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Steve Myers
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FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
By Laura Misjak
lmisjak@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6249
FLINT - Taking their cue from an audience packed with police, the City Council voted 8-1 Monday night to demand that Mayor Don Williamson name a police chief candidate by next week's council meeting.
The decision came after an emotional hourlong address by five Flint police officers, all members of the Afro-American Police League-Flint, concerning what they view as a lack of direction, biased hiring and unfair treatment by police administrators. Interim Chief Gary Hagler has led the department since his appointment in 2004.
Three rows full of AAPL members stood during the remarks and nearly three-quarters of attendees in the packed council chambers stood to identify themselves in support of the group.
"We must have a chief with a plan," AAPL member and police Officer Mark Williams told the council. "We deserve it, but first and foremost, this community deserves it."
Among the concerns, officers said there's a need for a clear strategy and direction in fighting Flint's crime, more hiring from within the community, fair hiring practices and reformatting criteria needed to become an officer.
Officer Tanya Ross, AAPL vice president, said that in the past 10 years, the numbers of minorities in higher-up positions has decreased. Today, she said, the three captains of the force are white, 10 of the 12 lieutenants are white and 44 of the 61 sergeants are white.
"One-fourth of police officers hired were black - this in a city that's predominately black," said Officer Terry Neeley, AAPL president.
Police Sgt. Draike Sparks commented on the group's fear of speaking out against the current police administration.
"We feel and we know we're going to be targeted," Sparks said. "We're going to stand, and we'll continue to bring this city together."
Before Monday's meeting, the group distributed small white strips of paper stating "Any disciplinary action against any African American after tonight's meeting will be deemed as retaliation."
Officer Karl Petrich told the council of several instances where white officers had been kept on the force, and even promoted, after being convicted of crimes while off-duty. He also told of several times when black officers who had not broken the law were fired or demoted.
After the fiery speeches, most council members applauded the officers and voiced support.
"I'm calling for a name of a permanent police chief," said Council Vice President Sheldon Neely. "Three years is long enough."
In a Flint Journal article Saturday, Hagler denied participating in unfair hiring or discipline.
Council President Darryl Buchanan, who cast the lone vote against the police chief motion, said he'll look into any disciplinary actions that might arise from Monday night's meeting.
"Tonight will not be the last night that we discuss this issue," he said.
Joe Conroy, Flint's director of governmental operations, said this morning that the mayor, not the council, is in charge of appointments.
"The mayor's choice to run the police is Mr. Hagler," Conroy said, adding that Hagler has been tough but not unfair in his treatment of people. "It's a little bit like a show at times that this goes on. We're very proud and happy with Mr. Hagler as the leader of our police department."
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-39/1159280429302690.xml&coll=5 |
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Wed Sep 27, 2006 11:27 am |
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