DETROIT – With Chief James White planning to step down from the Detroit Police Department, the search for his replacement will soon begin.
He or she will be tasked with leading a department of more than 2,500 police officers.
But first, Detroit Mayor Duggan will select an interim chief, which he hopes to do by the end of next week.
“The chief sets the tone for the rest of the department,” said Detroit resident Ms. Dee.
Ms. Dee is part of 48207-11 Grassroots Detroiters and the 7th Precinct Community Police Relations Coalition.
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Both organizations focus on strengthening the relationship between the community and police, which Ms. Dee said should be a priority for the city’s next top cop.
Ms. Dee said she prefers that the new chief is from Detroit and is interested in addressing the root causes of crime.
“We need a chief that is willing to come out and speak with the community, and work with the community, and find out what’s really going to get to the root of the problem,” Ms. Dee said.
So, here’s how the process works to pick a new chief of the Detroit Police Department.
Under the city charter, the Board of Police Commissioners is responsible for conducting a search and generating a list of candidates.
Then Duggan will interview and make his selection. But the process isn’t over yet. The city council must sign off with a majority vote.
Teferi Brent is the cofounder of Dignity 4 Detroit, a group that focuses on police accountability and transparency.
He wants the next chief to strongly support community violence intervention efforts and be open to transparency.
“Whoever it is, they’re going to be held accountable,” he said. “If they do their job right, we will celebrate them. If they do their job wrong, we are going to put our foot in their butt.”
The 7th Precinct Community and Police Relation Coalition holds meetings every fourth Friday. The group’s next meeting is Oct. 25 in the 3127 block of East Canfield Street.