East Lansing Info (https://eastlansinginfo.news/tag/east-lansing-policing/)
“The posture that is being taken tonight from the City Manager, to me, seems indicative of what’s to come for an oversight commission in how difficult things might be in this transparency quest,” said Study Committee member Kelli Ellsworth-Etchison. What’s going on?
ELPD is requesting that any witnesses of the accident, or anyone with information about the SUV or its driver, contact the police. The ELPD main desk phone number is 517-319-6897.
Despite paying nearly $20,000 for the survey conducted by a private firm, the City did not receive the raw data collected. Council expressed concern over the way survey results were analyzed and presented. What were the issues? How might the results be used moving forward?
As the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission prepares to present its report and recommendations to the City Council this June, the group wants to hear from more members of the public. How can you participate?
On today’s podcast, Kelli shares her take on the work of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission and also talks about her own experiences as a Black woman living (and driving) in East Lansing.
The incident occurred on Abbot Road between Lake Lansing Road and Saginaw Street. Andrew Graham reports.
The extraordinary request by ELPD Sergeant Jeff Thomas seeks to find out what Council members, the City Manager, and the Police Chief were saying as a police awards ceremony was cancelled. Concerns related to who was going to be honored at the event.
The building was searched by K9s from ELPD, the Michigan State University Police Department, and the Michigan State Police Department. A bomb was not found, Andrew Graham reports.
In the last four years, ELPD has used force against more Black people than white people, while whites in the population well outnumber Blacks. The City Manager’s call for expert analysis was met with harsh criticism Monday night.
The 15 complaints include instances of employees cheating on time cards, an off-duty officer driving drunk, an officer with uncontrolled rage, an officer joking around with pepper spray, and a case of excessive use of force that involved an officer tasing a suspect, leaving the suspect with a broken collarbone and broken rib. Police investigators found some other complaints unfounded.
ELPD Chief Kim Johnson calls the situation “unacceptable” and says he is determined to “take all necessary corrective actions within our agency” if further review of the data bears out the apparent pattern.
The HRC’s discussion on Wednesday evening will likely involve ongoing concerns about police use of force, ELPD policies, racial bias in policing, and policing transparency. ELi’s Alice Dreger explains the context.
Ingham County’s top two prosecutors spoke with East Lansing’s Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission about what they’re trying to achieve when they review complaints made against police officers. The discussion involved how an oversight commission could advance transparency and policy-making.
Ordinance 1496, which makes violations of public health orders punishable by a fine from the City of East Lansing, expired on Dec. 31, 2020, and Council forgot to renew it. They met today to fix that.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan will host an event on television this evening. This morning, ELi reflects on covering news related to racial equity and justice.
What’s been going on with police activity on Loree Drive? ELPD has provided some information and more is expected soon.
Our staff compiles the top stories we expect to cover in 2021. But we can never know all that will happen — like, a pandemic — and that’s why we need your financial support.
What were the biggest stories in East Lansing for 2020? ELi’s Publisher and Managing Editor bring you the top 10 list.
From ELHS closing due to Covid-19, to volunteers sewing masks to donate, to the Harbor Bay dealings, our reporters highlight stories they enjoyed bringing you in 2020. At this page, you can click on “play” buttons to hear individual recordings of the articles read by their own reporters!
Andrew Graham and Emily Joan Elliott are joined by ELi reporter Heather Brothers to discuss the work of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission.
Committee members were concerned about the ultimate powers the Oversight Commission might hold and if the community would view it as independent. Heather Brothers reports.
ELPD sent the media release on Monday, after the suspect was arraigned on several charges. Andrew Graham reports.
The team at ELi brings you the regular weekly pod and a special edition from Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott on the refinancing of the Center City District bonds. Listen on.
Presentations from Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez and Human Rights Commissioner Liz Miller helped the Study Committee get a better grasp on the challenges ahead. Heather Brothers reports.
We ran through how to deal with a mass shooting, a series of gas explosions, and a tornado. Our Executive Director and Publisher explains why.
Social distancing has been a key component of keeping safe during the pandemic, but ELPD and ELFD personnel often work in groups and interact with the public. What precautions have they been taking?
Council member Dana Watson successfully removed sexist language from part of the proposed ordinance. Andrew Graham reports on that and the rest from Council.
Expect public discussions and decisions on pensions, policing, a radically new zoning code, and Georgio’s Pizza’s lease — but probably not on those controversial bonds.
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.
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.
The robbery took place at the 1000 block of Trowbridge Avenue just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. Andrew Graham reports.
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.
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.
The trio of Alice Dreger, Emily Joan Elliott and Andrew Graham break down the latest happenings in East Lansing. Read on to listen.
The discussion about transparency comes days after the Human Rights Commission had a similar discussion about police transparency. Heather Brothers reports.
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.
A stacked City Council agenda, another meeting of the Police Oversight Study Committee, School Board, and more. Alice Dreger reports.
Andrew Graham, Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger break down the latest news and happenings in East Lansing. Listen for more.
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.
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.
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.
Curious where ELPD is issuing citations for alleged violations of public health orders? ELi’s Nathan Andrus helps you visualize it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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’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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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
“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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why did everything about the investigation into the two excessive force complaints against Stephenson stop in early May and suddenly restart in early June?
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
A reader wondered why one ELPD car was left in the middle of the parking lot as protestors approached on Sunday.
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.
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.
A reader asked: What’s the jurisdiction of ELPD versus MSUPD?
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.
Just about the only people not eligible to serve on the study committee are those who are active-duty police officers.
The vote happened in the shadow of the police killing of George Floyd and amidst more calls for firing ELPD Officer Andrew Stephenson.
East Lansing’s City Government is getting busy. What’s up?
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.
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.
New developments in the shake-up at ELPD: videos from December are released, and changes are in the works.
East Lansing’s City Council is taking steps toward the ultimate creation of a Police Oversight Commission. What are the sticking points?
We tell you what we know so far about what will be discussed at City Council, School Board, and the DDA.
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.
What’s happening with Newman Lofts, police oversight, big downtown construction, and more? ELi brings you up to speed.
No more recreational fire permits for now. This and numerous other measures are being taken to protect police and firefighter-paramedics in East Lansing.
What could earn you a thousand-dollar fine in East Lansing under the stay-at-home order? ELi explains.
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.
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.
Mayor Ruth Beier has declared a state of emergency in East Lansing. We tell you in practical terms what that means.
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.
East Lansing City leaders are working steadily to try to figure out a way to reduce or eliminate bar crowds in East Lansing to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott spoke with East Lansing’s deputy police chief and an MSU epidemiologist to help you prepare, in case you’re stuck at home.