Let’s talk about public safety and what we want
During the past several months there has been a lot of talk in town, and nationally, about the role of police departments.
Some have called for “defunding” police – even though it remains fuzzy – at best – what that means exactly.
In Hamtramck we have heard residents call for more police enforcement to crack down on reckless and speeding drivers, and also calls for less police presence.
Which is it, Hamtramck?
One suggestion, that seemed to gain traction, is to create a civilian police commission to oversee the department.
That might be a good idea, but finding people with knowledge about public safety and all the legal ramifications that go along when delving into an issue like this is not as easy as it sounds.
A common thread does emerge, though.
Communication.
Just what is the mission of our police department, and is it in sync with what the community wants and needs?
We do need, as a community, is to talk about this – without the shrill calls for disbanding the entire department.
It reminds is of the old saying: don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.
The city council could take a first step in this issue by creating a sub-committee to look into community concerns and address that to the department.
Talking with each other is critical when it comes to public safety. The public and the department needs to open a line of communicate with each other.
Posted Sept. 17, 2021
2 Responses to Let’s talk about public safety and what we want
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Mark M. Koroi
September 19, 2021 at 8:58 pm
Regarding the establishment of a civilian police oversight board in Hamtramck, you set forth:
“That might be a good idea, but finding people with knowledge about public safety and all the legal ramifications that go along when delving into an issue like this is not as easy as it sounds.”
Not true.
There is a non-profit organization that assists municipalities with the technical details in the creation and operation of a civilian police oversight board:
http://www.nacole.org
Mayoral candidate Amer Ghalib and City Council candidate Amanda Jaczkowski have already voiced support for the impanelment of such a civilian oversight board. The matter could be introduced via a future City Council resolution.
Citizens could also attempt a ballot initiative to amend the City Charter to establish such a public body to oversee Hamtramck police operations.
The city treasury is being drained of many hundreds of thousands of dollars in lawsuit payouts and attorney fees due to claims of police misconduct – a civilian oversight board could troubleshoot problem areas and implement corrective actions.
The recent conviction and imprisonment sentence of former HPD officer Ryan McInerney is a stark reminder of what citizens face as far as dangers from the department.
Mark M. Koroi
September 26, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Some links on the concept of defunding the police:
http://www.afsc.org/blogs/news-and-commentary/6-reasons-why-its-time-to-defund-police
http://www.m4bl.org/defund-the-police/