Council, police oversight board press DPD on detention center heat concerns

July 18, 2026

Detroit City Council members and a police oversight board are demanding transparency from the Detroit Police Department regarding extreme heat conditions at the Detroit Detention Center, which lacks central air conditioning. Council Member Denzel Anton McCampbell has requested detailed temperature records and cooling protocols after reports that indoor temperatures reached 102°F and an epileptic detainee suffered multiple seizures during a two-week period. The facility, which typically holds 80-130 predominantly African American detainees daily, recently returned to DPD control from the state after being operated by Michigan corrections since 2013.

Who is affected

Detainees at the Detroit Detention Center (typically 80-130 people daily, up to 200 capacity, predominantly African American, more males than females)
An epileptic patient who reportedly experienced six seizures in a two-week span
Police and nursing staff working inside the facility
Council Member Denzel Anton McCampbell
Police Commissioner Victoria Camille
Criminal defense attorneys David Cripps, Gabi Silver, and Todd Perkins who represent clients held at the facility
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison and the Detroit Police Department

What action is being taken

McCampbell sent a memo to Police Chief Bettison on July 8 requesting temperature records and heat mitigation policy details
DPD is using portable air coolers to circulate air on both male and female sides of the facility
Windows have been closed due to air quality issues from wildfire smoke
Staff is providing water to detainees every 30 minutes or as needed
Nursing staff and supervisors are walking around checking on inmates' health and welfare
Internal temperatures are being tracked hourly on a SmartSheet Dashboard
DPD is working with the city and has sent out a quote to install an HVAC system
Council members are weighing and approved (on July 14) a $3.7 million contract renewal for medical services at the detention center

Why it matters

This situation raises serious human rights and health concerns as detainees are confined in potentially dangerous conditions without the ability to leave, with reported temperatures reaching triple digits during heat waves and poor air quality from wildfire smoke. The lack of central air conditioning in a facility holding vulnerable populations, including people with medical conditions like epilepsy, creates life-threatening risks. The issue also highlights systemic problems, as criminal defense attorneys note these inhumane conditions have persisted for years, affecting predominantly African American detainees who have limited legal protections while in temporary detention. The situation tests government accountability, as city officials struggle to obtain transparency from DPD about conditions and plans for improvement at a facility that only returned to city control from state operation last August.

What's next

DPD is working on plans to upgrade the ventilation system and install an HVAC system (quote has been sent out)
Potential tour of the facility for council members (requires approval from Chief Bettison)
Expected written responses from DPD to McCampbell's July 8 memo (not yet received as of July 17)
The medical services contract will run through July 30, 2027

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com