Board of Police Commissioners

We are also covering this meeting for @detdocumenters.bsky.social media partners: @bridgedet313.bsky.social @freep.com @freep.com @outliermedia.org @metrotimes.com @wdet.bsky.social @planetdetroit.org @wxyzdetroit.bsky.social

Here is the agenda.

https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/events/2025-03/Draft%20Agenda%20March%206%2C%202025.pdf

Here is the link for the meeting attendance.

https://detroitmi.gov/events/board-police-commissioners-meeting-march-6-2025

Enjoy this Windy morning!!! See ya later!

Getting ready…
Here are the members-

Can hear members before meeting starts.
Phone calls, background noises…

Meeting starting off with Champlain Mary giving prayer.

No quorum yet.
Expecting one shortly.

Secretary report-Lydia Gardner next meetings detailed on website.

Next Public comments.

Mr Blunt- discussing issues with police.
Such as Michael Jackson arrest for Samantha Woll, facial recognition, shot spotter.

Chief Todd Bettison said shot spotter has lead officers to the scene quick enough to make arrest, & found victims quick enough to save their lives.
We need experts to get the information out.

Next public comment Mark- praising the department and the community’s love for them.

Next public comment- Mrs. (?) telling story of Chief picking her up to go to church.
She continued to tell her story….had to be cut off for next comment.

7 members now present they have a quorum and running thru the agenda.
Past meeting minutes approved.

Now Chief of Police report

This weekend 24% reduction # of murders this year from last year…all reports showing down in all categories.

He brought up technology and the story of gutter theives being caught.
Covered by our partner @wxyzdetroit.bsky.social here https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/detroit/three-men-charged-after-detroit-gutter-theft-was-caught-on-surveillance-video

Commissioners are asking some ? Of the chief, from discussion on stun gun vs taser differences, to detective updating families on cases.

Asked about some points of his plan Chief Bettison said always some reorganization…some already in place…traffic enforcement…keeping crime down.

More public comments-

1st-caller- Juliet Lyman- on beheld of husband- to speak with commissioner- needs assistance. Commissioner Woods will give her # off line for her to call after the meeting.

Public Comments- continue.
Some criticizing some commissioners…all public comments done.

Commissioner Burton praising Commissioner Bell and his work in the community.

Presentation -

In case ya didn’t know—-this is what they say #ShotSpotter is

“
Less than 20% of gunshots are reported to 911

This is the coverage map now.
Darker green is the 1st 2 areas.

Less shots fired per the graph…but the missing area is around New Years…due to soooooo many gunshots it would sku the graph to much…so yeah, it’s great here around New Years!

End of presentation. Commissioner ???’s

? If significant lower #’’s due to ShotSpotter.
Advised that and the entire technology being used such as Greenlight & license plate readers.

Commissioner Bernard ? How many districts have it, and if bid out contract.
Was advised bid out. 2021 8th & 9th started.
Chief Bettison said 39 sq miles due to cost no toll of taking it city wide.

Commissioner Bell said something needs to be done about New Years time. Said it’s out of control near his house.
Was advised the ShotSpotter does have the counts for that time and they can and do use that.

Budget Presentation next

2nd 1/4 2025 Budget breakdown

Commissioner ???? Budget presentation done.

??? Include ?? “Other revenue” - special events for the city, towing fees.
??? Request after budget approved by mayor come back and let us know what changed from our recommendations.

??? Of reduction of budgets due to federal funding cuts.
Not at this time.
But will let them know of any changes.
Chair Woods said ..as long as tax payers can pay their taxes they will have funding.

Going to closed session. To discuss disqualifying DPD applicants for 3 1/2 minutes.

We could still hear them for a lil
Kickin the Willie BoBo’s &
Discussing projects.

Still in closed session.

I heard some voices…no video

They are back.

Did roll call again…Only Commissioner Moore not there. Excused.
They are voting on an applicant to continue to move forward in the hiring process.
It passed…Commissioner Pressley voted no.

Now another closed session to discuss officer Earl Anderson to get benefits during leave.

They are back again.

They extended leave without pay but with medical benefits for Officer Earl Anderson.
No opposition.

Next new business.

New Business added- to extend Special Orders for 60 days-
? Which ones- all that are set to expire 3/25-
Request list-advised they will give to them.
Confusion on what to do with this new item…refer to policy commission, postpone, or do nothing goes to next meeting as unfinished business.

Voting on the Use of Force Policy Directive 304.2

Passed

https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/events/2025-03/304.2%20Use%20of%20Force%20%2001302025%20FINAL%20FOR%20BOPC%20VOTE%203-6-25.pdf

Motion to tribute to men and women who went out to SW Detroit during floods SRT Habormaster and 4th Precinct, & fire department….Commissioner Hernandez request draft said it’s his neighborhood doesn’t want random people added to this.
…
Motion to adjourn made…chair Woods said he ha to eat some food.

Meeting ADJORNED.
This concludes our coverage of this slightly confusing meeting.

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