policing

“First Amendment Audit” of ELPD Draws Widespread Attention Online

“First Amendment Audit” of ELPD Draws Widespread Attention Online

A “First Amendment Auditor” films police officers and other government employees to audit their reaction to minor disturbances.

ELPD Cracks “Grandparents Scam”

ELPD Cracks “Grandparents Scam”

The victim of the scheme received a call from an individual posing as her distressed 16-year-old granddaughter.

Graffiti at MAC May Have Referenced UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting, Spurs Enhanced Security

Graffiti at MAC May Have Referenced UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting, Spurs Enhanced Security

Meridian Township police are investigating the graffiti.

Interim Police Chief Chad Pride Steps Down, Jen Brown Fills Role

Interim Police Chief Chad Pride Steps Down, Jen Brown Fills Role

New ELPD Interim Chief Jen Brown has served as a deputy chief for the department since December 2023.

Council Passes Ordinance to End Pretextual Stops, Considers New Building Incentives

Council Passes Ordinance to End Pretextual Stops, Considers New Building Incentives

Besides the major agenda items, City Manager Robert Belleman shared at the meeting that the city is struggling to fill some key positions.

Council Hears Presentations From BWL, ELIPOC at Discussion-Only Meeting

Council Hears Presentations From BWL, ELIPOC at Discussion-Only Meeting

The city’s police oversight commission shared its 2023 annual report, and BWL reps spoke about rate increases, and future energy projects.

ELPD Stopped Sending the City’s Police Oversight Commission Footage. It’s Unclear Why

ELPD Stopped Sending the City’s Police Oversight Commission Footage. It’s Unclear Why

A change in procedure has ELPD requesting commissioners watch footage at set times with officers or the city attorney present.

Two ‘Top Cops’ to Apply to be ELPD Chief

Two ‘Top Cops’ to Apply to be ELPD Chief

As East Lansing prepares a search for its new police chief, ELi has learned that there will be two internal candidates in Deputy Chief Jennifer Brown and Interim Chief Chad Pride.

Cyber Crime Cost City $50,000

Cyber Crime Cost City $50,000

The city was able to provide an update on the financial impact of the cyber crime, but few other details.

Police Chief Kim Johnson Resigns

Police Chief Kim Johnson Resigns

In April, the city announced Johnson was being investigated after an internal complaint was filed against him.

ELPD Chief Kim Johnson on Leave

ELPD Chief Kim Johnson on Leave

Few details are known at this time, but City Manager Robert Belleman has confirmed the ELPD chief is on leave.

ELIPOC Amendments Approved by Council

ELIPOC Amendments Approved by Council

Though controversial, the amendments to the ordinance regulating the city’s police oversight commission are meant to provide clarity, and not change how the commission functions.

ELIPOC Frustrated with Council, ELPD Leadership

ELIPOC Frustrated with Council, ELPD Leadership

Members of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission shared concerns about proposed amendments to the ordinance that established the commission.

Events, Resources Available as Community Remembers Shooting

Events, Resources Available as Community Remembers Shooting

MSU and East Lansing are joining together to provide support as everyone continues to process the Feb. 13, 2023, tragedy. Luminary kits are available today for one event planned for Tuesday.

What Does ELi See Ahead in 2024?

What Does ELi See Ahead in 2024?

Here are the stories on the reporting and editorial team’s radar in the new year.

Anonymous Call About Migrant Buses Coming to EL Lacks ‘Veracity’

Anonymous Call About Migrant Buses Coming to EL Lacks ‘Veracity’

City of East Lansing and local service providers suspect the call is a hoax but are, nonetheless, working to be prepared.

Downtown Safety, Homeless are Focus of Presentations to DMB

Downtown Safety, Homeless are Focus of Presentations to DMB

The Downtown Management Board heard crime statistics from ELPD Deputy Chief Chad Pride and about the Advent House Ministries homelessness outreach program.

Overlay Districts, Bias All Broached at Eventful Meeting
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Overlay Districts, Bias All Broached at Eventful Meeting

City Council heard from 20 members of the community during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

More Work Needed for Use of Force Recommendations; ELPD Being Investigated by State

More Work Needed for Use of Force Recommendations; ELPD Being Investigated by State

Facilitators will revise the use of force report and recommendations based on ELIPOC and community feedback.

ELPD Officer Tells DDA of Downtown Public Safety Concerns
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ELPD Officer Tells DDA of Downtown Public Safety Concerns

Officer Katey Harrison identified parking garages as hotspots for nighttime activity as well as the Fieldhouse and Harper’s.

Following in His Father’s Footsteps, George Brookover Is Mayor of East Lansing

Following in His Father’s Footsteps, George Brookover Is Mayor of East Lansing

Erik Altmann, Mark Meadows and Kerry Ebersole Singh are sworn in, joining George Brookover and Dana Watson on City Council.

Aggravated Assault Alert Goes Out; No Injuries Reported

Aggravated Assault Alert Goes Out; No Injuries Reported

The incident occurred early Sunday morning during celebrations downtown, two days before Halloween. ELPD reminds community members to take safety precautions.

ELIPOC Discusses Goals for Next Six Months

ELIPOC Discusses Goals for Next Six Months

The commission also discussed the “sustained” allegations against an ELPD officer for repeatedly calling a woman after getting her phone number while on duty.

ELIPOC Workshop Participants Focus on Police Use of Force

ELIPOC Workshop Participants Focus on Police Use of Force

Public participants held a “dialogue” as they sought solutions and suggestions for a plan to guide the ELPD.

ELPD Social Worker Gives Long Awaited Presentation to Police Oversight Commission

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.

Racial Disparities, Data Struggles Among Findings in First ELIPOC Annual Report
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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
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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
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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
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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

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

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
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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

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

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?
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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)

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

‘Concerning Social Media Post’ Leads to ELPS Closure

District officials will communicate more information later today.

Police Oversight Commission Hears Presentation on Biases in Emergency Calls
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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)
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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?

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)

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

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

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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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

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]

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?
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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
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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
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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.

East Lansing Insider: After Covid Pause, City of East Lansing Gets Back To Meetings
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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
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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
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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”
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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
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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.

The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021
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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
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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

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
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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?

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’
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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
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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!

East Lansing Insider: Discussing The Police Oversight Commission, Student Perspective On Couch Burnings
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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”
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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

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
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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
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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
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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)
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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.

Young People in Spartan Garb Set Fires, Commit Destruction after MSU Beats UM
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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.

How Do Local Bars Deal with the College Town Problem of Underage Drinking?
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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
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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

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?