Transparency has often been a cornerstone demand from communities seeking accountability in law enforcement. Detroit’s Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) has taken a step forward with the launch of a new dashboard aimed at illuminating complaints filed against Detroit police officers from 2012 to the present. This move signals a response to years of public scrutiny and a recognition of the need for clear and accessible oversight data.
Since 2012, a total of 16,377 citizen complaints have been filed against Detroit police officers. As of now, 2,358 of those complaints remain open. Before the dashboard’s creation, information about complaints was shared through monthly and weekly reports to the BOPC by the Office of the Chief Investigator. This limited access left many community members questioning the transparency and efficiency of the oversight process. With this new tool, the public gains direct access to data previously confined to internal board reports, marking a significant shift in how information is shared.
BOPC Chair Darryl Woods describes the dashboard as a monumental development for building trust between Detroit’s residents and its public safety institutions. Woods emphasizes that the dashboard reflects a broader commitment to transparency, stating, “Transparency is the cornerstone of building trust between the community and our public safety institutions. This tool reflects our commitment to making data accessible and understandable.”
At a press conference, the BOPC showcased the dashboard, which provides insights into complaints without disclosing specific details. Users can explore aggregated data, such as the number of complaints filed each year, the types of allegations made, and the outcomes of investigations. The tool also includes demographic information about both the complainants and the officers involved, along with data on the precincts where the officers serve. Mary Barber, a Civilian Oversight Analyst for the BOPC, highlights the importance of this level of analysis, noting that it offers an opportunity to examine patterns and disparities in policing practices.
The process following a complaint involves the BOPC determining whether allegations are substantiated. If they are, the complaint is forwarded to the Detroit Police Department’s disciplinary division for further action. However, the board is pushing for more transparency about what happens next. Board Member QuanTez Pressley underscores the need to understand the consequences of sustained misconduct allegations. “I think that’s of utmost importance to our community, to know what was the consequence of the misconduct that we found was sustained through the investigation,” Pressley says.
The dashboard, coupled with the city’s open data portal, enables residents to track the status of their complaints using unique complaint report numbers. While the dashboard updates in near-real-time, data on the city’s portal is refreshed every 26 days, offering another layer of accessibility for those seeking information.
Pressley underscores that the creation of the dashboard directly responds to community calls for transparency. By exceeding national standards for civilian oversight, the board aims to foster trust and encourage deeper engagement with the oversight process. “Our hope is that this dashboard will foster a greater sense of trust between the board and the community, as well as to encourage constructive dialogue,” he shares.
Community organizations, such as the Organization of Exonerees, have applauded the launch of the dashboard. The nonprofit, which works to raise awareness about wrongful convictions, views the tool as a step toward rebuilding trust and enhancing accountability in Detroit’s justice system. In a statement, the organization says, “Transparency must be the foundation of any institution entrusted with public safety. By making complaints and investigations accessible, Detroit is raising the standard for accountability and working to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the community.”
For exonerees, the consequences of systemic flaws are deeply personal, and they understand the urgency of building a fairer system. Their statement continues, “As exonerees, we know the devastating impact of flawed systems and the urgent need for accountability. Transparency is essential to fostering a safer, fairer, and more equitable justice system. We applaud the Board of Police Commissioners for their commitment to building a better future for Detroit.”
The dashboard remains a work in progress, with plans to introduce features that will allow users to search for specific cases. Barber welcomes public input to refine the tool further, encouraging residents to share feedback through the Citizen Complaint Committee, chaired by Pressley.
Filing a complaint has also been streamlined. Residents can now submit their concerns online, in person at any Detroit police precinct, or by phone. This accessibility aims to remove barriers that might have previously discouraged individuals from coming forward with their experiences.
While the launch of the dashboard marks a significant achievement, it also raises questions about how transparency will lead to tangible outcomes. The board’s commitment to understanding the impact of disciplinary actions and their continued dialogue with the Detroit Police Department will be critical in bridging the gap between transparency and accountability.
This new tool invites the community to participate in oversight more actively, offering data to inform public discourse and build a foundation for accountability. For a city like Detroit, where the relationship between law enforcement and residents has often been strained, steps like this provide an opportunity to rebuild trust. Transparency is not the end goal, but it is a necessary starting point. As the board continues to refine the dashboard, its success will depend on whether it leads to real accountability and justice for those impacted by police misconduct.
Through this initiative, the BOPC is showing that transparency and community engagement are essential to creating a justice system that serves all Detroiters equitably. The hope is that this tool will not only empower residents but also hold those in power accountable, fostering a city where trust in public safety institutions is not just a goal but a reality.