LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Lansing branch of the NAACP says a proposal in contract talks between East Lansing and its police union would significantly reduce the authority of the city’s Independent Police Oversight Commission.
In a news release, the NAACP Lansing Branch said proposed changes to Ordinance No. 1533 would bar the commission from investigating or weighing in on discipline until after the police department has finished and closed its own internal investigations into citizen complaints. The group has also said the changes could restrict the release of officer names and body-camera footage.
East Lansing police face complaints after chaotic weekend
The Lansing NAACP raised the concerns in the wake of complaints about treatment of college-age Black men in downtown East Lansing during Michigan State University’s welcome week Aug. 23-24. Citizens say officers used excessive force, including pepper spray, on students of color and visitors and used a Taser on one person.
“These changes are a clear attempt to remove any oversight within the East Lansing Police Department,” NAACP Lansing Branch President Harold A. Pope said in a news release. “The lack of transparency surrounding the incidents in August where the ELPD pepper sprayed students and others as well as tasing one individual shows the absolute need for an independent oversight commission.”…