Deployment of Detroit police officers on the city buses

Insert photo caption or credit here

Starting today, July 1,2009, Detroit Police Officers will replace Wayne County Sheriff Deputy's security assignment with the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) for security on the Detroit bus transit system.  This change in the security detail on buses, was the result of an arbitrator's, George Roumell Jr., ruling from August which required the Sheriff Department to terminate their services by June 30th.

Many will question, why were the Detroit Police Officers not already assigned to provide security for Detroit's buses? Originally, they did in fact provide security, but in 2005, the police chief at that time, Ella Bully Cummings, reassigned the officers that were securing the bus routes and placed them on street patrol.  The re-deployment of these officers, put more officers on the streets and provided a cost savings to the department.  Then, with the approval of Detroit's former mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, and the city council approved a $11 million federal grant to the Wayne County Sheriff Department to provide the much needed security on Detroit's transit system.  When I say much needed, I'm speaking of the random assaults and fights that sometimes plague the inner city transit system. 

With the deployment of deputies by the Wayne County Serif Department, the deputies rode on some of the buses in uniform and in plainclothes.  Other instances of providing security included following behind the buses in other vehicles.

This grant provided to the Wayne County Sheriff Department angered many, including the Detroit Police Officers Association.  The Detroit Police Officers Association challenged the granting of the funds and contract of bus security.  Now,  as a result of the challenge and an arbitrator's ruling, the Detroit Police Department has now resumed security for the Detroit transit system.  Now, "Detroit's finest" will provide 24 hours of security, 7 days a week through various ways and means. For the record, the Detroit bus transit system provides transportation to Detroit and 23 surrounding communities.  Also, the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) was the first city-owned public transit system in the country, and is the state of Michigan's largest transit carrier.  Each year, it's estimated that 37.8 million people ride Detroit's transit system.

Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) Deputy Director, Lovevett Williams has assured everyone that DDOT will work together with Detroit Police Chief James Barren PhD, to ensure a smooth transition with the changes in departments for security.  Williams stated, "our riders expect and deserve a secure environment when they ride DDOT buses, and we are determined to work with the Detroit Police Department fully to  make that a reality".

The mission statement of DDOT states that the mission of DDOT is to provide public transit services that are reliable, clean, customer-focused, safe, and secure.

Rather it's the Wayne County Sheriff Department or the Detroit Police Department, riders within the DDOT transit system need security.  Crime is random.  It can happen at anytime, anywhere, to anyone. "It's better to have it and not need it, then to need it and don't have it".

In closing, I would like to mention that on July 14, 2009, the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT)  will open the Rosa Parks Transit Center.  Included in this center, a police mini-station will be inside.  The opening will take place at 10:00 am, and is located at 360 Michigan Ave Detroit MI 48226.  Also, DDOT is currently running a trial called "Bikes on Buses"  on Route #40, which is the Russell route, in which a bus rack is equipped to transport bicycles.  Soon, all the DDOT buses will be equipped with bike racks, similar to those on the SMART transit system buses.

For the DDOT website, please visit www.ci.detroit.mi.us/Departments/DetroitDepartmentofTransportation/tabid/80/Default.aspx

Other relevant information, can be found at www.RideDetroitTransit.com