Detroit Faces Candidate Shortage for Police Oversight Board

Detroit Faces Candidate Shortage for Police Oversight Board

The upcoming August primary in Detroit will see a significant lack of candidates for the Board of Police Commissioners, with three of the 11-member board seats having no candidates at all. Additionally, three other seats lack competition, featuring only one candidate per seat on the ballot. The deadline for candidates to file to run was April 22, and no additions to the ballot are permitted beyond this date, although individuals may still embark on write-in campaigns.

Implications of Candidate Deficiency

The absence of competition suggests a potential disillusionment with the responsibilities and influence of board members. The Chairperson of the police board expressed hope for citizen involvement, urging strong write-in candidates as a means to stimulate engagement. The Board of Police Commissioners plays a crucial role in reviewing citizen complaints against the police force, shaping departmental policies and budgets, and fulfilling disciplinary functions for officers.

Historical Context and Responsibilities

Established in 1974 in response to community demands for civilian oversight amid instances of police brutality and racial injustice, the board has evolved since its inception. Initially composed of five appointed commissioners, the board was expanded in 2012 to include 11 members, with four appointed and seven elected. The responsibilities of the board include reviewing complaints against police officers, overseeing policy formulation, approving budgets, disciplining officers, and issuing subpoenas for witnesses in police-related cases.

Current Challenges and Criticism

In recent years, critics have raised concerns about the board’s dysfunction and ineffectiveness, with public meetings often characterized by disputes among members. As of May 12, 2,651 open cases of police complaints have been filed by citizens, indicating a growing number of unresolved issues that the board is expected to address. Within the past year, the board has also suspended at least 10 officers without pay related to incidents of domestic violence and substance abuse.

Progress on Police Accountability

The board has taken actions towards improving police accountability, such as pushing for expedited release of body camera footage from incidents involving police officers. Recently, the timeframe for public access to this footage has been reduced from 45 days to 30 days, representing an effort to increase transparency in police operations.

Ongoing Conflicts and Competition

Some districts are experiencing conflicts that might further complicate the primary elections. A notable case involves a legal dispute in District 2 concerning the qualifications of Lavish Williams, who is entangled in a lawsuit against current commissioner Linda Bernard, whose candidacy is contested. In District 6, however, the only competitive race features the incumbent commissioner Lisa Carter competing against attorney Garrett Burton, highlighting the disparity in candidate availability across the board.

Engagement and Future Prospects

The Board of Police Commissioners aims to enhance community engagement and transparency, yet it faces significant hurdles in establishing a functional oversight role. The lack of candidates may reflect a broader sentiment within the community regarding the efficacy and importance of the board, raising questions about its future actions and ability to address police-related issues effectively.