EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– The mayor of East Lansing is asking for a evaluate of town’s police insurance policies following allegations of racist remarks by the police chief.
A number of individuals are calling on East Lansing Chief of Police Jennifer Brown to step down following feedback she made to six Information throughout an interview in late September. The Metropolis Supervisor, Robert Belleman, agreed that Brown’s remark was racist.
That remark was made when 6 Information requested the chief a couple of report displaying that in June, 55% of pressure utilized by East Lansing officers was towards black folks. In July, that quantity rose to 88%. Chief brown’s response was as follows:
“During welcome weekend, we had a disproportionate number of minorities come into the community and commit crimes and as police officers, we are simply responding to those crimes.”
At Tuesday evening’s East Lansing Metropolis Council assembly, council members addressed these feedback and took motion. Mayor George Brookover addressed the struggles folks of colour face and demanded motion.
“I call upon our city manager and city attorney to undertake immediately a complete review of our police and personnel policies,” the mayor continued. “And report back to council with recommendations as to how the city can best utilize outside resources, such as the MSU School of Criminal Justice, to ensure our continuing progress towards effective and just law enforcement.”
The mayor’s feedback got here after some residents on the assembly requested for Chief Brown’s resignation. The Girls’s Middle of Higher Lansing not solely known as for the chief’s resignation, but in addition joined the NAACP and the Vice Chair of the East Lansing Impartial Police Oversight Fee in calling for a state investigation into the police division.
“Our community deserves safety, justice and respect. Black and brown residents deserve to live in east Lansing without being stereotyped, targeted or blamed,” a spokesperson for the ladies’s middle mentioned.
On the assembly, East Lansing Metropolis Supervisor Robert Belleman addressed Chief Brown’s remarks to six Information.
“The comments made by Police Chief Brown were offensive and racist. She apologized, but some felt that fell short because there was no action,” mentioned Belleman.
Belleman went on to defend Brown, saying he believes she is prepared to study and that this example is a chance to show her.
“I stand behind Jen, even though the error was made, to continue to grow and to make the necessary changes in our police department,” mentioned Belleman.
The town supervisor mentioned folks of colour are welcome in East Lansing and that he doesn’t imagine they contribute to an issue.
“I think our problem is the violence and the crime regardless of race and we need to learn to address that without trying to continue to marginalize our residents or our visitors and we will continue to strive to do so,” mentioned Belleman.
6 Information has an e mail out to Chief Brown to get a response to Mayor Brookover’s name to motion. Brown gave an apology for her remarks, saying the next:
“I provide my deepest apologies for unintentionally offending members of the group I serve. East Lansing is a welcoming place that pulls folks for work, college, sports activities, and downtown leisure. The main focus of the East Lansing Police Division is on stopping violence and defending the lives of our residents and guests alike.
It’s an honor to serve all residents of the Metropolis of East Lansing as their Chief of Police. Trying ahead, I’ll proceed to work with our group to offer transparency on our policing efforts and earn the belief of these we serve.”
