USA v. Det City, et al

Filing 653

ORDER regarding Consent Judgment (see order for very important details) Signed by District Judge Julian Abele Cook. (KDoa)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
SOUTHERN DIVISION

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,
-vs-

Case number 03-72258
Honorable Julian Abele Cook, Jr.

CITY OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN
and the DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT,
Defendant.
/

ORDER
Ten years ago, on July 18, 2003, the City of Detroit (“City”) entered into two consent
judgments with the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) in response to allegations that the City, through
its Police Department (“DPD”) had engaged in a pattern or practice of (1) using unlawful levels of
force in its arrests and detentions, and (2) providing unconstitutional or otherwise unlawful living
conditions to prisoners confined in the DPD’s holding cells.
The Monitor’s most recent Quarterly Report found that the City is in compliance with 91%
of the Consent Judgments’ requirements. The Court recognizes the achievement of the City in
reaching this level of compliance. However, the Court notes with concern that the out-ofcompliance paragraphs are some of the Consent Judgments’ most critical requirements. In particular,
the Court is troubled by the continuing difficulties the DPD has in documenting and investigating
the use of force by its officers.
On November 16, 2012, the Court directed the City to identify the individuals responsible
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for ensuring compliance within six designated areas of the Consent Judgments. The Court has
become aware that significant personnel changes have occurred at the Department that affect this
directive. In particular, the individual identified as responsible for the Conditions of Confinement
Consent Judgment is no longer employed by the Department. The Court additionally directs the City
to identify the head of the Department’s Civil Rights Integrity Bureau (“CRIB”). Further, the Chief
is required to notify the Court through the Monitor before personnel changes are made within CRIB.
The Court notes that the City has entered unchartered territory with the appointment of
Kevyn Orr as Emergency Manager. So that the record is clear as to accountability, the City shall
submit, within a week of the date of this Order, a description of the line of authority above the Chief
of Police, including but not limited to the supervisory roles of the Mayor, Emergency Manager, and
Chief Compliance Officer. The City must identify to whom the Chief ultimately reports, including
any intermediate supervisors.
The Court reminds the Chief of his continuing obligation to consult with the Monitor on all
decisions that could impact compliance with the Consent Judgments, including but not limited to
(1) the procurement of equipment, (2) the issuance of new or alteration of existing policies and
special orders, and (3) changes in executive personnel. The Chief is directed to communicate weekly
with the Monitor. The City is reminded of its continuing obligation to comply with this Court’s
Orders.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated:

s/Julian Abele Cook, Jr.
JULIAN ABELE COOK, JR.
United States District Judge

July 19, 2013
Detroit, Michigan

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