For months, residents who have spoken at meetings about an incident of alleged police brutality have mostly been met by silence.
The city is asking for $900 to provide body camera footage and police reports.
The billboard features a statement Brown made in a news interview last year that has been broadly characterized as racist.
The commission formed a subcommittee to focus on community outreach.
One council member expressed concern about how broadly the ordinance could be enforced as it is currently written.
At last night’s meeting, council repealed a provision in the city’s pretextual stops ordinance that instructed officers to not pull drivers over for loud exhaust. It may roll back more provisions in the ordinance later on.
If City Council amends an ordinance tonight, ELPD will begin pulling over cars with modified exhaust to educate drivers about noise laws.
Council also appointed members to serve on a financial health review team.
City Council voted in favor of a first reading of the camping and loitering ordinance last night. Council will vote on a second reading later on that will implement the ordinance, if it passes.
Data from August-October, months covering the start of the Michigan State University school year, shows police have used force more often to start this school year.
Commissioners are no longer allowed to say ELPD employees’ names at meetings, a restriction the commission’s chair called “utterly ridiculous.”
The press release painted a very different picture than security footage later released of the incident. Charges against both men named in the release have been dropped.
The oversight commission is the second city commission to file motions pertaining to the incident, despite a city attorney advising against it.
A city attorney worries the East Lansing Human Rights Commission investigating a pair of complaints could impact the city’s litigating position.
The City of East Lansing, ELPD Chief Jen Brown and an ELPD officer are all named in the lawsuits.
This week, the East Lansing Insider podcast explores data on use of force within the East Lansing Police Department.
City officials have said all of the ordinance changes are necessary because of a judge’s ruling and a collective bargaining agreement. Members of the oversight commission disagree.
The decision to order the review comes on the heels of two city commissions calling for Police Chief Jen Brown to be removed.
The East Lansing Human Rights Commission has joined the city’s police oversight commission in calling for Police Chief Jen Brown be removed.
ELPD took the unusual step of naming two men accused of committing misdemeanors. Footage later released undermines the police narrative.
A man named in a press release sent by ELPD appears to have been acting as a peacekeeper, and not engaging in a fight as the release indicated.
City manager and council members condemn Chief Jen Brown’s comments; new video appears to show arrested man acting as a peacekeeper, not a perpetrator.
Some members of the police oversight commission believe comments East Lansing Police Chief Jen Brown made in a news interview showed racial bias.
This week’s East Lansing Insider podcast features discussions about safety downtown and potential changes to the city’s police oversight commission.
Proposed changes to the police oversight commission have sparked debate over transparency, public safety and accountability ahead of a crucial City Council vote.
Members of the city’s police oversight commission say changes are being made to the commission that are unnecessary under a new agreement with the union representing ELPD patrol officers.
At least two formal complaints filed to the city alleged former Police Chief Kim Johnson sexually harassed female ELPD employees.
ELPD has restricted the Police Oversight Commission’s access to complaints after the city reached a new collective bargaining agreement with a police union.
Brown has served as interim chief since December, and was recently chosen to serve as chief going forward.
ELPD has been understaffed for years, bringing expensive overtime costs.
Changes include officers’ names being redacted from reports given to the commission.
Brown has been serving as interim chief since December 2024.
Candidates each answered the same three questions from ELi. The questions were about staffing, policing a college town, and the role police should play in responding to mental health crises.
The city is scheduled to select a new police chief next week.
East Lansing is scheduled to extend an offer to a new police chief next week, according to a city webpage dedicated to the police chief search. On the page, it says there were 15 applicants who responded to the job posting. A calendar of events states the city selected four or five finalists on April…
Interim Police Chief Jen Brown has held meetings with several police oversight commissioners, working to improve the relationship between ELPD and the commission.
Interim Police Chief Jen Brown asserted that some members of ELIPOC “hate cops” at the March 5 meeting.
Anyone with information about the shooting should reach out to ELPD Detective Austin Nelson at anelson@cityofeastlansing.com.
The incident occurred during a professional development day, when students were not on site.
A “First Amendment Auditor” films police officers and other government employees to audit their reaction to minor disturbances.
The victim of the scheme received a call from an individual posing as her distressed 16-year-old granddaughter.
Meridian Township police are investigating the graffiti.
New ELPD Interim Chief Jen Brown has served as a deputy chief for the department since December 2023.
Besides the major agenda items, City Manager Robert Belleman shared at the meeting that the city is struggling to fill some key positions.
The city’s police oversight commission shared its 2023 annual report, and BWL reps spoke about rate increases, and future energy projects.
A change in procedure has ELPD requesting commissioners watch footage at set times with officers or the city attorney present.
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.
The city was able to provide an update on the financial impact of the cyber crime, but few other details.
In April, the city announced Johnson was being investigated after an internal complaint was filed against him.
Few details are known at this time, but City Manager Robert Belleman has confirmed the ELPD chief is on leave.
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.
Members of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission shared concerns about proposed amendments to the ordinance that established the commission.
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.
Here are the stories on the reporting and editorial team’s radar in the new year.
City of East Lansing and local service providers suspect the call is a hoax but are, nonetheless, working to be prepared.
The Downtown Management Board heard crime statistics from ELPD Deputy Chief Chad Pride and about the Advent House Ministries homelessness outreach program.
City Council heard from 20 members of the community during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting.
Facilitators will revise the use of force report and recommendations based on ELIPOC and community feedback.
Officer Katey Harrison identified parking garages as hotspots for nighttime activity as well as the Fieldhouse and Harper’s.
Erik Altmann, Mark Meadows and Kerry Ebersole Singh are sworn in, joining George Brookover and Dana Watson on City Council.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning during celebrations downtown, two days before Halloween. ELPD reminds community members to take safety precautions.
The commission also discussed the “sustained” allegations against an ELPD officer for repeatedly calling a woman after getting her phone number while on duty.
Public participants held a “dialogue” as they sought solutions and suggestions for a plan to guide the ELPD.
Commissioners also discussed during the Aug. 2 meeting reported incidents of ELPD officers looking in parked cars and seeing guns.
Commission Chair Erick Williams calls the April 2022 police shooting at Meijer a “learning opportunity” and offers recommendations for the future.
Two new commissioners and ELPD Lt. Adam Park made their first appearances at the police oversight commission meeting.
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.
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.
Public and commissioners voiced differing opinions on the ELIPOC’s relationship with the ELPD.
The staff at Blue Owl Coffee contacted ELPD after numerous high-stress encounters with the man.
Incident has led to a special investigation by the library board and complaint to the EL Human Rights Commission.
Police use of force policy continues to be a topic of discussion; commission is looking to fill three openings.
People experiencing behavioral health or mental health crises make up a “significant portion” of police use of force incidents in East Lansing.
A single threat of violence led to the emergency closure of EL schools and locking of City Hall doors.
This article has been updated throughout the day.
District officials will communicate more information later today.
When should law enforcement decide not to respond to a 911 call?
Interim director of human resources also gives notice joining a wave of people leaving city jobs.
Council members and city officials make emotional statements in the aftermath of the MSU mass shooting.
Students, MSU librarian share their stories and their emotions with ELi.
Students and other members of the community gathered on Wednesday to mourn and to vow to take action.
As of 11 p.m., the shelter-in-place order continued for all of East Lansing.
Independent Police Oversight Commission continues to press specific issues.
The latest events occur as ELi continues to work to understand what happened at the school on Tuesday morning.
Photos and videos of the individual have appeared across social media.
ELPD called the school to confirm it was, in fact, in lockdown.
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.
The 146-page report prepared by CNA was presented to City Council at the Dec. 6 meeting.
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.
Interim President Teresa Woodruff strives for positive relationship between the university and city.
Members of the public attend Nov. 2 meeting to provide input to commissioners and city representatives.
Although no public announcement was made about the city manager’s job assessment, Tuesday’s meeting had lots of tension on other issues.
After an internal investigation, two officers are found in violation of wrongfully searching and detaining a 20-year-old Black man.
“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.
The “Virtual Listening Session” revealed tensions around ELPD, the Independent Police Oversight Commission and issues of race and resources.
Plus: ELi brings you a video taken just after the Sept. 11 downtown shooting showing some fleeing the scene while police rush in.
Recommendations put forth by the city’s Independent Police Oversight Committee are approved 3-1.
“We are going to do whatever we can to try to curb this issue,” said East Lansing Police Captain Chad Pride.
A total of 31 bullet casings from three different caliber guns recovered at the scene.
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.
In this edition of Ask ELi, we bring you answers on tax assessments, the sewer system, ELPD social workers, and unpaid parking tickets.
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.
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.
Andrew Graham is joined by Heather Brothers to discuss use of force reports and the Police Oversight Commission. Give a listen!
The Commission decided to delve into complaints and use of force reports beginning in April. Heather Brothers reports for ELi.
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.
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.
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 identified the individual who died on West Road early Tuesday morning. The incident is still under investigation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
“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.
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.
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?
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?
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!
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?
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?
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.
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.
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!
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 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?
According to ELPD’s press release, “officers do not believe this was a random incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.”
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?
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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?
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
East Lansing Insider is available online and airs at 9 a.m. on Sundays on 88.9 FM.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
What decisions were made by East Lansing’s City Council this week? Find out in this recap from ELi, your local independent news source.
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.
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?
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.
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.
ELPD announced that Shirley Baughan has been located and thanks volunteers for their help with the search.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“There was one arrest made,” ELPD Captain Chad Connelly tells ELi.
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.