General News
Episode 6 of the ‘East Lansing Insider’ is Available Now
|
The usual trio of Andrew Graham, Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger break down the latest news from East Lansing and bring an interview from an ELi donor.
East Lansing Policing
Police Oversight Study Committee Reaches Consensus on Report Outline, Discusses Use of Force
|
The Study Committee was given a presentation by Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez on use of force with ELPD, and dealt with several other matters. Andrew Graham reports.
East Lansing Policing
ELPD Looking for 5 Suspects in Cell Phone Store Robbery
|
The robbery took place at the 1000 block of Trowbridge Avenue just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. Andrew Graham reports.
General News
What’s on the Docket in East Lansing Next Week?
|
Despite Thanksgiving being on Thursday, there’s a slew of meetings over the first half of the week. Andrew Graham breaks down what’s to come.
East Lansing Policing
East Lansing Says It Is an “Open Government.” The Reality Is More Challenging.
|
ELi has frequently encountered issues with Freedom of Information requests, finding that requests are often incomplete and are answered at the last possible moment. Andrew Graham explains.
East Lansing Policing
Listen to Episode 4 of the ‘East Lansing Insider’
|
The trio of Alice Dreger, Emily Joan Elliott and Andrew Graham break down the latest happenings in East Lansing. Read on to listen.
East Lansing Policing
Police Oversight Study Committee Forms Subcommittees, Discusses Transparency Frustrations
|
The discussion about transparency comes days after the Human Rights Commission had a similar discussion about police transparency. Heather Brothers reports.
East Lansing Policing
Human Rights Commissioners Frustrated About Police Transparency
|
Members of the use of force subcommittee expressed their frustration with ELPD’s handling of a request for body camera footage and case reports. Andrew Graham unpacks the discussion.
Development
Many Big Issues Coming Before East Lansing’s Elected and Appointed Officials
|
A stacked City Council agenda, another meeting of the Police Oversight Study Committee, School Board, and more. Alice Dreger reports.
East Lansing Policing
News Recap and An Interview with Chuck Grigsby in New ‘East Lansing Insider’
|
Andrew Graham, Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger break down the latest news and happenings in East Lansing. Listen for more.
COVID-19
On Heels of Large Crowds and Couch Burnings, HRC Considers Disorderly Conduct Ordinance
|
The Human Rights Commission will consider the disorderly conduct ordinance again this Wednesday, coming on the heels of couch burnings and mass gatherings during the pandemic. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott recaps the HRC’s concerns and this weekend’s events.
General News
‘Race and Ethnicity’ Reports from ELPD Concern Study Committee
|
After a presentation on Oct. 26, several members of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission expressed concern about the rate at which ELPD officers interacted with African Americans. Heather Brothers reports.
East Lansing Policing
What’s Coming This Week in East Lansing
|
A winter farmers’ market in a parking garage? That and many other East Lansing ideas are coming to government boards this week. We give you a rundown.
COVID-19
Tracking Alleged Violations of Public Health Orders With ELi
|
Curious where ELPD is issuing citations for alleged violations of public health orders? ELi’s Nathan Andrus helps you visualize it.
East Lansing Policing
Police Oversight Study Committee Yet to Approve Work Plan After 2nd Meeting
|
The meeting also featured a data presentation by Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez and discussion of the police union’s role in the eventual oversight commission. Heather Brothers reports.
COVID-19
Mixed Bag for MSU Game Day as Several Students Face Fines, Restorative Justice Program
|
What did game day look like in East Lansing look like on Saturday? And what will happen to students who violated public health orders? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott and Heather Brothers report.
General News
A Brief News Update and Looking Ahead at Next Week
|
ELi is following the happenings on game day and getting you prepped for the next week of meetings in ELPS and City of East Lansing government. Andrew Graham brings you up to speed.
COVID-19
MSU Football Returns Saturday. East Lansing Is Bracing for Impact.
|
Big Ten football comes backs to East Lansing this Saturday, Oct. 24. The return is bringing on a mix of excitement and apprehension. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports on what is expected and what it all means.
General News
Police Oversight Study Committee Finally Meets, Begins Daunting Task
|
After one meeting, it’s clear the task the group is charged with is a major one — and they have a six month period to get it done.
COVID-19
Council Passes New Ordinance to Rein in Partying During Pandemic
|
Council passed an ordinance that makes it a civil infraction to violate state and county public health orders. The City’s attitude toward enforcement is much different than its approach to the mask ordinance. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Government
Parking Enforcement, Normally Profitable, Is Costing East Lansing
|
Once a cash cow, parking fines and citations have fallen dramatically in 2020. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott takes a look at how those numbers have changed, now costing the City more money than it makes in fines.
Government
New City Attorney (and Lots of Business) at East Lansing’s Council Meeting
|
Mike Homier, the new City Attorney, explained the Supreme Court coronavirus decision, while Council took actions on tasers, Walgreens, clean energy, Patriarche Park, the fire code, and more.
Arts & Cultures
No More Slack for Those East Lansing Bars That Have Violated Orders
|
Last weekend, four bars were observed by ELPD and officials from the Ingham County Health Department possibly breaking Covid-19 public health orders. No citations were issues. Read on to find out why.
Government
Kim Johnson Named New Chief of East Lansing Police
|
ELPD will have a new police chief, Kim Johnson, starting October 5. Find out more about Johnson and last night’s discussion at Council on policing in East Lansing.
East Lansing Policing
Choice of New Police Chief Could Be Announced Tomorrow at East Lansing Council
|
Four candidates for the job were interviewed by a panel last Tuesday and then by City Manager George Lahanas on Thursday. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
East Lansing Policing
In a Land of “Celebratory” Couch-Burning, How to Reform the Disorderly Conduct Code?
|
Reform of East Lansing’s disorderly conduct laws involve a tangled web of concerns regarding policing, civil rights, and crowd control in a university town where students have a penchant for burning couches after big games. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
East Lansing Policing
Washtenaw Prosecutor Will Not Charge ELPD Officer Stephenson
|
“Stephenson was acting within his authority as a police officer in trying to subdue a person who was resisting lawful arrest.” So says the special prosecutor. Andrew Graham reports.
East Lansing Policing
“Weaponizing the Police” Is Now a Crime in East Lansing
|
East Lansing’s Council took up many issues of equity and racism at last week’s five-hour meeting, including passing an anti-bias law and authorizing the use of $153K for anti-racism training.
East Lansing Policing
Policing “Realignment” Announced, as Police Oversight Study Committee Named
|
The plan will create a new branch within ELPD to respond to things like mental health crises, neighbor conflict resolution, and quality of life complaints.
East Lansing Policing
Sudden Switch of Special Prosecutor in Stephenson Case
|
Instead of the Jackson County prosecutor – a Republican – functioning as the Special Prosecutor – now the case will be reviewed by the Washtenaw County prosecutor – a Democrat. Stephenson’s lawyer is concerned “that a fix is in.”
East Lansing Policing
Special Prosecutor Named in Stephenson Case
|
Jackson County prosecutor Jerard Jarzynka will act as the special prosecutor to review a Black man’s complaint of alleged excessive use of force by ELPD Officer Andrew Stephenson, who is white.
East Lansing Policing
Council Planning to Move Ahead with Policing-Related Actions
|
Following up on proposals pitched by Council member Lisa Babcock, City Council is looking at a law criminalizing “weaponizing police” and at making complaints against police officers more public. Andrew Graham reports.
East Lansing Policing
Citizens and Attorney Defend Officer Stephenson at Council; Prosecutor Not Yet Named
|
Officer Andrew Stephenson’s defense attorney has strongly criticized Mayor Ruth Beier’s remarks about his client. Citizens came forward this week to join him in his criticisms.
General News
East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) Annual Reports
|
This page archives the annual reports of the East Lansing Police Department. ELPD-Annual-Report-2019Download
ELPD-Annual-Report-2018Download
ELPD-Annual-Report-2017Download
ELPD-Annual-Report-2016Download
ELPD-Annual-Report-2014Download
Schools
Protest from ELPD to MSU Focuses on Racism, Militarized Policing
|
“The March Against Fear” started at East Lansing’s City Hall and Police Department and ended at the MSU President’s house. Andrew Graham reports, with photos from Gary Caldwell.
East Lansing Policing
Calls for Demilitarizing Local Police Grow, as Protest Planned for Next Wednesday
|
This week, a majority of Council okayed new vests in spite of concerns they might appear too militaristic. What was the reasoning, and why are ELPD officers firing guns when they do?
East Lansing Policing
Lawyer for Stephenson Defends Him and Warns: Council May Drive Good Officers Out of ELPD
|
Attorney Mike Nichols says Mayor Ruth Beier is out of line with her comments about his client, ELPD Officer Andrew Stephenson. He explains for ELi what he sees on the tapes.
East Lansing Policing
Council Member Lisa Babcock Floats Five Proposals on Police Oversight and Equity in Prosecution
|
Lisa Babcock has proposed East Lansing’s Council quickly pass five measures to deal with possible excessive use of force by police and possible bias in the City Attorney’s prosecution. ELi’s Andrew Graham spoke with her and Human Relations Commissioner Chuck Grigsby.
COVID-19
Rep. Elissa Slotkin Speaks on Policing and Pandemic Issues Facing East Lansing
|
Slotkin said she favors police reform, not defunding police, and that she hopes to see MSU and East Lansing’s leaders work together on the COVID-19 public health emergency.
East Lansing Policing
Siemon Asks Attorney General for Special Prosecutor in ELPD Stephenson Case
|
Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon has informed ELi that she is taking a major step in the ongoing investigation into the actions of ELPD Officer Andrew Stephenson, accused by two African American men of brutality.
Government
State Police Send Warrant Request to County Prosecutor on Stephenson Investigation
|
Why did everything about the investigation into the two excessive force complaints against Stephenson stop in early May and suddenly restart in early June?
East Lansing Policing
In Tense Meeting, City Council Debates How to Deal with East Lansing’s Police
|
Beier declared herself “fully woke,” Stephens wants social workers in the police department, Meadows defended his claim “good cops don’t protect bad cops,” Babcock was largely silent, and Gregg wants to look at defunding the police.
East Lansing Policing
Residents Along Route Join Peaceful Protest March on Sunday
|
Rane, the leader of yesterday’s event, told those assembled the conflict “is not Black versus White. Let us be clear about that. It is racism against America. It is inequality against America.”
Government
County Prosecutor Siemon Drops Charges Against Loggins, Looks at Complaint Against Stephenson
|
The stunning reversal is said to be the result of the City and County Prosecutor realizing there had been a communication mishap, due partly to the State Police.
Ask ELi to Investigate
What Sunday’s ELPD Parking Lot Video Shows about the Police Car Damaged
|
ELi’s Alice Dreger reports on what video from Sunday seems to show and how East Lansing Interim Police Chief Steve Gonzalez is seeing the protests.
General News
ELPD Seeks Information on Bananas Left on Sidewalks with Racist Messaging
|
ELi has been made aware of at least three cases of this, and East Lansing Police detectives are now seeking more information from community members.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: Was an ELPD cruiser used as bait?
|
A reader wondered why one ELPD car was left in the middle of the parking lot as protestors approached on Sunday.
Government
Protestors Call for Action from East Lansing City Leaders
|
Protestors called for the firing of an ELPD officer and dropping of charges against a black man who that officer injured and then held down with his knee.
Government
With Protest Planned for Noon, East Lansing Police Chief Says: “We are listening.”
|
As protestors prepare to gather again at ELPD at noon, East Lansing Mayor Ruth Beier tells ELi that she wants big changes in policing here.
Government
Ask ELi: What’s the Jurisdiction of MSU Police?
|
A reader asked: What’s the jurisdiction of ELPD versus MSUPD?
General News
ELPD Vehicle Smashed in Large and Angry Protest Over Police Brutality
|
About a thousand people came to protest at East Lansing Police headquarters today as part of nationwide protests against racist police brutality. In a tense stand-off, a police vehicle’s windows were smashed.
Government
Applications Now Sought for Study Committee on Independent Police Oversight
|
Just about the only people not eligible to serve on the study committee are those who are active-duty police officers.
Government
Council Unanimously Approves Police Oversight Study Group; Split Vote Removes Mayor as Chair
|
The vote happened in the shadow of the police killing of George Floyd and amidst more calls for firing ELPD Officer Andrew Stephenson.
Government
Police Association Blasts East Lansing’s Plans for Study Committee
|
Representatives of the police unions say “the City Council shows an obvious disdain for our law enforcement officers” as talks continue on policing in East Lansing.
General News
Citizen Petition Demands East Lansing Police Officer Stephenson Be Fired
|
Following release of police body cam video, citizens and at least one Human Relations Commissioner are demanding more action by ELPD, the East Lansing City Manager, and City Council.
Government
December Arrest Video Finally Released, As City Manager Seeks New ELPD Chief
|
New developments in the shake-up at ELPD: videos from December are released, and changes are in the works.
Government
East Lansing Moves Toward Police Oversight Commission, But Many Steps Remain
|
East Lansing’s City Council is taking steps toward the ultimate creation of a Police Oversight Commission. What are the sticking points?
Government
Three Important East Lansing Meetings Next Week
|
We tell you what we know so far about what will be discussed at City Council, School Board, and the DDA.
Government
State Police Investigation Exonerates ELPD Officer with History of Bias Complaints
|
City Council will pursue a Citizen Oversight Panel for complaints, and ELPD will look anew at “head stabilization” in light of injuries to two black men.
COVID-19
City Aiming to Protect Emergency Service Workers in East Lansing
|
No more recreational fire permits for now. This and numerous other measures are being taken to protect police and firefighter-paramedics in East Lansing.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: Could You Be Fined a Thousand Dollars for Going Out?
|
What could earn you a thousand-dollar fine in East Lansing under the stay-at-home order? ELi explains.
General News
Newly-Released Data Show Racial Bias in East Lansing Policing
|
What African Americans have been saying for years has now been shown conclusively: stops made by East Lansing Police Department officers evidence a cumulative racial bias.
COVID-19
East Lansing Emergency Services Continue, with Precautions
|
East Lansing’s emergency services providers are now taking special measures to reduce the odds that they will be exposed to COVID-19. ELi spoke with the police and fire chiefs to learn more.
Government
ELi Reports on the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD)
|
This page is designed to help readers find ELi reporting on various issues related to policing in East Lansing, including philosophy and policies of ELPD administrators, complaints made against officers since 2016, discussions of creating a civilian police oversight commission, and more.