Board of Police Commissioners
Detroit Board of Police Commissioners
Criminal Justice
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Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team
Live reporting by
Bridget Scallen
BOPC approves a draft video release policy requiring the release of footage of certain police-involved incidents within 21 days.
Hello, Detroit. Today at 3pm I'll be live-tweeting the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners meeting for @DetDocumenters. Media partners are @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit.
11:31 AM Nov 30, 2023 CST
The meeting is open to the public in person or via zoom: . Here is the agenda. detroitmi.gov/government/boa…
detroitmi.gov/government/boa…
For past #DetDocumenters coverage of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners meetings, please see the archive: or the Nov 17th meeting live-tweeting by @benavides_colon: . detroit.documenters.org/reporting/?age… https://twitter.com/benavides_colon/status/1725516468186398942
detroit.documenters.org/reporting/?age…
@benavides_colon Recent news on the role of the BOPC includes this @BridgeDet313 article, Nov. 27: "Oversight law didn’t stop surveillance boom. Advocates call for reforms" by @PolarBarrett w/ quotations from @gabysantiromero @aclu @PoetTPetty: . bridgedetroit.com/oversight-law-…
bridgedetroit.com/oversight-law-…
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty A quorum is declared a few minutes before 3pm.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty To folks tuned-in: Thanks for your understanding that documenting live-tweet and viewing the zoom in a single small laptop screen is a challenge -- doing my best as always.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty Chairman Pressley calls the meeting to order at 3pm. When prompted, a woman in uniform says prayers of thanks to God, lifts "every complaint" to God too.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty Secretary Shaw does roll call. Three commissioners had submitted excused absences; rest are present in person except for one Commissioner who is tuned in remotely. Minutes are adopted 3:03pm.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty Chairman Pressley invites public comment. Public comment will take place after the Chief of Police report.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty An official reads the Resolution – Commander Kimberly M. Blackwell (Retirement), and BOPC members approve this resolution. The resolution recognizes the service of Commander Blackwell to public safety.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty For the Community Impact Report, Secretary Shaw reads a memo dated today that @skillmanfound has awarded funds to support the Youth Advisory Council. Sixteen youth will participate including attending BOPC meetings. YAC began May '22. Funds will help towards $26K operating costs.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound Commissioner Banks asks what does YAC stand for.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound The Skillman Foundation supports about $15K of operating costs and BOPC seeks the additional $11K.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound The Chief of Police report indicates "crime is moving in the right direction, but certainly not celebrating" - "still have to get through December which historically is a very violent time in the City of Detroit" w/ murders and suicides.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound The Chief of Police report by week on Shotspotter gives the numbers of arrests and firearms, but what those numbers mean is not really explained.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound Chief White recognizes op ed by Commissioner Ricardo Moore in @freep today: . Chief White responds w/ sympathy for his loss. White goes on to say in law enforcement there are certain things he just cannot share. He says he "gets FOIA'ed quite a bit." freep.com/story/opinion/…
freep.com/story/opinion/…
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep The second issue Chief White says he identified in the article [op ed] is the issue of [lack of] transparency in the department. "And that's simply not true," he says. He says that on critical incidents including officer-involved shootings, @detroitpolice rushes to put out info.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Chief White is speaking in tone I would describe as defensive.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Chief White says he has repeatedly asked this Board (BOPC) to follow the Law Department's opinion as rooted in the City Charter. "This is not about scorn or ridicule... what I am looking for is this Board to continue to engage in professional oversight of the Police Department."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Lastly, he says, there are two cases that continually come up, homicides. He points to 100+ homicide cases that the Police Department has not yet closed, and the Department is working with those families too.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Chairman Pressley responds that he appreciates Chief White's demeanor in his statement.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Moore responds: He thanks Chief White for condolences on the murder of his grandfather. He then says he stands by every word in his article. Moore asks White what he meant about solving a case "by snowfall."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice White and Moore go back and forth a bit. White says he had said in the summer that he hoped to have a murder case closed by winter, says things have come up that have complicated that, "but we are still on track."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Moore asks for clarification that murder of Samantha Woll that nothing suggests it was a hate crime. White responds the evidence they have suggests it was not in any way a hate crime.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Moore asks if the Squatters' Task Force is still in existence. White responds the Police Department has a task force or task forces working to help people who are homeless and property owners. [He does not elaborate nor does Moore ask how they "help" people who are unsheltered.]
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Bernard highlights headlines in the WashPo on crime problem in DC, congratulates Detroit Police Department on "keeping the peace;" says "our statistics are the exact opposite of Washington, DC's."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Bernard asks Chief White to comment on civilian oversight of police, Pressley asks Bernard to provide names on this model so BOPC and Chief White can look into the model. Chief White says he would like to look into that, says it sounds like OCI w/ some differences.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Bernard also asks Chief White to comment on Police Department providing video footage to public, why Detroit Police is modeling after LA rather than Chicago which Bernard calls "our sister city."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Chief White responds to Q that providing footage to the public within 45 days [like LA] is something they "can do" and that he also liked how the LA model referred to policy. Material/portal should be live today [on Youtube?].
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Holley says he is concerned with what they are "able to do as commissioners." Says he is "very uncomfortable about finding a release in the paper." Pressley responds there are differences in perspectives, but that it is far past time to come to an agreement.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Bernard responds to Commissioner Holley, "...Jim you cannot stop free speech. ....It can't be controlled, and it won't be controlled." Pressley responds to Bernard there are cases where speech is restricted such as closed sessions.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Pressley emphasizes there are "different philosophies" on this Board. He says he thinks "it's important to have a policy in place to avoid confusion as we move forward."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Moore asks Pressley for clarification on his suggestion to limit speech. Pressley responds that he is thinking of clarity that when a commissioner speaks, they are speaking on their own behalf rather than the whole board. Moore says okay.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Pressley says we are now moving to Oral Communications. Secretary Shaw says we have 14 speakers [public comment] today.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Minister Eric Blunt says the # of guns recovered is critical to measuring the success of Shotspotter program "but it's not about success, it's about what this Police Department wants." "Don't brag about transparency & quality. ...Where was that in Porter Burkes [shot 38x by PD]?"
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Blunt says the facts are the facts, calls for same-day release footage of all police interaction w/ citizens, not 45 days.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 2: Rep. from Councilmember Calloway, 1. Interested in video release policy, looking to policy that may need a city ordinance. 2. There is an issue [problem] concerning missing and murdered Black women and girls, for which there is pending nat'l legislation.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 3: "Interesting meeting today. ...The police have done a magnificent job for the City of Detroit." She says the police in Chicago don't do nothin' compared to police in City of Detroit. She says "you don't have to broadcast" dissatisfaction with PD.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 4, B. Douglas, speaking from D5 in NW Detroit: Speaks in praise of Devon Hoover (person murdered), his kind demeanor, his grand house. Says "you" go on character assassination of Devon [unclear who he is referring to].
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 5: Speaks to Jeremiah Wheeler who spoke at recent community meeting, his heart skips a beat when he sees or comes into contact w/ the police. She says it comes from history of negative behaviors of policing especially when it come to Black males.-
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Officers must be chosen carefully. She said she senses officers feel they have power when they have a badge and a gun.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 6: Says you all know I've complained about police officers stalking me in their civilian vehicles and my car being broken into at MGM Casino. Says she learned police officers were involved in breaking into/hacking into her car. It's going on three years...-
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice -my life is in danger every day. ...Someone needs to do their job correctly."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 7, Carol: Says she is aware there were problems w/ the investigation of Devon Hoover in the first two days. Says lack of communication w/ the family & others - "It's very, very frustrating." Asks if FBI can become involved.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 8: Man says thanks to police officers for "excellent service" every day and night. Says neighbors were not canvassed following Devon's murder and "months went by" w/o a return call from homicide. Says we hear "defund the PD" but let us know if you need funding.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Self-correction! Deputy Chief Hayes is standing in for Chief White. He said all that I identified as Chief White saying.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 9: Law enforcement is meant to protect the public, not the Administration. "Do your job and enforce the laws appropriately." "Elected officials have a duty & obligation to represent their constituents. I suggest you guys assign a Board spokesman."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 10: Says she has been here before like many other speakers. She is coming w/ the same three Qs [as before]. Please see transcript for her precise questions. Question 2: How is felony bench warrant held for 3 years w/o due process? Board only responds "thank you."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 11: Says police department is "looking out for you," tells public to tell the police they are doing a good job.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 12, former Commissioner Davis, zoom: It's imperative everyone knows City of Detroit, BOPC, PD, need greater transparency -- continues to be a problem, knows groups that filed FOIA and received requirement of high fees. Pleased to see new ppl coming on the Board.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice -"We want to make sure you weed out the bad officers, and you can't do that with your head in the sand."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 13: MSP acknowledged there is not enough evidence to label a suicide of a [inaudible] death. PSA: Commend DPD Chief White on his leadership for calling in MSP when presented w/ new evidence [on this case?]. Says [blocking] actions of two Commissioners duly noted.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 14, S. Bowman: 1. Civilian oversight & accountability not about loving or hating the police. "It's a matter of individuals being held accountable for behavior as police officers," not "broad brush" on occupation.-
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice - 2. He says he concerned the expansion of license plate readers in the City of Detroit is risking civilians' privacy. Pressley responds "thank you."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment has concluded.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Secretary Shaw: 1. Dec. 1, City will no longer send info to personal email addresses. 2. Decisions on administrative leave w/o pay for officers has been rescheduled. 3. Another person speaks on need for additional security of a particular building that needs to remain public.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Secretary Shah (please note spelling correction Shaw->Shah) asks for Board to vote on current iteration of annual report. Pressley calls for a vote. Bernard votes "Aye" and no one else is audible to me. No board members votes "No." The draft is approved.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Secretary Shah refers to Civilian Oversight Analyst Determination Memo 11.16.2023: they are reviewing recommendations on compensation and title for Data Analyst, and all recommendations will be brought to the board. It's the position the Board has been working on all year.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Holley responds to "just a concern," says he would be humiliated if a person comes in at $10k over a person who's been working for the BOPC for 17 years. Pressley responds they are working on this issue.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Pressley calls for BOPC vote on data analyst role with increased salary. Motion passes. Will now go to City Council.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice New Business: Personnel & Training Committee Report - Recommendation to amend the contingency offer to Acarie Jenkins for the position of Admin. Special Services Staff Exempt 2 (Analyst) from $58,600 to $72,694. No discussion. Bernard votes "Aye," zero "No" votes. Motion passes.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Policy Committee Report - Bernard - @media_outlier Request 11012023: We could not really discuss it (request for info on "squatters action team") so referred the Qs to the Police Department; have not yet received a response.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier - Recommendation to adopt the DRAFT Video Release Policy for the City of Detroit_v4. Rep. from Calloway's office helped. They finalized draft. Elected to prepare as an ordinance not policy. Moore: We changed release timeline from 60 to 21 days, thinking of Hakim Littleton case.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier The draft of the video release policy has been posted to "the website." Holley expresses concern that seven people are not present; would like to have some time for everyone to see it and discuss it. Pressley says it is in the BOPC packet.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier Commissioners Holley, Bell, and Moore, and Chairman Pressley discuss the process of the draft development. There is no discussion. Roll call vote: 4 yes votes, 3 no votes. Holley "absolutely no." Smith: "no." Bell: "no." Motion passes.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier Secretary Shah reads the Recommendation to adopt the resolution for City Council’s adoption of the video release ordinance as drafted by the Board of Police Commissioners.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier Pressley announces they have lost quorum. Meeting is adjourned.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier That concludes my coverage of the BOPC meeting for @DetDocumenters. For more meeting coverage, check out . If you believe anything in this coverage today is inaccurate, please email documenters@outliermedia.org w/ "Correction Request" in the subject line. detroit.documenters.org
detroit.documenters.org
Live reporting by
Bridget Scallen
BOPC approves a draft video release policy requiring the release of footage of certain police-involved incidents within 21 days.
Hello, Detroit. Today at 3pm I'll be live-tweeting the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners meeting for @DetDocumenters. Media partners are @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit.
11:31 AM Nov 30, 2023 CST
The meeting is open to the public in person or via zoom: . Here is the agenda. detroitmi.gov/government/boa…
detroitmi.gov/government/boa…
For past #DetDocumenters coverage of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners meetings, please see the archive: or the Nov 17th meeting live-tweeting by @benavides_colon: . detroit.documenters.org/reporting/?age… https://twitter.com/benavides_colon/status/1725516468186398942
detroit.documenters.org/reporting/?age…
@benavides_colon Recent news on the role of the BOPC includes this @BridgeDet313 article, Nov. 27: "Oversight law didn’t stop surveillance boom. Advocates call for reforms" by @PolarBarrett w/ quotations from @gabysantiromero @aclu @PoetTPetty: . bridgedetroit.com/oversight-law-…
bridgedetroit.com/oversight-law-…
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty A quorum is declared a few minutes before 3pm.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty To folks tuned-in: Thanks for your understanding that documenting live-tweet and viewing the zoom in a single small laptop screen is a challenge -- doing my best as always.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty Chairman Pressley calls the meeting to order at 3pm. When prompted, a woman in uniform says prayers of thanks to God, lifts "every complaint" to God too.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty Secretary Shaw does roll call. Three commissioners had submitted excused absences; rest are present in person except for one Commissioner who is tuned in remotely. Minutes are adopted 3:03pm.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty Chairman Pressley invites public comment. Public comment will take place after the Chief of Police report.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty An official reads the Resolution – Commander Kimberly M. Blackwell (Retirement), and BOPC members approve this resolution. The resolution recognizes the service of Commander Blackwell to public safety.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty For the Community Impact Report, Secretary Shaw reads a memo dated today that @skillmanfound has awarded funds to support the Youth Advisory Council. Sixteen youth will participate including attending BOPC meetings. YAC began May '22. Funds will help towards $26K operating costs.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound Commissioner Banks asks what does YAC stand for.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound The Skillman Foundation supports about $15K of operating costs and BOPC seeks the additional $11K.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound The Chief of Police report indicates "crime is moving in the right direction, but certainly not celebrating" - "still have to get through December which historically is a very violent time in the City of Detroit" w/ murders and suicides.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound The Chief of Police report by week on Shotspotter gives the numbers of arrests and firearms, but what those numbers mean is not really explained.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound Chief White recognizes op ed by Commissioner Ricardo Moore in @freep today: . Chief White responds w/ sympathy for his loss. White goes on to say in law enforcement there are certain things he just cannot share. He says he "gets FOIA'ed quite a bit." freep.com/story/opinion/…
freep.com/story/opinion/…
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep The second issue Chief White says he identified in the article [op ed] is the issue of [lack of] transparency in the department. "And that's simply not true," he says. He says that on critical incidents including officer-involved shootings, @detroitpolice rushes to put out info.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Chief White is speaking in tone I would describe as defensive.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Chief White says he has repeatedly asked this Board (BOPC) to follow the Law Department's opinion as rooted in the City Charter. "This is not about scorn or ridicule... what I am looking for is this Board to continue to engage in professional oversight of the Police Department."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Lastly, he says, there are two cases that continually come up, homicides. He points to 100+ homicide cases that the Police Department has not yet closed, and the Department is working with those families too.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Chairman Pressley responds that he appreciates Chief White's demeanor in his statement.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Moore responds: He thanks Chief White for condolences on the murder of his grandfather. He then says he stands by every word in his article. Moore asks White what he meant about solving a case "by snowfall."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice White and Moore go back and forth a bit. White says he had said in the summer that he hoped to have a murder case closed by winter, says things have come up that have complicated that, "but we are still on track."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @PoetTPetty @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Moore asks for clarification that murder of Samantha Woll that nothing suggests it was a hate crime. White responds the evidence they have suggests it was not in any way a hate crime.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Moore asks if the Squatters' Task Force is still in existence. White responds the Police Department has a task force or task forces working to help people who are homeless and property owners. [He does not elaborate nor does Moore ask how they "help" people who are unsheltered.]
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Bernard highlights headlines in the WashPo on crime problem in DC, congratulates Detroit Police Department on "keeping the peace;" says "our statistics are the exact opposite of Washington, DC's."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Bernard asks Chief White to comment on civilian oversight of police, Pressley asks Bernard to provide names on this model so BOPC and Chief White can look into the model. Chief White says he would like to look into that, says it sounds like OCI w/ some differences.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Bernard also asks Chief White to comment on Police Department providing video footage to public, why Detroit Police is modeling after LA rather than Chicago which Bernard calls "our sister city."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Chief White responds to Q that providing footage to the public within 45 days [like LA] is something they "can do" and that he also liked how the LA model referred to policy. Material/portal should be live today [on Youtube?].
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Holley says he is concerned with what they are "able to do as commissioners." Says he is "very uncomfortable about finding a release in the paper." Pressley responds there are differences in perspectives, but that it is far past time to come to an agreement.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Bernard responds to Commissioner Holley, "...Jim you cannot stop free speech. ....It can't be controlled, and it won't be controlled." Pressley responds to Bernard there are cases where speech is restricted such as closed sessions.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Pressley emphasizes there are "different philosophies" on this Board. He says he thinks "it's important to have a policy in place to avoid confusion as we move forward."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Moore asks Pressley for clarification on his suggestion to limit speech. Pressley responds that he is thinking of clarity that when a commissioner speaks, they are speaking on their own behalf rather than the whole board. Moore says okay.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Pressley says we are now moving to Oral Communications. Secretary Shaw says we have 14 speakers [public comment] today.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Minister Eric Blunt says the # of guns recovered is critical to measuring the success of Shotspotter program "but it's not about success, it's about what this Police Department wants." "Don't brag about transparency & quality. ...Where was that in Porter Burkes [shot 38x by PD]?"
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Blunt says the facts are the facts, calls for same-day release footage of all police interaction w/ citizens, not 45 days.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 2: Rep. from Councilmember Calloway, 1. Interested in video release policy, looking to policy that may need a city ordinance. 2. There is an issue [problem] concerning missing and murdered Black women and girls, for which there is pending nat'l legislation.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 3: "Interesting meeting today. ...The police have done a magnificent job for the City of Detroit." She says the police in Chicago don't do nothin' compared to police in City of Detroit. She says "you don't have to broadcast" dissatisfaction with PD.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 4, B. Douglas, speaking from D5 in NW Detroit: Speaks in praise of Devon Hoover (person murdered), his kind demeanor, his grand house. Says "you" go on character assassination of Devon [unclear who he is referring to].
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 5: Speaks to Jeremiah Wheeler who spoke at recent community meeting, his heart skips a beat when he sees or comes into contact w/ the police. She says it comes from history of negative behaviors of policing especially when it come to Black males.-
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Officers must be chosen carefully. She said she senses officers feel they have power when they have a badge and a gun.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 6: Says you all know I've complained about police officers stalking me in their civilian vehicles and my car being broken into at MGM Casino. Says she learned police officers were involved in breaking into/hacking into her car. It's going on three years...-
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice -my life is in danger every day. ...Someone needs to do their job correctly."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 7, Carol: Says she is aware there were problems w/ the investigation of Devon Hoover in the first two days. Says lack of communication w/ the family & others - "It's very, very frustrating." Asks if FBI can become involved.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 8: Man says thanks to police officers for "excellent service" every day and night. Says neighbors were not canvassed following Devon's murder and "months went by" w/o a return call from homicide. Says we hear "defund the PD" but let us know if you need funding.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Self-correction! Deputy Chief Hayes is standing in for Chief White. He said all that I identified as Chief White saying.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 9: Law enforcement is meant to protect the public, not the Administration. "Do your job and enforce the laws appropriately." "Elected officials have a duty & obligation to represent their constituents. I suggest you guys assign a Board spokesman."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 10: Says she has been here before like many other speakers. She is coming w/ the same three Qs [as before]. Please see transcript for her precise questions. Question 2: How is felony bench warrant held for 3 years w/o due process? Board only responds "thank you."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 11: Says police department is "looking out for you," tells public to tell the police they are doing a good job.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 12, former Commissioner Davis, zoom: It's imperative everyone knows City of Detroit, BOPC, PD, need greater transparency -- continues to be a problem, knows groups that filed FOIA and received requirement of high fees. Pleased to see new ppl coming on the Board.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice -"We want to make sure you weed out the bad officers, and you can't do that with your head in the sand."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 13: MSP acknowledged there is not enough evidence to label a suicide of a [inaudible] death. PSA: Commend DPD Chief White on his leadership for calling in MSP when presented w/ new evidence [on this case?]. Says [blocking] actions of two Commissioners duly noted.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment 14, S. Bowman: 1. Civilian oversight & accountability not about loving or hating the police. "It's a matter of individuals being held accountable for behavior as police officers," not "broad brush" on occupation.-
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice - 2. He says he concerned the expansion of license plate readers in the City of Detroit is risking civilians' privacy. Pressley responds "thank you."
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Public comment has concluded.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Secretary Shaw: 1. Dec. 1, City will no longer send info to personal email addresses. 2. Decisions on administrative leave w/o pay for officers has been rescheduled. 3. Another person speaks on need for additional security of a particular building that needs to remain public.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Secretary Shah (please note spelling correction Shaw->Shah) asks for Board to vote on current iteration of annual report. Pressley calls for a vote. Bernard votes "Aye" and no one else is audible to me. No board members votes "No." The draft is approved.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Secretary Shah refers to Civilian Oversight Analyst Determination Memo 11.16.2023: they are reviewing recommendations on compensation and title for Data Analyst, and all recommendations will be brought to the board. It's the position the Board has been working on all year.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Commissioner Holley responds to "just a concern," says he would be humiliated if a person comes in at $10k over a person who's been working for the BOPC for 17 years. Pressley responds they are working on this issue.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Pressley calls for BOPC vote on data analyst role with increased salary. Motion passes. Will now go to City Council.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice New Business: Personnel & Training Committee Report - Recommendation to amend the contingency offer to Acarie Jenkins for the position of Admin. Special Services Staff Exempt 2 (Analyst) from $58,600 to $72,694. No discussion. Bernard votes "Aye," zero "No" votes. Motion passes.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice Policy Committee Report - Bernard - @media_outlier Request 11012023: We could not really discuss it (request for info on "squatters action team") so referred the Qs to the Police Department; have not yet received a response.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier - Recommendation to adopt the DRAFT Video Release Policy for the City of Detroit_v4. Rep. from Calloway's office helped. They finalized draft. Elected to prepare as an ordinance not policy. Moore: We changed release timeline from 60 to 21 days, thinking of Hakim Littleton case.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier The draft of the video release policy has been posted to "the website." Holley expresses concern that seven people are not present; would like to have some time for everyone to see it and discuss it. Pressley says it is in the BOPC packet.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier Commissioners Holley, Bell, and Moore, and Chairman Pressley discuss the process of the draft development. There is no discussion. Roll call vote: 4 yes votes, 3 no votes. Holley "absolutely no." Smith: "no." Bell: "no." Motion passes.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier Secretary Shah reads the Recommendation to adopt the resolution for City Council’s adoption of the video release ordinance as drafted by the Board of Police Commissioners.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier Pressley announces they have lost quorum. Meeting is adjourned.
@benavides_colon @BridgeDet313 @PolarBarrett @gabysantiromero @ACLU @skillmanfound @freep @detroitpolice @media_outlier That concludes my coverage of the BOPC meeting for @DetDocumenters. For more meeting coverage, check out . If you believe anything in this coverage today is inaccurate, please email documenters@outliermedia.org w/ "Correction Request" in the subject line. detroit.documenters.org
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Agency Information
Detroit Board of Police Commissioners
The Board of Police Commissioners has supervisory control and oversight of the Police Department, including plenary authority over citizen complaints and the power to appoint fact finders, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and require the production of evidence. The Board also appoints a civilian as Director of Police Personnel and approves all promotions made by the Chief. The 11 member board is comprised of 7 elected members from each city council district and 4 members appointed by the Mayor. https://detroitmi.gov/government/boards/board-police-commissioners
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