual. What type of information do you produce to the prosecutor's office

    to get that warrant? Through the Chair depends on the nature of the case. But they're very complex cases all cases are different each case is individually give me a little general though, if you want to talk about a homicide case. If a person is suspected as the person who killed the person, the victim you're investigating you they have to have the ability to do so. The opportunity to do so. And any witnesses any evidence, biological evidence, DNA evidence. When you talk about ability, were they at work, you have to prove that they weren't at work. You have to talk to coworkers to ensure that they didn't leave work or if they did leave work if they leave work in the timeframe in which the crime was committed. You have to have a more report. You have to pull down information from the more report about the time of death, brick and mortars and things such as that. I mean, it's so complex. Do you know anything other than a Reader's Digest version of what we have to do? Would be very complex, but each case is extraordinarily complex. And oftentimes we find ourselves in situations investigating pieces of information that are revealed upon a inquiry so I bring someone in who we think is good for the case. Right? But in doing so we find out they're not good for the case, but they know who is and so now we have to start all over again.

    The Chair, I'm all set. Thank you Commissioner banks, Chairman Commissioner,

    excuse me, Commissioner Moore. Thank you, sir. First of all, Chief thank you for the condolences to my family. I'll stand by the article everywhere by I'm sure you disagree. I stand by every word. But I want to get into specifics about two of those stories that were mentioned. Samantha wool. No,

    I'm sorry. Dr. Can you pull your mic a little closer to you? Okay, can you hear me now?

    Yes. Thank you. Dr. Hoover. You had mentioned something about snowfall. What did that have to do with the homicide? Through the Chair, can you be more specific? You mentioned somehow snowfall. Something about a case the case being solved before

    snowfall. So if we're going to characterize what I said we got to use the complete character What did you say? Well, I'm

    going to tell you speak Okay.

    Well, I don't chair both through the chair. Okay. So first of all, you don't gotta tell him to speak speak. And now I choose not to speak about what he's asking me because he works in prosecutor's office. Why

    don't you tell me what I meant by I have no personal fault. Okay. And my role in the prosecutor's office is not investigations,

    but your role in prosecutor's office. All right.

    Commissioner Moore. I'm asking that you speak through the chair so that we can avoid what might appear to be contention.

    So contingent on my part through the chair, but for the benefit of the audience, because what I don't want to do is hold back information from them as we continue to mischaracterize information for the purpose of our own benefit. What was what commission more speaking to is early on in this investigation? Probably around the summertime. I was asked when will the investigation close? Do I think we're going to close the investigation? Well, I don't have a crystal ball. But I know the work that's being done by the people that do this work. And so the characterization that I made was hopefully by snowfall I may not have said hopefully, I'm sure it'll be checked. But as it should be by by this by snowfall, well, this is Michigan that could be June in some cases, but in any event, probably an artful statement on Mark. snow has fallen and that's why we're here today having this conversation and the arrest has not been made. Obviously, in hindsight, I could have used a better choice of words. What I'm was hopefully by winter, it'll be done did not say that. So commission wars Correct. I did use the terminology. And it has absolutely nothing to do to his point with the closer case but looking at the timeline that was in my mind and standing outside. During the summer, I felt that we should be able to resolve the case by the time realistically, things have come up that have compromised that, but we're still on track investigating and we're still confident that we're going to get where we need

    to get. Thank you. I just want a quick follow up. Mr. Sherman, you had mentioned that it was not anti semitic Is that still the case?

    At this point? I am confident in that

    again.

    When I stated that my words were at this time there is nothing that suggests that this is a hate crime. And I stand behind that nothing has come forward. No part of the investigation has come forward to suggest that this is a hate crime. But as a retired Commissioner tire law enforcement Commissioner knows, in complex investigations, things changed. At this time, nothing has changed as suggested this is a hate crime. If it does change, there is no benefit to me saying that it is not a hate crime if it is the evidence that we have the suggests that this is not in any way. I hate crime. And I stand by that. I stand with that.

    But if it changes, just one final question, Mr. Chairman, Commissioner, more squatters Task Force is that still in existence?

    It is this through the chair. It is not technically the squatters Task Force. But yes, we do have a task force that AIDS both those who are shelterless and also aids. Those who are property owners and have people living in their in their homes and their property, but it is a more or less dedicated to all of those people who are shelterless, but we do have a taskforce that focuses on folks who are working to find shelter. Yes.

    Thank you for the questions. Commissioner bale.

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just cannot be silenced in reference to this dialogue microphone. I cannot be sounds and references dialog as a retired police officer in the seminar room Commissioner, basically to homicide his most critical job you can work in Detroit Police Department, in my opinion, I just want to commend these men and women that work in that area because we all have been victim, all your family members, the church members overall, I think person has not to have been touched and referenced to homicide and is a difficult task when I try to interact with families to explain how it works on like TV, we don't solve it when in 35 minutes. And unlike other issue, we don't go out and keep everybody happy don't work that way. That was a case on the east side of the chart for a young lady was killed from girls part. They offered a $100,000 reward nothing has materialized in reference to her Dell. So you go to show you is two years process the chief has been very open more so in probably in other cheap in my history, Chief Heart with Barry do interviews. He would have a spokesman and basically I've been working with his Chief of Police for my 10th year. I think he's been very open. He'd been very parents plans with this board, and we should be patient to have some type of respect for the office. I just want to say amazing woman. DPD is doing an excellent outstanding job and we commend them with the issue. That we have. I was just in Memphis, Tennessee this weekend, and they have issues in Memphis, Tennessee, and reference to homicide and issue and we have a great police chief there is a committee as a difficult task. I just want to close on that note. Thank

    you Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Commissioner Banagher.

    Chief, I'd simply like to one just today get bashed in DC this is Washington Post. And on the front page of the Washington Post It says that there's a 40% increase in violent crimes and a 25% increase in property crimes in the District of Columbia. And so there's all kinds of hearings and everything there about that. So I want to congratulate you more and more even more than that. The officers on our on the police force, and above all of that our community for standing down with respect to initiating criminal activity because you are in a reactionary position, but the community is the one that that that really is responding to, to this issue. And if you will, making peace, continuing the peace in our community who are our statistics are the exact opposite of Washington DC. Yes. So I want to congratulate the force for for all of that and as I said our community. Secondly, you mentioned your participation in the Chiefs convention out mode many of us participated in the Neko meeting in Chicago for civilian oversight boards. And one of the most dynamic speakers there was the chief of police, who formerly was the chief of police in Ferguson, where Mr. Brown of course was killed by the police. And what was interesting about a chief, in contrast to our force, is the fact that the entire internal affairs there is governed by civilians. People like the persons in this audience right now. They're the ones who decide whether or not the officer should be outside sanctioned for their behavior, a totally different paradigm from what we have not only that, in this in the chief's office, everyone is a civilian. Everybody in there is not a police chief that has been promoted up I'm not talking about deputy chiefs and so forth, but everybody else and as and as a result, they have a whole different sort of window through which they look at crime, because it's evaluated in the officers performances are evaluated by civilians within the department. I'd like you to comment on that. And then And then finally, my committee the policy committee, as you know, has taken up the issue of of allowing the commitment to community to see of all officer involved shootings, etc. And we've decided not on the Los Angeles model, but on the Chicago model. So close the city, if you will blacker city, a city that's our we're sister communities and Cleveland, the three of us actually. So we're going to report back on that but I'd like you to respond to the most attended session. There was by this particular police chief, very strong, man.

    I'm sure you know him. Well, through the chair. That's that's a fascinating process. I don't know a lot about it. Is that Ferguson you said?

    Yeah, he was the chief of Ferguson. Now he's in a new city. Let me take a look at it. Incidentally, the person who was the you know, the value I'm calling with the evaluators, not the person appointed by the Justice Department to look into Ferguson and so forth, also spoke on this issue. She was there. The overseer I'm not the oversees the name,

    but maybe we can have Secretary shot or provide the panel for that so that the chief might have the names of the individuals that have cherished Bernard is referring but anyway, to the question around Chicago versus la in the release of videos and then a civilians having some input in disciplinary actions,

    your thoughts? Yeah, I mean, the CBA, you know, certainly limits us and some of the things that we do, I would like to review them so I can have an intellectual conversation about it. I don't know anything like that. But surface is certainly fascinating. I mean, we do have a very similar model. In the OCR, you would think I mean, we've got a civilian oversight body, and we've got a group of folks who do the non criminal investigations. There's some bifurcation there that one could argue is no longer needed. They could do them all. We do have some some investigations that happen at the command level that we could question if that's still necessary in 23. Maybe they should all go through OCI. I don't know. But it's worth entertaining. But I'd like to spend some time reviewing exactly what the process looks like. So I can have an odd response

    for this body. And how about Chicago versus las release a video policy?

    Yeah, I you know, I looked at Chicago's model and they basically without it well, I didn't see what you're referring to. We may be referring to the same thing. I just want to be careful. I found that LA best provided what we were looking for we wanted to provide and ours is going to be released as soon as possible. But we but not 45 days is what our policy will be. And the reason for that is well, it's a variety of reasons. There's a lot of circumstances where the video could be delayed a defense could be looking at it could be a number of different things. If if, in our model, as you know, our officer involved shootings in particular are handled by the homicide Task Force on that task force includes the Michigan State Police, so those investigations involving Detroit, led by the Michigan State Police and that's by design, so we're not investigating ourselves completely and that could possibly look like not a fair investigation. Right. So we're trying to eliminate that. There could be some things in that investigation that are held back in terms of until the investigation is completed with the body camera. So we said we can do this in 45 days as soon as possible, but at least 45 days. And that like I said that's one that works for us la The other thing I like about LA Candidate Lee is the chief of police or the designee that did the video before the release talked about policy, which which I did in ours. We have a reference to the board of police powers. What the powers of the board is what the powers of the police department is in these instances, and then we bundled it together, put some context with it. Allergy excuse me, and we released the 911 calls with our so that's the model we went with. It's going to be online now I think today and we've set up a YouTube page, specifically for those

    incidents. Well, that is very encouraging to hear. I'm sure that there'll be some cautious and careful eyes to ensure that it meets the community's expectation. And as the policy committee is also reviewing their own policy. It'd be interesting to see how it aligns and what changes might need to be made so that we're on the same page, or relative to the policy of release of officer involved shooting videos. Is there any questions for the

    chief? Yeah, if I may. I do want to respond to one thing Commissioner Bernard said about the community and I would be remiss if

    I didn't take a moment to again understand what she's responding to what you said about

    the community. I was just saying I would be remiss if I didn't. She's absolutely correct. We must ignore community being really sick and tired of this violence and and partnering with us and bringing forward a lot of these these these crimes in the community. We could not be where we're at without our community. So thank

    you for bringing that up. So by Sher Holly, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. I'm, I want to just ask you, if we come here every day every week of oversight so we also have our each each Commissioner can basically do interviews and do press releases and things, their press individually, even though we are we sit around this table and do oversight every week. So I'm asking you, because I'm concerned and this is no respect to any commissioner in that that somehow that some policy ought to be made. That commissioners cannot just be, basically do things on their own. You can't In other words, why are we here? The bad guy, the look is what the commission wants to talk about the police in the paper. I'm very concerned about that. And I know this, my time is out. But I'm just saying to you again, as someone that's been around here 100 years, I'm just saying to you that somehow some kind of way that or there is some situation in terms of what we're able to do as commissioners. Speaking from the board to this board is one board, not individually, when we have our differences about our policies or differences about the police department, but I do feel like I'm very uncomfortable of finding a release in the in the paper about the work that we are basically should be doing around the table.

    That it makes sense to you. Your concern is well noted and we were trying to explore if there is standing policy. In that regard. There is a difference of philosophy between commissioners about whether or not we operate as a body or one's autonomy to operate as individual Commissioners, but again, hearing your point I think that it's far past time, that we at least come to an agreement so that we move into standing on how we are expected to carry ourselves as commissioners and as Commissioner

    Bernard Mr. Chairman. I obviously have good respect and regard for my colleague but But Jim, you cannot stop free speech. I'm an elected Commissioner. I represent the largest district in the city of Detroit, just like City Council. I'm able to my opinion and other elected commissioners on this board are as well. The board the commission votes through resolution but individual Commissioners individual city council people are entitled to their opinion and entitled to exercise their right to free speech. It can't be controlled, and it won't be controlled because it would be unconstitutional,

    where our factors or circumstances Commissioner Bernard in which our speech is restricted to a case in point when we have a closed session, no matter how individual you are, you cannot speak freely about what has been mentioned closest so there may be so let me finish there. Maybe that's why I'm saying so there may be policies that we can put in place not to stop missioner from speaking their mind, but to ensure that we aren't left in the dark about what has been spoken about because often there can be confusion on the community's part on whether or not isn't the individual speaking or the board speaking and I think that demarcation is necessary, so that there isn't any confusion. So the to to the discussion that the board can have both options can be held together, if that, indeed is the desire of the board, but to just say because of free speech. We shouldn't try to put some policies or procedures in place that might mitigate confusion. I think.

    Mr. Rhodes is in the room. He's He's chief counsel to Callaway. And also is our Chief of Staff. She has the same situation exists with city council. There are 11 commissioners, each of them have different points of view. Each of them speak to the press independently about issues that they've ran upon. There is that that is our model.

    Quite frankly. From your PAM house. So I try my best to communicate that there are differing philosophies on this board about how we should move forward. And so when I'm saying is I think that it's worth the conversation so we're not operating off assumptions, but that there is something that places a standard of dictation on how we should move forward. And so again, if it is to us that our policy is done, so then that will be our policy, but I think it's important to have a policy in place so that there isn't confusion about how we move forward. Chief I just had a final question. Know what the colleagues had in questions. And this may be something you get back to as you suggested, not suggested you shared that the department has about a 52% closure rate on homicide cases or cases in general with homicide, homicide cases. And so I just want to know, like, where does that fit in like other major cities? Is that like a median? Is that at the top range, the bottom range and so just to get a sense when I hear that number, I need to know like, are we doing well at 52%? Or is there obviously there's room for improvement there but where does it situate itself in relationship to other likewise,

    municipalities? Yeah, my my 20 years. It's one of the highest for us. I mean, we had a year of 8% and City of Detroit. This was you know, when things are really, really bad. But I'll give you some context and a number and look at what the national average and off the top of my head, but I know that we if we're not close, we may be slightly above it,

    but I'll have to take a look. And to mark is there any objection to the gun recovery data being submitted on a monthly basis as the chief has requested? Okay, hearing none, we will accept that recommendation. Thank you. If no other further

    questions with Mr. Yes, Commissioner for the chief.

    Now I heard you

    i i heard you mentioned it that first of all, the board of police commissioners their light of department so they have a voice so you try to limit it to certain restrictions. They can't

    when you saw this board of police are talking about you. Are you talking about the board. I'm talking about the board. Okay, so that's what the clarification was because I think that there's confusion on whether or not we say the board of police commissioners. Does that mean just a commissioner? Does that have to be the consensus of the board? So

    that's what I'm calling the commissioner has a free right to speak to the media correct as a citizen as right. Yes, because the media is going to come after a commissioner so what are you trying to do limit to what they're saying explained

    to me? I'm trying to be clear, so that when a commissioner speaks, there is clarity on whether or not that is a commissioner speaking individually, or a commissioner speaking on behalf of the board.

    Oh, you may okay. Now, you're talking about one Commissioner speaking for the whole board. Correct. I see. Okay, I get

    Okay. All right. Thank you. Is there any further questions, comments? It's up to you. Yeah. And it was for the whole board. But if he and I think that it's probably premature to try to have the conversation now let's city space that we can dig into a deeply and again to ensure that we come up with a policy that makes sense for our work and what the community is asking for us to do. At this time. We now move to oral communications. Miss Underwood, who do we have?

    Good afternoon, Mr. Chair. We have 14 speakers today. Our first speaker will be Minister Eric blunt. Our speaker is Miss Tabitha and please forgive my pronunciation. Now abandon abandon

    afternoon board

    Good afternoon. Gonna have four minutes again today. Unfortunately you cannot just recognize it took a brand new commissioner to recognize the critical data was missing from the ShotSpotter report. I don't think anybody else was really looking at it or really cared to look at it. But the number of guns recovered is critical to measuring the success of this program. But it's not about success. It's about whatever the police department wants and surveillance is what they want. Surveillance is what they get no questions asked. On the issue of the quality and transparency of what happens so many times in this police department they're lacking. Where was the quality when a woman a black woman eight months pregnant? was falsely arrested using facial recognition technology detain so long she almost lost her unborn child. So don't don't brag about transparency and quality and especially on the best practices. Where was that important Burke's took over a year to have any release of the body worn camera footage of a man being shot 38 times by the police department and yet what is released in an on the BLP see website completely blocks out Porter Berg so we don't know if it's him or not or what he was doing or not or what he had in his hand or not. No, that's still another cover up. And no one should read on his board should be relying on the law department's legal opinion. They are not an independent counsel. They are part of the city, not part of an independent board. We like to call the board of police commissioners. So when it comes to video releases the day of all interaction with citizens not a 45 day delay. The facts are the facts. We don't need to

    watch Thank you

    Miss Tabitha paintin.

    me Miss Tabitha. May have stepped out we can go to our next

    Mr. Peter roads and after Mr. Peter rose it'd be Miss Miss Smith.

    My name is Peter Rhodes.

    I'm with the Office of microphone.

    I'm with the Office of Detroit City Council member Angela Whitfield Callaway District Two I'm just here to observe the board of police commissioners meeting. I'm very interested in new business item b two and three concerning video release policy and dependent on the actions of the board today. We'll be looking forward to going forward in January of 2020 for concerning any policy that may need a city ordinance. Also, I like to point out that there's a issue concerning murdered and missing black women and girls. It's a city problem a state problem is a national problem. There is national legislation now before the United States Congress concerning this issue, and I just wanted to make the board of police commissioner and the public aware of this pending legislation and ask for your support. Thank you very

    much. I yield back my time. Thank you.

    Good afternoon. Good afternoon listeners.

    An interesting meeting today. As you all know, my thing is crime in the city. But when you come after the police then I gotta have a say so about it. The police has done a magnificent job for the city of Detroit. I have friends in Chicago. Matter of fact, I was born in Chicago. Every now and then I call to find out what them I want to see what I want to say. But anyway, what the police do in Chicago. They don't do nothing compared to Detroit. I'm telling you I had the conversation. It was the mayor's office that got their number, believe it or not. And I spoke with one of the officers that was answering the phone and the information that he gave me was quite interesting. So I want to let you know, I'm going to continue to support our Detroit Police Department as long as I have breath in my body. And I happen to be 91 years old, and I think I'm doing a hell of a good job by advertising. The protection that we have of our police department here. I don't know what environments that you've been under, but I know I raised five kids here five children, and they are doing one for one is with the Ford Motor Company, one's executive with PNC. Then I have one that's with Ford for 34 years. So if I can do it with my children and then one has to retire from Cadillac, so I want to all of you to not in one's postmaster I'm sorry about her. But I want all of you to know realize that our department police is doing a hell of a job out here. They're risking their lives for us and for you to come here and complain to the newspaper anybody else about what they're doing. Go to them and let them know what your feelings are. You don't have to broadcast it. We're doing a hell of a job here in the city of Detroit and I want all of you to know it. I feel

    that way and she ties.

    Thank you doctor in that clock.

    I gave you more time back to the neck back on

    the next two speakers. The next three speakers will be Mr. Brian Douglas and Miss Vidya Butler.

    Thank you for taking the time to listen to me today. I'm a lifelong resident of Detroit. I won't speak for district five because I don't really know my district because I've moved around. But right now I'm on northwest Detroit. This is about

    Dr. Dubois who microphone

    Sorry. Good.

    Yep, go right here. He didn't need to be here. The bank could have been anywhere that with Aberdeen he could have went anywhere. He didn't have to stay here. He chose this city. He chose us. He loved the city. About him, like I said to our mutual friends who are all gay in this community. We've known him for 20 plus years. He was the best of us. He was a fantastic man. He had a fantastic character. He did the best in this town. With that being said he loved grandiose things that house was grandiose he loved the art of it. He loved the culture. He loved the history. That's all he cared about. He didn't care about anything else other than people because that's why you become a doctor. And then this I'm going to say kindness was the beginning of his demeanor and faith in God was the end of his understanding. We all understand that. This is an ongoing active investigation and its integrity must be intact for a court of law. With that being said his family are they're heartbroken. They're destroyed. Ascension is heartbroken. It's destroyed a little bit. They lost a valuable member Henry Ford is also hurting patients 1000 1000s of patients that I've talked to a few 10 or 12 They're still described. This murderer is still walking around. I don't know how else to put that. This is serious. This This seemed insidious. And on top of killing the man you go on a character assassination through his funeral on a live feed and then through internet channels to to destroy him. His character as a man and how he walked into city we got to do better. Chief white already addressed half of what I had in this so I'm going to stop talking now and give you back your time.

    Thank you and our condolences.

    That afternoon, good afternoon, commissioners at the second precinct Police Community Relations Council meeting November 14 2023. Mr. Jeremiah Wheeler was our guest speaker. He is 26 years old I chose his topic bridging the gap. During this his presentation Mr. Wheeler stated that his heart skips a beat when he encounters police and later I spoke with a former police officer and he also expressed being uncomfortable coming in contact with the police commissioner's V. These express feelings, I believe comes from the history of negative behaviors of policing, especially with black males. I also have negative feelings when I see two white officers together at night. Due to being traumatized as a child. I have a member in the community who has been traumatized from childhood and refuses to attend our monthly meetings because of having to be around police and guns. Commissioners how many people have been have these same feelings. Our commanders and officers must be chosen carefully, especially those who do not live in the city and know the culture of the people who lives there. I don't know what can be done, because after having worked for many years and passed exams, they do deserve to be promoted. And the young officers black or white, I believe feel they have power because they have a badge and a gun. Please share these comments during your training sessions to help the officers change what we perceive as police officers. Thanks for listening.

    Thank you. The next two speakers will be Mr. Anita Williams and Miss Carol gore.

    And can you call that name that was missing earlier? Tabitha?

    And again, forgive me for the mispronounce the name. I'll just spell your last name in a H A BEDIAN.

    Tabitha return Okay, no, come right here

    Hello, everyone. Hello. Okay. You all know I've been complaining about the Detroit Police Officers stalking me in a civilian vehicles. And I also made several complaints concerning my vehicle being broken into at MGM Casino. So I just found out recently that MGM, the security guards in Detroit police officers are involved in breaking into my car illegally and I do have illegal listening devices in it. And that's not the kicker. Part. And like I said no disrespect. All officers are not bad officers. But when you take an O and kit and wear that badge, I expect you guys to respect it. Period. So now police officers that are at that casino gambling hacking into them devices, all type of stuff that didn't hacked into my car. It's awesome type of stuff. going on at MGM not just MGM. It's not just the Detroit Police Officers either. That's my problem. And it's going on three years. Deputy Chief said you we all have a great social media platform. I have a target on my back. I have to worry about the cuckoo's coming to tourists coming out and do not have to worry about police officers not respecting a badge. And my life is in danger every day it is going on three years something needs to be done. Because like I said, I'm trying to defuse the situation. Because I come here all the time discussing the same stuff over and over again. Something needs to be done, somebody needs to do the job correctly. Thank you very much. Thank you

    Miss Carol gore. And Mr. Jeff Cowan.

    Hello, it's Carol Gove. I'm here to speak about divan, Dr. Divan, Hoover. I am aware that there are serious problems with the investigation for what happened during the first two days so I think it's gonna be a real problem for the prosecutor's office. So I understand the delay. But given all of that, is there a reason the FBI has not been called to this or what does it take to get the FBI into this case? That's I mean, and I'm not criticizing anybody, these things just happen. And we seem to be here and I believe the snowfall thing. So I can't tell you how disappointing that was and the family has not been communicated with no one has been communicated with. So it's just very, very frustrating. And I just want to wrap this up with what was said before, you know, my personal loss is huge. He was my best friend. I know it looks weird. I you know, I'm 30 years older than he is but you know, he was my best friend. But the people that aren't going to have their brain tumors operated on and that people that aren't going to walk again. This murderer killed them to our condolences.

    DC Hayes what's the process for FBI get involved in cases? You can come right ahead, sir.

    I would need to get back with you. There are certain triggers, which they will adopt the case so I can get you what those are.

    I'll get back to the board secretary. Thank you. Go right ahead.

    Good afternoon. Honorable police commissioners. I just want to say how grateful I am for your service. I found out recently How little you're compensated monetarily for your investment of time and service to our community. I want to thank every single one of you for what you provide. And And, Mr. Chief, I appreciate the excellence of your department in chief Why don't you speak up please. Your excellent service to our community is appreciated every single day and every night. I'm a block club president resident of 19 years and in the police department is nothing less than Excellent. I'm here today it is to help us continue that level of excellence in every department within the force. When Dr. Hoover was murdered, I became more aware that there is a police commission and of what you all do. And I started paying close attention because he was a neighbor and learned that the neighbors were not canvassed in Boston Edison following the murder. And the other issue with the first several weeks coming in after the murder was that when the murder when the victim's friends and neighbors were calling the homicide line, we couldn't get through. We couldn't get a return phone call. And I heard that from one of Dr. Hoover's closest friends had the same experience. Months went by without a return phone call from the homicide department. So I just think that this department needs to be funded, you've heard defund the police chief. We need to fund any department that needs help. If the workload is such that we can't do all the things that we really want to do when they need to be done, because we're just keeping up and working our butts off and let's fund that department and let me know let the public know. Thank you for your op ed in the free press. Let the city know what's going on. Let us know what resources are needed.

    We'll come back you up.

    And with this recent murder of his wall in Lafayette Park. Again, I'm concerned where the neighbors canvas. cameras are everywhere these days in the memory and then you might have 30 days worth of footage if you're lucky. I checked in with a friend

    who and I've got the I've gotten sorry, sir that your time. Thank you.

    He walked past police and left the country. Same day as murder.

    Excuse me, Mr. Chairman, I just asked one question on the chief and Deputy Chief who's Can you respond? To his question, please, regarding the fact that nobody would pick up the phone and talk to people who had I guess tips or whatever about this killing or how does that work?

    Thank you, Mr. Chair, through the chair. anytime there's any time there someone would like to come forth with information. Three ways certainly calling the investigative entity in this case it's Detroit Police Homicide, certainly Crimestoppers and also rewards TV. I'm not sure as in to that point. Certainly your condolences go out to the loss of your dear friend or loved one. Sometimes when calls come in, I know a lot of people are concerned and want to ask questions in addition to tips and see where the investigation is going. But there's one single source of contact oftentimes with families so a person may call and say hey, my friend was the victim of such and such crime, those that they may come in contact with. If they are not that family member, that point of contact, we're unable to release that information to them and give them that update that they would like so I can't speak to the specifics of this, of the interactions or the phone calls or whether the information was information with either trying to be either relayed or ascertain but that is the process in which we would disseminate information.

    Thank you. Next speaker. The next speaker is Cheryl meany field. Here are many fields. Mr. Ronald foster Johnson and then we'll go into zoom

    Hello, just want to come down and just say a few things today. First thing is is that we are coming up on a election year. Law enforcement is not to protect the administration. Okay, it's to protect the community and I think that's important as you all know, and exhibit integrity. Yes, it's very important. The robot Hurricane Carter case it in his ruling, the federal judge ruled that convictions that appeal to racism rather than reason and concealment rather than disclosure is more harmful than a accused accusations of them themselves. And so, I do want to encourage you all that free speech is a law and you have a duty and obligation to protect free speech. Our community has suffered for over 2030 years with the strawberry case will wipe away Rick and as consequences to speaking out. And until you guys change that culture, it's gonna be hard for you to go around and say stuff snitching. We need you all to take accountability here. I don't care if it's a elected official or administrative official, do your job and enforce the laws appropriately. Um, there's a new law a duty to intervene. Officers have a duty to intervene when there's a federal law well as a state law, whether it's an ordinance, so anything else you have a duty to protect all laws at all costs that you come across, even if it comes from your corporate counsel.

    As far as free speech I did want to just say elected officials have a duty and obligation to represent their constituents regardless of anything and that there is a debate clause to protect them and to avoid anything else. I suggest that you guys assign a board spokesman and do not infringe upon nobody's first amendment rights.

    Nexus Johnston and then Mr. Darryl Ford. Is it Mr. Johnson you say it was it didn't say Mr. or Miss didn't say

    Johnson Johnson. Welcome Miss Johnson. Good evening. Your full name again please,

    Miss Johnson. I've been here as many of the other speakers

    happy for microphone.

    Comes right into the microphone. Can you hear me? Okay. I have the same three questions. How is the felony arrest record and subsequent felony bench warrant generated from the third precinct and 2015 issued without any evidence of support? We heard from Chief white tonight about best practices. How is the felony bench warrant withheld for over three years without process serving to the person and three? How and Why are records of action for a crime that was never committed? Not destroyed despite a judicial order and decree for destruction of records. I will continue to ask these questions until they are answered.

    Thank you. Thank you.

    Put Detroit is up against anybody expressing their opinion. I just want to say happy holidays to everybody. And I'll just say that and I want to just say the greatest gift that you can give anybody your relatives coming into the city, the greatest gift that you can give them is please tell them to count 123123 before they enter a green light because people are driving pretty reckless out here. And I just want to say this the other other thing I just want to say this right here is spreading. You saw what happened in gross point. If you didn't get on the internet. It's a terrible thing happened gross point about red lights. And then the other end drag racing. Another thing I want to say this I take echo this lady right here, and I say this right here. Please take your hat off and say police you're doing a good job sometime Hello out the window. Congratulate them shake their hand do something to her because you know they have mama drama they have baby mama. They have daddy drama. And they have some very interesting relatives that they have to deal with too. And you know that so give the police a handshake sometime something help them because they need some milk. I'll say this again. They are looking out for and that's the first person you gonna call police. The other thing is just I'll be going back to Florida. I'll be going for six months you probably gonna see me you might see me one or two times. But when I come back, I hope I have something good to say to you, but again, tell the police they're doing a good job. It may help you it may make them appreciate you and do a better job. God bless you.

    Thank you and safe travels to you.

    Mr. Chair, we're going into zoom now. Your next speakers will be former Commissioner William Davis. Mr. Reuben Crowley and DC see CAC members Scotty Bowman. former Commissioner Davis. Hello, can

    I be heard?

    Yes, you can go right ahead. Okay, I'd like to start off by saying I think it is imperative that everyone knows that the city of Detroit, the board of police commissioners and the police department need to have greater transparency, because that is has and continues to be a problem. Because I know a number of groups have found freedom of information request and they get a big run around and they get they asked to get paid a large fees for information that should be readily available, especially if you can transmit it via email to those individuals or organizations. So there's a problem that you know, the jam may be higher than yeah may not be sticking out. Maybe sticking your head in the sand. But there's a problem. Also, I think you need to make sure you let the new people know that. You know sometimes part of the problem has been the board leadership. You know the board you know I'm pleased to see so many new people coming on the board and hopefully whenever we airs an election to the person elected to be the new vice chair won't be often appointee, you know, I think is horrible that you could have two appointees, you know, running as a board, especially in that the appointees are only liable and the only look to serve the mayor. You know, hopefully, everyone there should be there to serve the community. Because we need our numbers to go down for homicides. We need our numbers to go down for breakouts. We need our numbers to go down for a number of things and there are there are a lot of good officers, but we want to make sure that you weed out the bad officers and you can't do that with your hand. Your head in the sand.

    Thank you Thank you was that Reuben Crowley who's next?

    Yes to the citizens taxpayers residents city of Detroit News flash today during the debriefing with the mother of Kenisha Coleman DPD case two zero dash 11112, the Michigan State Police

    MSP

    acknowledge that there is not enough evidence to place the cat tag of suicide classification designation and label suicide on Kenisha column is death. They submit to acknowledge that in a debrief. Now in the same breath, I want to give a public service announcement I want to personally commend DPD chief James White when presented with additional evidence that was not in the homicide file. He picked up the phone and caught in the Michigan State Police. He did what was needed to be done and you can't axe anything other or anything more of demand than what was needed to be done. I want to commend him on his leadership and being a stand up guy. Now I would also like to bring to the attention of citizens taxpayers residents here in the city of Detroit and especially Willie Dale and Dr. Reverend Bishop Dr. Reverend snake oil salesmen, Jim Holly, your actions that you took to stand in the way of what needs to be done have been duly noted. Now to all police officers, those that were to badge honorably.

    I commend you

    for putting that badge on leaving your residence and coming out to protect and serve the citizens of the city of Detroit and that's why everybody wears that badge honorably. I'm Deputy Chief Hayes. I would like to thank you and appreciate you Thank you.

    Mr. Chair, your last speaker is DC for CAC member Scotty Bowman.

    Mr. Bowman. Hello. All right here first. Yeah, thank you. First of all, I'd like to say that civilian oversight and accountability are not about loving or hating the police. It's about individuals doing something improper and being held accountable for doing something improper. Even though they are police who often get a pass because, you know, we expect so much from them and we think eylea But in general, it's a matter of just individuals who are officers in the police department being held accountable for proper or improper behavior as police officers. It isn't about painting with a broad brush. And liking or disliking people with that occupation. Secondly, the issue of license plate readers there's been an expansion of license plate readers in the city of Detroit there are a whole bunch of them have become available, due to some grants. And I'm very concerned that people's privacy is not going to be adequately protected. I understand there's some pretty strict standards as far as what information the police use that the license plate readers bring in. However, they are still bringing in that information and that information is going someplace other than the camera that's reading the plate before a decision is made whether or not to use the information. And to me that's still a problem. If you're going to have you want to flags certain license plate numbers, then that information needs to go out to the the device itself so that it will only transmit from that device to the network. Information about that vehicle if that vehicle is seen. Anything else still lends itself to the possibility of abuse and overall tracking of individuals. And then we'd have development of artificial intelligence that could take that over and make use of Thank you.

    And thank everyone for their public comment. Move on to the report from BOARD SECRETARY Victoria. Shaw, as well as communications. Secretary Shaw.

    Thank you, Mr. Chair, through the chair, commissioners, you're in court, and I'll touch on several items here. As a reminder, effective December 1 staff will no longer send B LPC related information to personal email addresses for the board so if your city email address is not active and or you are having trouble accessing it, please reach out to Mr. Robert Brown for assistance. This matter was brought to the staffs attention by Attorney Labelle in regards to city policies. And so again if you are having difficulty accessing or activating or city email address, please reach out to the office. The administrative leave without pay considerations for police officer John Powell Bert and police officer Darrell Partlow to reschedule

    or DPD personnel partial administrative leave without pay pack is where email to commissioners on Tuesday this week for your preliminary review. Staff is waiting on responses from DPD. The questions posed to get further clarification on the matters if the display administrative requests committee would like to meet on these requests prior to the full Board hearings because no at least two days in advance of the desired meeting date. Mr. Chair for the next item in the secretary report some security concerns at the male plus science building have been raised by chief investigator and if you don't mind, I'd like to allow him to speak for this part of the report.

    No problem. Thank you Mr. Chair. Miracle signs building needs to be open and accessible to the public to make filing of citizen complaints and inviting and supportive process for those who file and citizen complaints. With Detroit residents and our guests at the same time the building needs to be secure as this building is secure. And staff needs to be confident that appropriate protocols are in place for guest admissions to the building and steps taken in case escalated situations arrives. If the board has no concerns, I would like to work directly with the DPD members in that building at Mira Mira plus lots building to strengthen the security equipment and the protocols for the safety of the staff and our public guest Thank you. Very nice,

    Commissioner. What are you suggesting specifically?

    Yes. Through the Chair, what I'm suggesting specifically is that we work very directly with the DPD staff. They are in the building to establish security protocols for screening those individuals who are coming in to the building and we have a plan of support for any escalations that might as a result of interfacing with citizens, and guests.

    Everyone in the building just about as carries a weapon. They're all sworn many of them are phone officers and many of our staff do so as well.

    Through through the Chair, I don't think that actually put us into it that nobody has to use their fire

    arm in the building. We have a metal detector at the door

    through a Chief

    Chief Investigator, she should do that through the chair. There needs to be significant security implemented

    at the building of Aisha Holly. That's the chairman. Can you can you you guys submit to us what the band you like

    to have? I think they were like asking us permission that he can do it. And then he'll come to us with a plan so I don't think there's any objection for you to move forward and coming up with a plan on how we can better secure the building. Thank you. Thank you,

    Secretary Shaw. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Moving on to the 2022 annual report. Also included in your packets behind tab number six is the final draft of the 2022 annual report. I would like to recognize Miss Teresa blossom for extensive work also on this project. The analysis of the data was particularly challenging due to recent changes, albeit improvements in reporting and dashboards of citizen complaint data as well as additional shifts and data reporting from DPD. Either way, the report is comprehensive is well designed and the staff is seeking the board's approval for the draft that you have in front of you today. Mr. Chair, would you like me to pause my report for the board to entertain

    this item to change and change the motion to approve the final draft of the board of police commissioner's 2022 any report. So moved. Is there a second? Thank you. It's been properly moved and seconded. Is

    there any discussion? Hearing no.

    Mr. Chair, Mr. Bill,

    we just received it. Okay.

    So why we will improve something we just received it and I haven't had a chance to look at it. So we just received it just leave it at that. Okay, well draft I

    just the trail. It has already been moved in secondary is there. The desire have moved was the commissioner more a commissioner Bernard and is there a desire for you to repeal

    the reviewing it? You know right now? I mean, you know, it's not. It's an annual report. It just says what we did in 2022. It's not anything new. It shouldn't be new to the board.

    Secretary Shaw through the Chair, just to clarify for the board. This is the third or fourth draft that's been passed to the board. And so over the last several months, the board has had a chance to review the iterations. And there have not been very many changes since the last draft that was submitted a couple weeks ago. However, if it pleasures the board to wait for a vote. That's up to the decision of the board. Just I just want to clarify that the drafts have been issued over the last several

    months. Thank you. Any further discussion? Hearing none all those in favor of approving the final draft of the board of police commissioners Lane 23 annual report please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed say no. The eyes habit the draft will like it's the board of police commissioners 2022 A report

    has been approved. Mr. Chairman, if I may I want to congratulate the staff on what appears to be a first class report. Great, great graphics, great pictures. Great everything. Thank

    you, Mr. Chairman.

    Thank you and thank you to the staff Secretary Shaw your report.

    Thank you Mr. Chair. For staffing updates. For open positions. Investigators are the board's last vote on the 17th of November contingent offers of offers are out to eight investigator candidates for the salary of 54,500 and a tentative start date of December 4. The position is also being reposted to fill additional opening open positions for investigators and for the executive assistant to 76 applicants were received and are being reviewed by myself and the acting attorney and will be shared with all commissioners recommendations will go to the personnel and training committee first. The last item on my report today is in regards to the civilian oversight analyst determination memo dated 1116 which is in your packets as well. As the board is aware the staff has been working with HR class compensation to review all salaries for B LPC and OCI staff. Class comp is conducting analysis and making recommendations on changes in job descriptions, salary ranges and or current compensation. Those recommendations are brought before the board before any implementation for the board's approval. The board has been asking to or the board has been seeking set to staff and analysts for some time. As class compensation conducted this research the board agreed to recruit for a temporary analyst in the meantime and those negotiations with that candidate continue. For Bo PCs permanent analyst position. Class comp is recommending creating a new job class classification to meet the needs of the board. Class comps memo is included in your packet behind tab number six, and I'll read that memo for the benefit of the board in the community. A class compensation request form was submitted to create a new title for the board of police commissioners that resemble the duties and responsibilities of a data analyst the following memo contains a proposed recommendation after a review was completed by the class comp department after receiving the request to create a new title. classification and compensation looked internally for similar roles already created within the city to serve as a direct comparable aligning the new create newly created jobs specification to that of a data analyst. We were able to find a number of similarities between the two roles. Unable to create a subclass we extracted the information within the job specification that was applicable to what this role will be responsible for within the board of police commissioners and created the new job specification. With this information in mind, we established the new range for this role at 60,553 to 84,836, aligning it to the data analyst role. It is a recommendation of the classification and compensation department that the new title name civilian oversight analysts board of police commissioners utilize that range mentioned above. Upon approval from the board. The classification and compensation department will schedule this role to be reviewed by City Council for approval. I would like to just clarify for the board that this is not an additional role. This is the analyst position that the board has been working for all year. And this is just another step in the process to establish this as a permanent role for the board support. Mr. Chair if you would like I can entertain any questions that the commissioners may have on this matter.

    Are there any questions for Secretary Shaw

    five? Sure, Holly, thank you so much, Mr. Chairman, and just a concern. I looking through all of this, Mr. Chairman, and we brag about Miss Boston and and to stare but bragging about them and paying them to different things. And it seems like to me that we got people coming in here at a high rate and I have no problem with it. But people live with us for 17 1819 years. And we are basically our are basically not giving them the number that I think they should have. I would be humiliated about being here this long to see somebody coming in to skin 1000 over me and I've been here for a number of years making fit. So I'm just saying to you again, this observation that I'd like really to put it on the benches of the of the board and the staff to look out for people like you just brag about Miss possum, which she does a good job, Mr. Brown and Miss Underwood. I think we ought to be concerned about their salaries two

    point well taken and our fiscal manager is on that as well. And so these are dual tracks. We're doing a comp analysis on all of our staff to make sure that we bring them up to market rate, but at the same time want to make sure we don't delay this position as well. Any further questions for Secretary shall I hearing no questions the chair would entertain a motion to approve city HR class comp to submit the request to city council for a new job classification of civilian overs analysts border police with the salary range of $60,553 to $84,836. So moves second. properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing no discussion all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. All those opposed say nay. The eyes habit that motion passes. So Secretary Shaw Are you concluded

    If any gets scheduled, then a notification will go out to the public

    Thank you know move on to new business where we will begin with a new business right here. Mr. Chair, I am on the agenda. Commissioner banks and so we will begin with a which is a committee report from the personnel and training Committee. Chairman

    because by this time I speak it's kind of going to have the secretary report. That's fine. Secretary shall be reading the person the only training committee report on behalf of chair Holly, the chair of the committee. Thank you Mr. Chair. The memorandum in your packets is from Reverend Jim Holley chairperson of the personnel training committee, dated November 21. Dear colleagues on behalf of the Board of police commissioners personnel

    number 21st board committee chairperson Jim Holley and Commissioner Lisa Carter. For the first item consideration of Clinton appointment Are you for Corey Jenkins to the position of administrative Special Special Services staff exempt analysts, the personnel and training committee discussed the originally recommended salary offer the counter offer and the market analysis provided by class comp. The committee approved the recommendation to the full board to vies Akari Jenkins salary offer from 58,600 to 72,690. For the next item consideration to appoint Mary Barbara to those position of administrators Special Services staff exempt to analysts. Since the committee's recommendation is to consider continue to pursue the offer with the other candidate this agenda item was not entertain. Lastly, the investigator interviews. Six investigator candidates were invited to interview on November 21, only one candidate arrived and was interviewed Marcellus Spa. The interview lasted approximately 30 minutes and consisted of the following elements introductions, instructions and overview of position interview questions and writing sample as well as candidate questions and next steps after the interview that can make compile scores and Adnan the following next steps. Pending commissioner and HR availability schedule an additional meeting for the week of November 27 to interview additional candidates from the current candidate pool to clarify, schedules did not align and so that additional meeting for interviews did not occur. And then also request the HR report that HR repost the investigator position to recruit for remaining open positions and that request has been submitted. At this time personnel and training committee does not have another meeting scheduled. Sincerely, Reverend Jim Holly.

    Thank you. Is there any action out of the committee? Chair Holly, please. I kind of would need you to read the motion if that's what you're talking about. So the chair entertains a motion by direction of the personnel and training committee to amend the appointment offer for Corey Jenkins for the position of administrative Special Services staff exempt to analyst from $58,600 to $72,694. As a final offer pending background checks. This doesn't require a second because it comes out of committee but is there any discussion? Hearing no discussion all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The eyes have it and that motion passes. Is there anything else from the personnel training committee? Nothing else. All right. With none we will now move on in new business. I'm given to you to the policy committee report. I'm sorry. Yeah. Okay. So now we have the policy committee, and we'll turn it over to the chair of the policy committee, Commissioner Linda Banagher.

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Policy Committee met myself and Commissioner Ricardo more on May I'm sorry, November 21. I think you know, November 21 20. The first item that we discussed was the outlier media request regarding the issue of what's happening with tenants and the police department and those sorts of issues. We could not really discuss it, because the requests that we've received from our outlier media, we go otters and squatters action team. We don't have the responses to their questions. Their questions were and we've referred them to the board of police commissioners. The results of the investigation into the squatters action team. That was number one. Number two was revised protocols and policies mentioned in the memo that I guess came from the police department three information about how if and how the squatters action team has been reorganized, and for any other information related to the squatters action team. They

    had revisions are just for point of clarification. You refer those questions to the board of police and you refer them to Detroit Police Department least department I think you guys right

    right ahead. Okay. So yeah, we have not received a response yet to those questions so that we can obviously respond back to outliers media, but hopefully we'll get a response before the next meeting. The second thing that we addressed were what actually 1234 policies of the of the city of Detroit. We, we had on the initial recognition policy. But the board but the board the chief sent a memo asking that we differ on that policy currently, and allow GCPD to make additional amendments to it. So it didn't make sense for us to address it if in fact, we were going to get amendments in the future. So we pull that off of the agenda. The second thing that we discussed was the eyewitness identification, and lineup special order. We reviewed that policy and definitely had obviously discussions with the department on it. And I am prepared today to recommend to the board that we adopt the policy as written and as revised with the with the consent and approval of

    the department through the chair, Secretary show.

    Just to clarify through the chair Commissioner Bernard. At this time, I think you're referring to the eyewitness identification and lineup which is next on the committee's list to review. The committee wasn't ready to make a recommendation on that just

    yet. Alright, I apologize for that. Oh kiddo. The third item that we discussed was the draft video release ordinance which reason a considerable amount of time on and attorney Peter rose who's here and policy analyst and so forth for Angela, Councilwoman Angela Callaway also assisted in in that meeting and was very responsive. Quite frankly, we have finalized a draft of that of that policy slash ordinance which we are prepared to, to refer to city council. We elected to prepare this as an ordinance and not as a policy because that's what the other cities have. Done. It's not a matter of internal policy. It's a matter of city law, if you will, as an ordinance, and that that policy that that ordinance has been prepared. And I let my colleagues speak to the changes that we made to the initial

    referral. Commissioner more. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The main thing that we changed was the timeline. Initially it was 60 days. And then I started thinking about the San Juan incident where Hakeem Littleton the Department released that video in less than two hours because it was to the department's favor to release it quickly to stop any disruption of city and the city services. So I started analyzing 21 days will be fair to GM down from 60 in the interest of public confidence in the police department.

    So our our our policy requires that videos be released within 21 days. There are certain exceptions to that of course if if the Department of Justice is involved, or those sorts of issues, then of course the video couldn't be released if in fact, there's a supervening federal power that is involved with the with the ordinance. So that was the major change we made from the original. I don't know if Secretary Shaw wants to read the ordinance into the record of the proposed ordinance, if you will do that waves

    through the share, just to clarify, Commissioner Banagher your request is to read the entire ordinance at this time into

    the record. Let's just read the amendments. Oh,

    I know it's not that long ago. It's really it's really pretty brief actually.

    From most ordinances, what parts have been changed?

    Well, just to clarify, this is a this is a draft of a brand new ordinance. So the whole thing is new. And it has been posted to the website it was read during the committee meeting and would it be more appropriate to just read off some highlights or do you want the

    whole thing read the

    highlights? Yeah,

    well, my share Holly my lights, but my concern is, Mr. Chairman, that we all have this in, in work. Written is supposed to be in the record that you have in but I'm just gonna say it I got seven people not here. I mean, this this ought to be something that the whole board ought to be very much involved in. The other thing I'm concerned about, they'll be giving the City Council our have we giving it to another entity of the city. I just feel like this need to be we need to have to appreciate the meeting due to the work that they're doing. But I like to have some time to talk about this. And have other cook committee people board members involved in this. I just feel like this. It's it's not fair to the others. I know if I was in here. I would feel unfair about it. But I think it ought to be basically where we can see it, not just for you read it into the record, but once it then the record is

    in the record. Well, it is in your packet after a tab not in writing as a policy and I do appreciate the fact that we would want to full attendance at the meeting but you know how difficult that can be and so we're in a catch 22 Because we don't want to delay the policy because then the citizens won't get the video so we do have to operate as it relates to our quorum. But if it is the desire of this board to postpone this, you know that it again is your wheel, but this is a recommendation that has come out of the policy committee. And so it's our duty to to respond to

    a Commissioner Bill. Mr. Chairman, my understanding by the city charter and our goals and objectives, that is the board DPD in the mayor, involved and policymaking is that taking place is DEP and the mayor and the board is not

    a one effort.

    I disagree with that correctly. If they're looking at City char

    I'm sure.

    Justice. Congress Scribner through the chair. This is a from the board to go to the Council for ordinance City Council passes ordinances. It's not a palace. What you're referring to Commissioner Bailey by the three headed monster known as the chief, the

    mayor and the board, well this is this is something different. This is rather unique as Commissioner Vice Chair indicated. So the pool board to the opportunity to weigh in on because you already released a public statement on this is out there, but we haven't had a chance to have discussion term

    sitting on his home. It's just his draft policy that it hasn't been released and again, as the policy committee has done this work, they are borrowing for best practices from other municipalities. And what has been seen is that when it has been made and ordinance relative to a policy, that it provides more teeth to ensure that it's followed and I don't think that there should be much a challenge in working collaboratively with our other legislative body to ensure again, that this work is being done. And it's not the only time we go to city council for assistance. And I think that now, if again, you're uncomfortable with that, you know Your vote can

    be no or just the term I would say you working with us, but do you have any workboard in reference to this particular matter? there who haven't. We have under Policy Committee government work with the board in reference to this man. This is what they're doing. This meeting

    they had sorry, let me they had a committee meeting. This is how our structure is set up. They deliberated the work in the committee meeting, and now they're bringing what they did in committee meeting to this board after the fact. I mean, that's kind of how it works. I mean, we were clear on Hold on. I'm speaking. We were clear on the agenda items on their committee that that was shared. We were aware that these were policies that they were going to review. So they've done their part and they're brought brought it here. And if you're saying now that it's here that you don't like it or it needs to go back, or we can do some different than national, right, but it's not them usurping the board's agency in this regard, and they had no control over who was going to be absent and present. This is our standing meeting. There is an expectation that you're here. And so I don't think that it's reasonable to utilize that as a reason as to not move forward. All right. So with that, the chair by direction of the policy committee, excuse me, the chair by the policy committee entertains a motion to adopt the draft video release policy for the City Council. Excuse me. Let me read that again. The chair entertains a motion by direction of the policy committee that we move to adopt the draft video release policy for the city of Detroit dash v four. As an ordinance Yes, it doesn't require a second and so is there any required three, four, so no, no. Majority and so no further discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, no, no. The chair calls for a roll call vote.

    Mr. Chair for roll call vote chair currently. Yes. Vice

    Chair Jim Holley. Absolutely no.

    Commissioner Tamra Liberty Smith, no.

    Commissioner Linda Banagher.

    Yes. Commissioner Cedric banks. Yes.

    Commissioner Willie Bell.

    Commissioner Ricardo more. Mr. Chair you have four yes votes and three no

    votes with four yes votes and three no votes that motion passes.

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Go

    right ahead with your report.

    The final item where's my notes here on this.

    On this agenda,

    where is the final item?

    Well, almost.

    Yeah, it is. This is through to just two items that we have been through the chair. At the second piece to the ordinance is the resolution to go along with the

    ordinance. Okay, so we still have business to handle in this regard. And so you might make your motion,

    Commissioner Bodnar to approve the resolution as drafted and some in support. Of the of our proposed policy slash ordinance regarding video releases by the police department to the community.

    Mr. Chair for the record, the resolution if adopted by the Board should be

    read into the record. Okay.

    So there's been a motion is not needed any second any discussion? Hearing no discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. I want to be get a point of clarification. Were you saying that that needs to be read before we vote or once it's adopted? It needs to be reversed Mr. Chair should be read before vote. Okay, we'll go

    ahead and read the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm supposed to read the resolution from the policy committee. Board of police commissioner's resolution for City Council's adoption of the video release ordinance as drafted by the board of police commissioners, whereas the city of Detroit paved the way for civilian oversight of law enforcement for the United States of America with the establishment of the Detroit board of police commissioners in 1974 and must continue to strive to be the benchmark and example of transparency and accountability. And whereas other cities such as Detroit sister city of Chicago have progressively adopted policies and ordinances mandating the timely release of videos and supporting documentation related to police use of force incidents. And whereas the board of police commissioners, the Detroit soul and the public of the redacted fulfilment of video footage from the Detroit Police Department. Currently video is released within the Detroit Police Department's discretion and whereas public safety is dependent upon the establishment and maintenance of transparency with respect to the operations of the Detroit Police Department, and trust and communication between the police department and the community, whom it serves, and whereas the people of Detroit have an undeniable and in some cases Paramount interest in being informed in a timely fashion and based on the most accurate information possible about how their police department conducts its business, especially when the use of force by the police results in the death of or great bodily harm to a civilian. And whereas when police interactions tragically end and the serious injury or death of a civilian and or Detroit Police Department member, there's heightened public desire for transparency into what

    occurred, let the record show that we have lost our quorum and without a quorum, we cannot move forward with the business of this agenda. So the chair entertains a German This meeting is adjourned.