At-large Detroit City Council Member Mary Waters is seeking an ordinance that would ban law enforcement officers from concealing their identity while working in Detroit.
Waters submitted a memo requesting the Law Department to draft the ordinance, which would fine any law enforcement officer who does not provide proper identification, including their name, badge number and clear view of their face. It does not apply to undercover and classified officers and provides exemptions when police wear gas masks and other protective coverings.
It’s unclear whether Detroit would be able to enforce the ban on state and federal agencies, but Waters said it should apply to all law enforcement.
The Detroit police chief is required to provide a written explanation when an officer is prevented from complying. Waters said she spoke with Police Chief Todd Bettison about the concept and concerns around the impact on undercover operations.
The Detroit Police Officers Association also balked at the idea of banning undercover officers from concealing their identity, but Waters said the union rushed to judgment.
“That’s common sense,” Waters said.
Waters announced last week that the ordinance is a tribute to Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis man who was slain by masked ICE agents. ProPublica found the two agents who shot Pretti are named in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
“You don’t want to see what I witnessed: A mob out there murdering somebody,” Waters said. “I mean, come on, we’re not a third-world country,” Waters said.
Activists push for ‘people’s’ body camera ordinance
Members of the Board of Police Commissioners are reviewing a proposal to strengthen a Detroit law requiring police to release body camera footage after using force.
The Detroit Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression has criticized an ordinance passed last October by the City Council as “watered down” and “full of loopholes.” Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway introduced the ordinance and assured critics last year that it could be amended and improved over time.
The current ordinance requires the release of body camera footage within 30 days, but police can delay disclosure by another 30 days or at the request of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office until a charging decision has been made. It also exempts footage captured during federal or state task force operations or footage that could prejudice a civil lawsuit.
Activists are pushing for a new version of the ordinance that would require release within seven days and prohibit any edits except to protect the identity of civilians.
The “People’s Body Cam Ordinance” would also apply to a broad range of incidents, including anytime an officer strikes or attempts to strike a person. The current ordinance is triggered when an officer discharges their firearm or causes “great bodily harm” requiring hospitalization or medical treatment.
Police Commissioner Victoria Camille said she’s in support of the proposal.
Ethics board wants legal independence
The council held a closed session to consult with attorneys about the Board of Ethics’ ability to retain independent counsel.
The Law Department and Legislative Policy Division issued separate confidential memos on the topic. The memos haven’t been made public.
The Board of Ethics is an independent Charter-created entity, but is advised by an attorney assigned by the Law Department. Board members have expressed concern that this creates potential conflicts of interest when investigating members of the mayoral administration.
Funding was requested by the board last year to hire an independent counsel during budget hearings.
Members of the public (and reporters) are not allowed to view closed sessions, which are designed to allow the council to discuss specific sensitive matters in private, like pending lawsuits.