Detroiters push back as police board weighs ending virtual comments

September 1, 2026

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners member Henrietta Ivey has introduced a controversial proposal to eliminate virtual and phone-based public comments at weekly meetings, requiring residents to attend in person instead. The motion, which could be voted on as soon as September 3rd, has sparked significant opposition from disability rights organizations and other commissioners who argue it creates accessibility barriers for people with disabilities, seniors, working families, and caregivers. While Ivey claims her goal is building face-to-face relationships rather than silencing voices, critics view the proposal as limiting public participation, particularly given meetings occur at 3 p.

Who is affected

People with disabilities and mobility challenges
Seniors and elderly residents
Working families and employed residents unable to attend 3 p.m. Thursday meetings
Parents and caregivers (such as District 7 resident Jawana Oliver who cited childcare conflicts)
Residents with transportation difficulties
Those with anxieties about attending meetings at Detroit Public Safety Headquarters
Current virtual and phone participants (approximately half of public commenters on August 27 attended via Zoom)
Detroit residents generally seeking to provide input to the civilian police oversight body
Advocacy organizations including Detroit Disability Power, Riverwise Magazine, and Warriors on Wheels of Metropolitan Detroit

What action is being taken

Advocacy groups like Detroit Disability Power, Riverwise Magazine, and Warriors on Wheels are calling for action online
WOW founder Lisa Franklin has released a statement urging commissioners to vote no
Groups are urging participation at the September 3rd meeting
District 7 resident Jawana Oliver is circulating a change.org petition opposing the motion (which had 125 signatures as of Monday evening)
Commissioner Darious Morris is consulting with constituents before the vote

Why it matters

This proposal matters because it directly impacts the accessibility and transparency of civilian oversight of the Detroit Police Department, a critical democratic function established in 1974. The Board of Police Commissioners serves as the body responsible for supervisory control and governance of the police department, making public input essential to accountability. Eliminating virtual participation options would create significant barriers for vulnerable populations—including people with disabilities, working families, and seniors—effectively silencing their voices in police oversight. The controversy also highlights broader tensions about post-COVID public engagement policies and whether government bodies will maintain accessibility improvements or revert to pre-pandemic practices that excluded many residents from participation.

What's next

The motion is expected to be voted on at the BOPC's September 3rd meeting
Commissioner Darious Morris plans to consult with constituents before the vote
Community members and advocacy groups are mobilizing participation for the September 3rd meeting
The change.org petition continues to collect signatures in opposition to the motion

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com