01/20/2026
Statement in Support of Commissioner Morris
What Commissioner Morris is facing is, unfortunately, nothing new when it comes to Black men who stand up and challenge injustice within their own communities.
Commissioner Morris recently took action involving two police officers — one from the Warren Police Department and one from the Detroit Police Department — after serious concerns were raised about their conduct. These were not random encounters, nor were they rooted in personal bias. In both cases, the officers involved had previously been named in lawsuits alleging misconduct, and in at least one instance, the City paid a settlement related to the claims.
One of the officers has accumulated a significant number of citizen complaints over time. The other was publicly identified in a news report involving the use of force against a young Black man experiencing a mental health crisis. These are matters of public record and legitimate concern for any community leader charged with oversight and accountability.
Commissioner Morris did not act recklessly. He acted responsibly — in the interest of public safety, transparency, and fairness. His actions reflect what residents expect from an elected official entrusted with oversight of law enforcement: courage, independence, and a willingness to ask difficult questions when others remain silent.
Unfortunately, when accountability threatens long-standing habits of misconduct, pushback is inevitable. Selective video clips, misleading narratives, and social media distortion are now being used to undermine Commissioner Morris’s credibility and distract from the real issue — the need for ethical, professional policing.
This is not about being anti-police. Commissioner Morris has repeatedly stated his respect for the many officers who serve honorably. This is about protecting the community from the small number of high-risk officers whose actions jeopardize public trust and safety.
Detroit deserves leadership that puts people before politics and integrity before convenience.
Commissioner Morris is doing exactly that.
