DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Mayor Bill Bazzi of Dearborn Heights has formally announced the departure of Jerrod S. Hart, his police chief.
The announcement, which took place on Wednesday (July 3), was made more urgent as Bazzi accepted Hart’s ‘Constructive Termination’ notice, effective immediately.
Hart said his departure was due to the continued harassment, retaliation, defunding of critical positions, and other unprofessional tactics my leadership and I have endured from several Dearborn Heights City Council members, culminating with the council’s handling of the city’s 2024-25 budget.
The Budget was passed at the 11th hour to satisfy Michigan’s mandate for approval before its July 1 deadline.
Despite this, the Council violated the City’s Charter by not adopting a proposed budget before the first Monday in June, the deadline for this.
Bazzi suggested that Hart’s departure be the first of several organizational changes he would make to leadership staff.
Hart expressed his appreciation to the staff, business leaders, and residents who supported his work throughout his 2½-year tenure with the department.
Bazzi has appointed DHPD Director Kevin Swope as the department’s new police chief.
Related: Dearborn Heights city council passes budget to avert government shutdown