A string of shootings in Greektown in mid-April left both visitors and residents of this bustling downtown destination in awe. One of these shootings tragically claimed the life of a popular and beloved security guard following a dispute with a patron. The male suspect allegedly shot the guard before fleeing the scene, while his female companion is accused of concealing the weapon in her bra.
These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and heightened tensions in the densely populated downtown area.
The surge in crime and the influx of visitors to Detroit’s downtown core garnered the attention of the Detroit Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat off guard.
James White, Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department, said: “We were caught somewhat flat-footed right out the gate. By design we went into the spring deployment, which is less than the mid-summer deployment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that first warm weekend.”
Chief White attributes the violence in Greektown to a combination of weather conditions and a surge in population.
He explained, ” We saw numbers downtown that we have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID and there’s a feeling that we’re in a post-COVID era…and with the venues downtown and the reasons to come down with all the activities that are going on, we saw hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young folks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.”
Responding swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself to address the situation.
The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company specializing in visit trends and demographic insights through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according to Placer.ai. In the same period this year, these numbers increased to 1.4 million visits and 670,000 visitors.
As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract both residents and visitors, the police department has implemented various enforcement measures to manage the increased population. Notably, metal detectors have been strategically placed throughout Greektown to deter the illegal carrying of firearms.
“We have strategically placed them at key points, ” Chief White explains. It has been a deterrent for some, and some have tested it. If you are legally carrying a weapon and carrying a CPL, have a great day. If you’re illegally carrying a weapon, felon in possession, no CPL, then that’s a problem for you.”
To ensure safety and create an enjoyable environment for all, the department has also taken action against issues such as loitering, public drinking, and the illegal use of off-road vehicles like scooters and mopeds. Additionally, they have addressed complaints related to loud music from drivers and businesses.
Visitors to the Greektown and downtown areas this summer may have noticed a significant police presence, which has prompted some criticism. Chief White acknowledged this but emphasized the importance of ensuring the city’s safety. He stated, “I get that criticism, I get it. But we also saw 11 shootings April 14th downtown and since that time, we haven’t seen any.”
During the Michigan Chronicle’s interview with Chief White, he also touched on issues of community policing, recruitment efforts, and mental health.
Community Policing and Recruitment
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic murder by Minneapolis police in 2020, law enforcement agencies across the country faced widespread condemnation and challenges in recruitment. Chief White, who has led Detroit’s police department for two years, remains committed to community policing and citizen engagement.
“The George Floyd murder, that is not law enforcement. That has absolutely nothing to do with what I signed up to be. That was a murder, and I will always condemn those types of acts,” White said.
He actively participates in “Walk a Mile Wednesdays,” where he walks the streets alongside residents, fostering a personal connection with the community. He believes that this engagement encourages some residents to consider joining the police force.
“Community policing is a part of the fabric of our department, and it starts with me, ” he says. “Community policing is what we teach, it’s what we train to and our new recruits must engage the community before they can even graduate. You’ve got to be able to tell me something about this community before you patrol it. We’ve really made an emphasis to recruit Detroiters, but for many reasons, police work is not something that a lot of people want to do anymore. My message is, be the change that you are seeking.”
Mental Health
Mental health calls to the city have increased in recent years. In 2022, DPD responded to 1,800 non-violent mental health calls for service, which rose to 2,081 calls by September 2023. Similarly, cases involving mentally violent individuals increased from 797 in 2022 to 985 in 2023. The department also witnessed an increase in suicide-related calls, with 847 suicide in-progress calls in 2022 compared to 991 in 2023.
“We’ve implemented our mental health response team that is highly trained. They are working with a mental health provider, a civilian in the car, and that unit is equipped with a number of things that a regular police officer isn’t. They have additional tools, they have non-lethal weapons, and a softer uniform and appearance because sometimes when folks are in crisis, the actual presence of a blue uniform is a trigger.”
Chief White says he will continue to be a listening ear to the community and approach best practices to ensure Detroit is a safer community for all.
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