Groups discuss concerns about Michigan State Police at public forum

NAACP, ACLU, Arab American Civil Rights League, other groups gather

DETROIT – Michigan State Police was under the microscope Saturday during a public forum in Detroit.

It comes after a troubling Facebook post by the director colonel and an investigation into a deadly police chase.

The NAACP, the ACLU, the Arab American Civil Rights League and other groups met to discuss concerns about the agency, but one organization was notably absent.

The NAACP said it extended an invitation to the director colonel, but Local 4 News is told she was unable to make it and no one else was available either.

A public forum to address concerns about the culture within MSP started with its leadership, specifically the Facebook message shared by the director colonel that called NFL athletes who knelt during the national anthem "anti-American degenerates."

"If she left today, the culture would not change," retired MSP inspector Ellis Stafford said.

"If this reflects the thinking of the head of the organization then the body itself cannot function properly," said Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit branch of the NAACP.

The post was shared in September on Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue's personal Facebook page. Amid heavy criticism and calls for her resignation, Etue later apologized and removed the post.

"Not only did her words concern me, but her weak apology concerned me," said Kary Moss, executive director of the ACLU. "She has a sworn duty to protect everyone in this state, and when a leader does not do that, it destroys trust."

The forum covered a wide range of concerns about law enforcement practices.

"This is not just about recruiting. You got to go beyond it. Go to training, retention, promotion," Stafford said.

Stafford retired from Michigan State Police after more than two decades with the force. Last year, following a DUI, he stepped down from the Flint water investigation.

Linda Lewis, the mother of Dallas Cowboy and former Michigan player Jourdan Lewis, said more needs to be done to build the relationship between police and the public.

"If police stop them what are you going to do? Can’t reach for anything because you're afraid. Hold your hands up, still afraid. So what do you do?" Linda Lewis said.

Speakers also addressed a lack of minorities on the force and within in top brass, saying there are many within the organization who are afraid to speak up because they fear retribution or being overlooked for a promotion.


About the Author:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism