ELPD Social Worker Gives Long Awaited Presentation to Police Oversight Commission
Commissioners also discussed during the Aug. 2 meeting reported incidents of ELPD officers looking in parked cars and seeing guns.
policing
Racial Disparities, Data Struggles Among Findings in First ELIPOC Annual Report
Commission Chair Erick Williams calls the April 2022 police shooting at Meijer a “learning opportunity” and offers recommendations for the future.
Complaints Spur Conversation, Recommended Policy Investigations at June ELIPOC Meeting
Two new commissioners and ELPD Lt. Adam Park made their first appearances at the police oversight commission meeting.
ELPD’s Social Worker Provides Care to Residents, Visitors and Officers Alike
Taylor Knickerbocker said she tries to interact with the community as much as she can and typically ends up in a police car to do outreach each day.
East Lansing Police Chief Kim Johnson Explains How and Why Staffing Is Going Up
The goals and objectives of the department for the coming year include working with a number of community groups and serving EL’s diverse population.
Tensions High at Police Oversight Commission Following the Release of MSP Investigation of Meijer Shooting
Public and commissioners voiced differing opinions on the ELIPOC’s relationship with the ELPD.
Police Use Court Order to Detain Man Who’s Been Troubling People Downtown
The staff at Blue Owl Coffee contacted ELPD after numerous high-stress encounters with the man.
Mother’s Narrative, Police Reports Paint Detailed Picture of Confrontation at ELPL
Incident has led to a special investigation by the library board and complaint to the EL Human Rights Commission.
Oversight Commission Questions ELPD Use of Cameras, Treatment of People In Psychological Distress
Police use of force policy continues to be a topic of discussion; commission is looking to fill three openings.
Citizen Petition Leads to Police Oversight Commission Hearing on Use of Force and Deescalation
People experiencing behavioral health or mental health crises make up a “significant portion” of police use of force incidents in East Lansing.
Ask ELi: What Happened with Yesterday’s Three Emergency Alert Threads?
A single threat of violence led to the emergency closure of EL schools and locking of City Hall doors.
More Details Released on Threat That Led to Closure of East Lansing Public Schools Today (Updated)
This article has been updated throughout the day.
‘Concerning Social Media Post’ Leads to ELPS Closure
East Lansing Public Schools are closed today (Wednesday) because of a concerning social media post. According to an announcement on the official East Lansing Public Schools Facebook site, the district was made aware of the post this morning. “While there is no direct threat to any specific school building,” the announcement says, “the post does…
Police Oversight Commission Hears Presentation on Biases in Emergency Calls
When should law enforcement decide not to respond to a 911 call?
EL Deputy Police Chief Resigns, Naming ‘Unethical Leadership’ in City Government (UPDATED)
Interim director of human resources also gives notice joining a wave of people leaving city jobs.
What Happened at Council This Week?
Council members and city officials make emotional statements in the aftermath of the MSU mass shooting.
The ‘Kids’ Are Not All Right (Right Now)
Students, MSU librarian share their stories and their emotions with ELi.
Protest and Vigil Focus on Gun Violence, Perennial Trauma
Students and other members of the community gathered on Wednesday to mourn and to vow to take action.
East Lansing Shelter-in-Place Order Continues as Some Information Emerges
As of 11 p.m., the shelter-in-place order continued for all of East Lansing.
Commissioners Question ELPD on Social Workers, Data Collection and Future Changes
Independent Police Oversight Commission continues to press specific issues.
EL High School Sheltered in Place Again Today
The latest events occur as ELi continues to work to understand what happened at the school on Tuesday morning.
Police Pushed to Do More about Menacing Masked Man
Photos and videos of the individual have appeared across social media.
East Lansing Police First Heard about High School Lockdown from a Parent Who Called 911
ELPD called the school to confirm it was, in fact, in lockdown.
ELPD Captain Pride Speaks about East Lansing Crime, Policing
We took your questions about traffic patrols, downtown robberies and assaults, crime-solving and more to East Lansing Police Captain Chad Pride. Today, we bring you the answers.
Study of ELPD Points to Policy Problems, Officers Feeling Unsupported by City Government
The 146-page report prepared by CNA was presented to City Council at the Dec. 6 meeting.
Two Big Votes Come to City Council This Tuesday
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, East Lansing’s City Council is poised to make decisions on whether East Lansing should be declared a Sanctuary City and whether the DDA’s loan on the Evergreen Properties should be refinanced again. ELi explains how you can weigh in.
MSU Interim President Speaks to Violence Downtown and Student Housing in EL
Interim President Teresa Woodruff strives for positive relationship between the university and city.
Police Oversight Commission Reflects on First Year of Action, Purpose Going Forward
Members of the public attend Nov. 2 meeting to provide input to commissioners and city representatives.
Council Defends EL Policing, Votes 4-1 to Spend HUD Funds on Safety Lighting
Although no public announcement was made about the city manager’s job assessment, Tuesday’s meeting had lots of tension on other issues.
ELPD Finds Officers Violated Policy; Oversight Commission Wants More Info
After an internal investigation, two officers are found in violation of wrongfully searching and detaining a 20-year-old Black man.
MacDonald Middle School Closed Today Due to Reported Threat (Updated)
“We do not have enough information to determine whether or not the threats are credible – so we’ll err on the safe side,” said Superintendent Dori Leyko.
Visible Divergence in Community Concerns About Policing in East Lansing
The “Virtual Listening Session” revealed tensions around ELPD, the Independent Police Oversight Commission and issues of race and resources.
Downtown Condo Owners Demand Solutions after Bullet Pierces Resident’s Window
Plus: ELi brings you a video taken just after the Sept. 11 downtown shooting showing some fleeing the scene while police rush in.
Council Majority Tells AG Dana Nessel to Drop Charges Against VanAtten
Recommendations put forth by the city’s Independent Police Oversight Committee are approved 3-1.
With Downtown Violence Increasing, What Is East Lansing Doing?
“We are going to do whatever we can to try to curb this issue,” said East Lansing Police Captain Chad Pride.
ELPD Investigating Shooting on M.A.C. Avenue
A total of 31 bullet casings from three different caliber guns recovered at the scene.
Attorney General Nessel Is Target of Outrage at EL City Council Meeting
Numerous community members came to denounce Nessel’s decisions regarding the April shooting of a young Black man by ELPD officers at the Lake Lansing Meijer store.
Ask ELi: Taxes, Sewers, Social Workers, Parking Tickets
In this edition of Ask ELi, we bring you answers on tax assessments, the sewer system, ELPD social workers, and unpaid parking tickets.
Oversight Commission Requests ELPD Release Meijer Shooting Footage Within a Week
The Independent Police Oversight Commission passed a motion to advise ELPD Chief Kim Johnson to release police video footage of the officer-involved shooting at the Lake Lansing Meijer. Heather Brothers reports on last night’s meeting.
![Two ELPD Officers Involved in Shooting at Lake Lansing Meijer on Monday Evening [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-_-ELI-_-ELPD-06-768x384.jpg)
Two ELPD Officers Involved in Shooting at Lake Lansing Meijer on Monday Evening [UPDATED]
It’s unclear from a City press release if one or both officers fired shots at the individual, who was transported to a local hospital. The two officers involved are currently on paid administrative leave as the Michigan State Police investigate.
What Can We Learn From ELPD Use Of Force Reports?
Andrew Graham is joined by Heather Brothers to discuss use of force reports and the Police Oversight Commission. Give a listen!
Discussion of Complaints and Use of Force Pushed Again as Police Oversight Commission Focuses on Data Collection, Administrative Tasks
The Commission decided to delve into complaints and use of force reports beginning in April. Heather Brothers reports for ELi.
Council Approves “Streamlined” Policy For Outdoor Restaurant Seating, Settlement in FOIA Lawsuit
Council re-upped a policy that streamlines the process for restaurants to apply for expanded outdoor seating, but the big news about the City’s settlement in a FOIA lawsuit was buried in the consent agenda. Andrew Graham reports.
Government | News | Podcast | Schools
East Lansing Insider: After Covid Pause, City of East Lansing Gets Back To Meetings
The City of East Lansing resumed public meetings this week after pausing meetings outside of City Council during the omicron surge. On this episode of the Insider, the ELi team digs into what some of the boards and commissions have been up to as the City gets back to action.
Police Oversight Commission Moves To Ensure Public Access To Police Oversight Information
The commission unanimously approved a motion that directs City Staff and the police to ensure information that the Oversight Commission will be working with is available to the public. Heather Brothers reports.
UPDATED: ELPD Seeks Information Regarding Incident on West Road
UPDATED: ELPD identified the individual who died on West Road early Tuesday morning. The incident is still under investigation.
This Week’s “East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put”
Food trucks and a continued suspension of meetings for the City of East Lansing’s boards and commissions: we bring you a quick rundown of some things we’re keeping an eye on.
East Lansing Stories We Expect to Be Big in 2022
ELi’s mission is to bring East Lansing the news. Here’s a look at what we think we’ll be helping you to know about and understand in context in 2022.
Arts & Cultures | Development | Environment | Government | News | Schools
The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021
We asked our reporters which stories that they wrote meant the most to them in 2021. They answered, passing along a varied collection of stories for this year in review.
Yet-To-Be-Installed Security Cameras Provide a Glimpse into East Lansing’s Politics and Policy
The DDA recently approved spending up to $40,000 of public money to install security cameras downtown. But even before installation, these cameras offer a look into the current state of East Lansing politics and policy on a number of issues. Alice Dreger reports.
ELPD Promises Robust Cooperation, Commission Wrangles with Logistics
East Lansing’s Independent Police Oversight Commission has still not examined the police department’s use-of-force reports from October or November despite meeting twice already. But the group did press ELPD officers on issues of racial bias, transparency, and cooperation at the Commission’s second meeting on Monday.
MSU Police Say Divers Continue to Search for Brendan Santo’s Body
The search continues for the missing 18-year-old Grand Valley State student, contrary to circulating rumors today of a body being found. Police divers are searching the Red Cedar River near Sparty.
The City of East Lansing Keeps Withholding Public Information: When Will Things Change?
ELi faces a persistent lack of transparency and thus an unnecessary uphill climb in our efforts to report on what your local government is doing — including with your money. ELi City Desk reporter Andrew Graham brings the story.
DDA Approves More Surveillance Downtown, While Chair Cautions Against ‘Big Brother Culture’
The DDA voted in favor of funding more cameras to be used by ELPD, but not before a lively discussion about privacy and how to welcome people downtown.
East Lansing Insider: Welcoming Chuck Grigsby As A Regular On The Pod With A Police Transparency Discussion
Grigsby recently ran for City Council and helped form the Police Oversight Commission. He joins the Insider as a regular voice this week, along with Andrew Graham. Listen in!
Government | News | Podcast | Public Safety
East Lansing Insider: Discussing The Police Oversight Commission, Student Perspective On Couch Burnings
ELi reporters Andrew Graham, Heather Brothers, and Jack Timothy Harrison dive in to some recent ELi reporting on couch burnings and policing. Give it a listen!
Mayor Bacon Joins Gregg’s Push for Culture Change on MSU “Celebrations”
Alcohol cases at Sparrow’s ER surged, as officers faced a “more destructive” than usual crowd. Newly installed Mayor Ron Bacon is backing Jessy Gregg’s call, saying what’s needed is “a united front against destructive, malicious and dangerous actions.”
Police Oversight Commission Debates Relationship with ELPD, Use of Force Reports at First Meeting
Should ELPD administrators attend the Independent Police Oversight Commission meetings? What information should be included in use of force reports? Here’s what the commissioners had to say at their first meeting.
Man Seen with Gun and Gunshot Noise Leads to Emergency Alerts In East Lansing
Alerts sent out by MSU tonight indicated a man with a gun in the area of Woodmere and Grand River Avenues downtown. ELi brings you the latest and reviews the recent spate of violence in East Lansing.
ELPD Investigates Separate Weekend Shootings That Left 2 Dead And Another in the Hospital
Officers found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds after responding to a call on Saturday evening, according to ELPD Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez. Later that evening, a shooting near the downtown CVS left someone hospitalized.
Students, MSU Officials Weigh in on Couch Burnings, Property Destruction in East Lansing
While ELPD and MSU officials promise repercussions for burning couches and vandalism, MSU students tell ELi’s Jack Timothy Harrison how they view Saturday’s postgame events. The gap is clear.
After a Weekend of Mayhem, ELPD Moving to ID and Arrest Those Who Set Fires, Flipped Cars (UPDATED)
ELPD is looking to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who set fires and destroyed property over the weekend. The scene became “a very serious safety issue for our emergency responders,” according to ELPD Chief Kim Johnson.
News | Public Safety | Schools
Young People in Spartan Garb Set Fires, Commit Destruction after MSU Beats UM
Young people mostly in Spartan garb set fires in EL neighborhoods after MSU beat UM in football. Police and fire officers were well outnumbered. ELi brings you video.
News | Public Safety | Schools
How Do Local Bars Deal with the College Town Problem of Underage Drinking?
“In March 2020, we turned in over 4,000 confiscated IDs to the ELPD that we collected from the school year, just September to March,” said Pat Riley, the owner of Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub and the Responsible Hospitality Council’s president.
East Lansing Insider: Council and Policing Round Up
Emily Joan Elliott and Heather Brothers discuss City Council’s debate over a new labor contract for command officers in the East Lansing Police Department. The two then provide a weekly news round up.
Debate Over Command Officers’ Contract Splits Council in 4-1 Vote
Council approved the Settlement Agreement between the City and ELPD’s command officers in a 4-1 vote. Why did a Council member ask for discussion on the contract and ultimately vote against it?
Ask ELi: Sewers, Trails, Dogs, and Door-to-Door Salespeople
When will the access point to the Northern Tier Trail at Colorado Drive be complete? How does East Lansing handle dog attacks? How can you attend Council member Babock’s flooding town hall tonight?
Hair-Based Discrimination, Raises for Council Taken Up at Last Council Meeting Before Election
The City of East Lansing now prohibits hair-based discrimination, and the next City Council will see a slight increase in their pay. Lisa Babcock also reminded the community about her flooding town hall on Thursday. Find out about all this, the City’s litigation update, and more!
ELPS Grapples with Student Misconduct, Masking
According to teachers’, administrators’, and families’ anecdotal reports, aggressive behavior among students has been on the rise. What has caused this uptick? How is it being handled?
Council Appoints Police Oversight Commission. Who Are the 11 Members?
After reviewing 39 applications and conducting 37 interviews, representatives for the City of East Lansing selected 11 commissioners, and Council gave its approval. Who are the new commissioners?
Downtown East Lansing Stabbing Victim Suffers “Significant” Injuries; Suspect in Custody
Another violent crime hit the Ann Street Plaza-area of East Lansing’s downtown this weekend after a fight broke out early Sunday morning. Here is what ELi has learned about the incident.
Only East Lansing’s Mayor and Williamstown’s Supervisor Refused to Join Sheriff’s Rebuke of Prosecutor
Elected Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth declined to tell ELi earlier this week who was with him and who against him on a controversial firearms issue. Now we know. ELi’s Heather Brothers reports.
What Decisions Were Made at Tuesday’s “Discussion-Only” City Council Meeting?
A lawsuit settlement, hair discrimination, food trucks in neighborhoods, controversially-confidential legal opinions, and more at this week’s East Lansing City Council. Catch up with ELi!
City Council Says ‘No’ To Signing Off On Sheriff’s Rebuke of Prosecutor
Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth has been canvassing municipalities in an attempt to get local leaders to sign onto his statement opposing County Prosecutor Carol Siemon’s reforms. Heather Brothers reports on his failure to convince East Lansing City Council to sign.
ELPD Participating in Training Focused on Intervention and Accountability
ELPD was selected to participate in Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training, after Police Chief Kim Johnson submitted a request for ELPD’s inclusion in the program. When will the training take place? What will it entail?
ELPD Reports Shooting at Whitehills Residence
According to ELPD’s press release, “officers do not believe this was a random incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.”
Who applied to be on the Independent Police Oversight Commission?
The applications are in, and applicants are varied in background, area of expertise, and reasons for applying. What do we know about the applicant pool?
East Lansing Insider: The Scenes Change Again at Council and Downtown
Three members of ELi’s government reporting team talk about changes on Council, the dismantling of the Albert EL Fresco, the disappearance of Ordinance 1500, and more. Give a listen!
A Closer Look At Why The ‘Albert EL Fresco’ Is On Hiatus
The Albert EL Fresco was dismantled on Sunday, and some readers wrote in to express their sadness to see it go. Why has it been paused? When might we see it again?
An Update on the Shooting Downtown on Saturday
Following a shooting in the early hours of Saturday morning in downtown East Lansing near Pinball Pete’s, ELi followed up with ELPD to ask about that incident and another shooting that occurred in May.
East Lansing Insider: Alex Hosey Talks Civil Rights
ELi’s Managing Editor talks to Alex Hosey, a local civil rights activist and youth reporter for ELi. Hosey spoke about his decision to sit for the national anthem during a basketball game several years ago, his experience as a Black young man in East Lansing, and his future plans.
City Council and ELPD Reticent on Newly Announced Prosecutorial Changes
Several Ingham County police chiefs objected to Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon’s changes to traffic stop protocol. ELPD has not made clear how the changes will affect East Lansing.
East Lansing Insider: Overseeing Policing in East Lansing
ELi’s Publisher and Executive Director Alice Dreger and reporter Heather Brothers speak with Dr. Cedrick Heraux, who served on the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission, about policing in East Lansing. Give a listen!
City of East Lansing Accepting Applications for Independent Police Oversight Commission
The application is available online now through Aug. 1. Council intends for the Commission to represent the diversity of the community and plans to appoint 2 non-residents and 2 social workers or psychologists to the 11-person Commission.
Council Approves Independent ELPD Oversight Commission, “Fair and Impartial Policing” Contract
Council unanimously voted in favor of establishing an independent police oversight commission but engaged in a heated debate over other policing issues before approving a “fair and impartial policing” contract. What were the points of contention?
Council Will Negotiate New Contract with Foster Swift for City Attorney
The discussion revealed points of satisfaction and dissatisfaction and involved talk of splitting the City Attorney contract into two parts. Why might Council go that route at some point?
East Lansing City Council Will Tackle Action-Packed Agenda This Week
Big policing issues, parking for the Graduate Hotel, lawsuits involving the City of East Lansing, a new outdoor design for Harper’s – all this and MUCH more coming to Council this week. ELi tells you what’s on the agenda…and what’s missing.
East Lansing Insider: Freedom of the Press
Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger talk to Brian Wassom about freedom of the press. Elliott and Dreger then discuss how Dreger used the Freedom of Information Act to report on a major gas leak that occurred near her home.
East Lansing Moves to Remove Restrictions on Parking and Fireworks and Give Workers a Paid Holiday for Juneteenth
After an ELi reader pointed out that ELPD was ticketing cars on Juneteenth when holiday parking rules should have been in effect, Mayor Aaron Stephens explained at last week’s Council meeting how those affected can appeal. How might the City honor Juneteenth in future years?
Development | Government | News | Podcast
East Lansing Insider: Neighbors and Noise in East Lansing
ELi’s Publisher and Executive Director Alice Dreger and Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott discuss complaints made to East Lansing’s City Council about noise created by cars and motorcycles. Elliott also interviews ELPD’s Neighborhood Resource Specialist Tonya Williams.
Major East Lansing Emergency Occurred Because Consumers Energy Contractor Failed to Mark Gas Line
Hear the 911 call and learn what went wrong and right when a major gas leak erupted in a residential East Lansing neighborhood on June 3. Are the safety systems working?
“Unbearably Ridiculous” Noise from Cars and Motorcycles Is Riling East Lansing Residents
Screaming motorcycle engines. Cars giving off what sounds like shotgun blasts. Some in East Lansing are fed up with the noise. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports on the complaints and City government responses.
Confidential Information? Subpoena Power? City Council Plans for Police Oversight
East Lansing’s City Council is moving quickly to adopt a plan for citizen oversight of ELPD that will largely reflect what the Study Committee has recommended. What is expected? ELi’s Heather Brothers reports.
Development | News | Podcast
East Lansing Insider: Apartment Leasing in East Lansing
East Lansing Insider is available online and airs at 9 a.m. on Sundays on 88.9 FM.
Neighborhood Resource Specialists Assist ELPD in Resolving Civil and Long-Term Issues
Since December 2020, ELPD has had a Community Engagement Team that consists of three neighborhood resource specialists and two social workers. Ann Kammerer speaks to Tonya Williams, the lead Neighborhood Resource Specialist for ELPD, to find out more about the work the specialists are doing in East Lansing.
Emails Reveal Prosecutors and Police Struggled With Technology and Schedules as Now-Exonerated Man Sat in Jail
East Lansing Council member Lisa Babcock says she obtained the same set of emails via FOIA and “found them deeply disturbing.” What do they show? ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
Study Committee on Police Oversight Present Report and Recommendations to City Council
Representatives from the committee, including the chair and vice chair, presented the nearly 250-page document that includes a report and recommendations for an ordinance to establish a permanent oversight commission. The presentation also included information on the overrepresentation of Black people in interactions with the police, issues of trust, and more.
What Else Did Council Decide This Week?
A lot happened at this week’s four-hour City Council meeting. ELi’s Jack Timothy Harrison brings you up to speed with a 5-minute read!
Formal Recommendations for Police Oversight Commission Will be Presented to Council Today
East Lansing’s Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission will present its findings and recommendations to City Council today. Heather Brothers reports on the Study Committee’s final discussions, which included concerns over transparency and cooperation between a future oversight commission and the City, including ELPD.
54B Court To Hold Conviction Expungement Clinic; Several Resources Offered to Formerly Incarcerated
Expungement allows those convicted of crimes to remove the offense from their records. Free financial help seminars are also being made available to those who have criminal records. Learn more from ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott.
A Deeper Look at the East Lansing Police Department Budget
City Council expressed interest in the ELPD budget, but then passed what had been presented. What can we discern in that budget about ELPD policing for East Lansing? Nick Sly reports for ELi.
It’s Official: East Lansing City Council Will Create an Independent Police Oversight Commission
A press release from the City suggests Council will definitely establish an Independent Police Oversight Commission. But what might that look like? ELi’s Heather Brothers reports.
A New Department for the City, Closing Albert Ave., and More News from Council
What decisions were made by East Lansing’s City Council this week? Find out in this recap from ELi, your local independent news source.
Additional Victim Comes Forward After Recent Mass Shooting in East Lansing
ELPD Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez provided ELi with a brief update on how the investigation is going after readers asked ELi for the latest information.
“Breach of Research Ethics” in East Lansing Survey on Policing Perspectives
A recent study of East Lansing residents’ attitudes on policing said it included 51 African American and/or Black respondents, but Dr. Cedrick Heraux discovered discrepancies after looking at the raw data. What did he find in his deep dive into the numbers?
As Budget Set to Pass, EL Council Members Express Funding Concerns Related to Policing, Marijuana, and More
City Council’s latest budget discussion revealed some key differences of opinion – including between the City Manager and Council members. Which disagreements grew tense? ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
Islamic Center Trustee and Others React to ELi Report, While Deputy Police Chief Promises More Reforms
Thasin Sardar, an Islamic Center Trustee, and Kelli Ellsworth-Etchison, a member of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission, responded to ELi’s report, while ELPD Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez promised some reform.
UPDATED: Missing Woman, Shirley Baughan, Found
ELPD announced that Shirley Baughan has been located and thanks volunteers for their help with the search.
Council Member Babcock Demanded ELPD Investigate “News Release That Condemned a Resident as a Rapist”
After prosecutors dropped all the charges, Babcock questioned the “truthfulness” of one police officer’s report, the press release, and whether racial, ethnic, religious, or other biases played a role in this case. ELPD investigation found her complaint to be “sustained.” ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
Multiple People Injured in Shooting at Abbot Road Apartments
According to a press release from ELPD, “This act of violence does not appear to be random in nature, and there is no ongoing threat in the area.”
Lots of News Out of City Council This Week
The police budget, marijuana revenue, Parks & Rec’s money problems, a key employee’s retirement, the Graduate Hotel’s liquor licenses, dog poop, a sod farm, and more. We bring you up to speed on what you missed at City Council this week.
“It’s Wrong”: Emails Show Why City Council Nixed ELPD Awards Ceremony
Council members were mainly opposed to ELPD honoring Officer Andrew Stephenson, the central figure in two alleged incidents of excessive use of force. Andrew Graham reports.
Tensions Rise Over City Manager’s Office Withholding Results of Survey on 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 Seeking Information To Identify SUV in Vehicle-Bicycle Hit-and-Run
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.
East Lansing Council Responds to Survey Showing African American Residents Have Relatively Lower Trust of ELPD
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?
You Are Invited to Public Discussion on Police Oversight in East Lansing
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?
Today on East Lansing Insider: Kelli Ellsworth-Etchison
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.
ELPD Investigating Shots Fired on St. Patrick’s Day
The incident occurred on Abbot Road between Lake Lansing Road and Saginaw Street. Andrew Graham reports.
Why is An ELPD Officer Asking City Council to Hand Over Their Emails?
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.
ELPD Investigates Bomb Threat Directed at St. Thomas Aquinas School
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.