Detroit Police Chief Not Backing Down On Virtual Precincts
DETROIT (WWJ) - Virtual police precincts in Detroit are not so popular among Detroiters -- but Police Chief Ralph Godbee says he is not backing down on the concept.
Citizens have complained to City Council about not being able to make police reports in person at precincts between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m.
But Godbee said having civilians take non-emergency reports over the phone is saving Detroit thousands of dollars and allowing him to put more cops on patrol.
"So, it's gonna take time. It's gonna take discipline and maintaining discipline through adversity and really not going backwards to try to appease people at the expense of having police officers on the streets," Godbee said.
Detroiters should still dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. But under a plan launched early this year, citizens are now asked to call the Telephone Crime Reporting Unit at (313) 267-4600 when there is no immediate threat to life, property or public safety. Citizens should use the line to report crimes that have already occurred.
