DPD steps up drifting, drag racing enforcement; considers drones

April 22, 2026

The Detroit Police Department is considering implementing a drone program to combat increasing drag racing and drifting problems throughout the city, though the initiative has raised privacy concerns among some residents. Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes explained that DPD has intensified enforcement efforts since late March, deploying dedicated teams on weekends to ticket both participants and spectators at known hotspots, with the goal of permanently confiscating vehicles. The department plans to develop strict usage policies similar to those created for facial recognition technology in collaboration with the ACLU before presenting the drone proposal to city council.

Who is affected

Detroit residents, particularly those in District 2 near Chippewa Avenue and Kentucky Street, and District 5 along Jefferson Avenue
Stevetta Johnson and Nicole Small (Detroit residents who testified)
Detroit Police Department
Detroit City Council members, including President James Tate, Angela Whitfield-Calloway, and Renata Miller
Drag racers and spectators (subjects of enforcement)
Neighborhoods near W. Outer Drive, Greenfield, W. Seven Mile, and other hotspot locations

What action is being taken

DPD is deploying enforcement teams on the east and west sides, with heavy weekend enforcement
Police are ticketing both drivers and spectators at identified locations
DPD is confiscating vehicles with the intention of adding them to the police fleet or court auction
During weekdays, individual police precincts are managing enforcement
The department is having conversations with community members about potential drone use
DPD is working with the Department of Public Works on streetscape changes like rumble strips and bollards
DPD is tracking and following up on dispersed racers
The department is coordinating with Wayne County and Michigan State Police for enforcement assistance

Why it matters

This issue matters because illegal drag racing and drifting pose significant safety risks to Detroit neighborhoods, with residents expressing fear for their children's safety and an inability to live peacefully in their own communities. The problem intensifies during warm weather and disrupts residents' sleep and daily routines, particularly in late-night hours. The city's response demonstrates the ongoing challenge of balancing effective law enforcement technology with civil liberties and privacy concerns. Collaboration between city, county, and state authorities is essential because many problem roadways fall under different jurisdictions, requiring coordinated enforcement to protect public safety across Detroit's diverse neighborhoods.

What's next

DPD plans to present a formal drone program proposal to city council with rigorous policies similar to facial recognition guidelines
The department will continue public conversations about drone technology use
DPD will work with the Department of Public Works on implementing streetscape changes at problem intersections
Continued collaboration between DPD, Wayne County, and Michigan State Police for enforcement on shared jurisdiction roadways

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com