LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Lansing department of the NAACP says a proposal in contract talks between East Lansing and its police union would considerably scale back the authority of town’s Unbiased Police Oversight Fee.
In a information launch, the NAACP Lansing Department stated proposed adjustments to Ordinance No. 1533 would bar the fee from investigating or weighing in on self-discipline till after the police division has completed and closed its personal inner investigations into citizen complaints. The group has additionally stated the adjustments might prohibit the discharge of officer names and body-camera footage.
East Lansing police face complaints after chaotic weekend
The Lansing NAACP raised the issues within the wake of complaints about therapy of college-age Black males in downtown East Lansing throughout Michigan State College’s welcome week Aug. 23-24. Residents say officers used extreme pressure, together with pepper spray, on college students of colour and guests and used a Taser on one particular person.
“These changes are a clear attempt to remove any oversight within the East Lansing Police Department,” NAACP Lansing Department President Harold A. Pope stated in a information launch. “The lack of transparency surrounding the incidents in August where the ELPD pepper sprayed students and others as well as tasing one individual shows the absolute need for an independent oversight commission.”
The revised ordinance was mentioned at a Police Oversight Fee assembly Aug. 29.
Revised ELIPOC Ordinance for AgendaDownload
The following Metropolis Council assembly is on the East Lansing Hannah Neighborhood Middle Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.
It is a growing story and will likely be up to date later.
