DPD Reforms Inadequate - U.S. Judge
http://www.freep.com/article/2009071...ly-inadequate-
Quote:
After six years and more than $10 million in oversight costs, the Detroit Police Department has met less than 40% of federally required reforms and cannot meet the 2011 deadline for the mandated makeover, according to the latest monitor’s report.
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“By any standard this is grossly inadequate,” U.S. District Judge Julian Cook said today at a hearing to assess the stalled reforms.
“It cries out for something to be done immediately,” Cook said, adding that that he believes a new city and police leadership is committed to making the necessary changes.
The department is lagging in having a computerized early warning system to identify potential problems, functioning video cameras in scout cars and an audit system to make sure that reforms are in place and being followed, said Sheryl Robinson Wood, the federal monitor.
Allan Charlton, speaking for the city, told Cook the computer system “obviously needs to be tweaked,” but said it can be made to work. He also said the auditing system may need to be changed so that the department can fulfill the federal requirements.
“There is a real effort ... an absolute dedication to getting this job done,” Charlton assured Cook.
Cook called on city and federal officials to work out interim deadline to get the reforms on track.
The reforms were ordered in 2003 after the Free Press uncovered an extraordinary highly rate of fatal shootings by police – and skewed investigations – as well as illegal arrest sweeps and detentions.
