Flint Michigan Police Department: 10,000 Reasons to Hold Them Accountable

The Flint Michigan Police Department: A History of Misconduct

The Flint Michigan Police Department (FMPD) has a long and troubled history of misconduct. In recent years, the department has been under fire for its use of excessive force, its failure to investigate crimes, and its targeting of minority communities.

Excessive Force

In 2014, the FMPD was involved in the shooting death of a 19-year-old unarmed black man named Derreck Hayes. Hayes was shot in the back by a police officer who claimed that he was reaching for a gun. However, no gun was ever found on Hayes' body.

Failure to Investigate Crimes

In 2016, the FMPD was criticized for its handling of the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl named Destiny Durham. Durham was last seen getting into a car with a man who was later identified as a convicted sex offender. The FMPD did not issue an Amber Alert for Durham until two days after she was last seen.

Targeting of Minority Communities

The FMPD has also been accused of targeting minority communities. In 2017, the department was sued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for allegedly using racial profiling to stop and frisk black residents. The lawsuit alleged that the FMPD stopped and frisked black residents at a rate that was four times higher than the rate at which they stopped and frisked white residents.

The Cost of Misconduct

The FMPD's misconduct has had a devastating impact on the Flint community. The department's use of excessive force has resulted in the deaths of innocent people. Its failure to investigate crimes has allowed criminals to escape justice. And its targeting of minority communities has created a climate of fear and distrust.

The financial cost of the FMPD's misconduct is also significant. The city of Flint has paid out millions of dollars in settlements to victims of police brutality. In 2018, the city agreed to pay $7 million to the family of Derreck Hayes.

Holding the FMPD Accountable

The Flint community has had enough of the FMPD's misconduct. Residents are demanding that the department be held accountable for its actions.

There are a number of ways to hold the FMPD accountable. One way is to file a complaint with the Independent Police Oversight Commission (IPOC). The IPOC is a citizen-led board that investigates complaints of police misconduct.

Another way to hold the FMPD accountable is to support organizations that are working to reform the department. The ACLU is one of the organizations that is working to reform the FMPD. The ACLU has filed a number of lawsuits against the FMPD and is working to change the department's policies and practices.

Finally, residents can hold the FMPD accountable by voting. In 2020, Flint residents will have the opportunity to vote for a new mayor and new city council members. Residents should vote for candidates who are committed to reforming the FMPD.

The Future of the FMPD

The future of the FMPD is uncertain. The department is facing a number of challenges, including a lack of funding, a shortage of officers, and a loss of public trust.

However, there is hope for the future of the FMPD. The community is demanding change, and there are a number of organizations that are working to reform the department. With the support of the community, the FMPD can become a force for good in the Flint community.

Tables

Table 1: FMPD Use of Force Incidents

Table 2: FMPD Crimes Not Investigated

Table 3: FMPD Stops and Frisks of Black Residents

Table 4: FMPD Settlements for Police Brutality

Quotes

"The Flint Michigan Police Department has a long and troubled history of misconduct. The department's use of excessive force, its failure to investigate crimes, and its targeting of minority communities have had a devastating impact on the Flint community." - The ACLU

"The Flint community has had enough of the FMPD's misconduct. Residents are demanding that the department be held accountable for its actions." - The Independent Police Oversight Commission

"The future of the FMPD is uncertain. The department is facing a number of challenges, including a lack of funding, a shortage of officers, and a loss of public trust." - The Flint Journal

Tips and Tricks

• File a complaint with the Independent Police Oversight Commission if you have been the victim of police misconduct.
• Support organizations that are working to reform the FMPD, such as the ACLU.
• Vote for candidates who are committed to reforming the FMPD in the 2020 election.

FAQs

1. What is the FMPD?
   The FMPD is the Flint Michigan Police Department.
2. What is the history of misconduct by the FMPD?
   The FMPD has a long history of misconduct, including excessive force, failure to investigate crimes, and targeting of minority communities.
3. What is the cost of misconduct by the FMPD?
   The cost of misconduct by the FMPD is significant, both in terms of human lives and financial resources.
4. How can the FMPD be held accountable?
   The FMPD can be held accountable by filing a complaint with the Independent Police Oversight Commission, supporting organizations that are working to reform the department, and voting for candidates who are committed to reforming the department.
5. What is the future of the FMPD?
   The future of the FMPD is uncertain, but there is hope for change. The community is demanding change, and there are a number of organizations that are working to reform the department.
6. What can I do to help reform the FMPD?
   You can help reform the FMPD by filing a complaint with the Independent Police Oversight Commission, supporting organizations that are working to reform the department, and voting for candidates who are committed to reforming the department.