Detroit Police Department (Michigan)

Summary:

In May 2001, the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice (the Division) opened an investigation into the Detroit Police Department (DPD). In March, April, and June 2002, the Division sent letters to DPD identifying areas in need of reform, including reporting and investigating uses of force; officer supervision and discipline; and arrest and detention policies. In July 2003, the court approved a consent decree between the Division and the City of Detroit. (On the same day the Division and the City entered into a separate consent decree addressing a related investigation into the conditions of police lock-ups and holding cells). In August 2014, the court terminated the consent decree and the Division and the City of Detroit entered into a separate transition agreement under which the Division would continue to monitor DPD’s efforts to comply with certain provisions of the prior consent decree that had not yet been fully implemented. In March 2016, the Division found DPD in full compliance with the terms of the transition agreement and closed the case.

Fast Facts

Case Status: Closed
City and State: Detroit, Michigan
Year Initiated: 2000
Year Closed: 2016