---
title: "Enough is Enough! Police and Community Partnerships"
type: "pdf"
year: "2011"
canonical: "/projects/358"
---
# **ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Police & Community Partnerships Take on the "No Snitching Code of the Street"**
**Application Submission**
**2011 Herman Goldstein Award**
**Chief of Police**
**Ralph L. Godbee, Jr.**
**Detroit Police Department**
# Table of Contents
- [**ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Police & Community Partnerships Take on the "No Snitching Code of the Street"**](#enough-is-enough-police-community-partnerships-take-on-the-no-snitching-code-of-the-street)
- [Summary](#summary)
- [RIGHT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND CLICK ON "OPEN HYPERLINK" TO VIEW THE VIDEO PRESENTATION](#right-click-on-the-link-below-and-click-on-open-hyperlink-to-view-the-video-presentation)
- [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIAhupiRgnM](#httpwwwyoutubecomwatchvjiahupirgnm)
- [Scanning:](#scanning)
- [Analysis:](#analysis)
- [Response:](#response)
- [Response Concerns Identified](#response-concerns-identified)
- [Assessment:](#assessment)
- [Murders of young black men rise](#murders-of-young-black-men-rise)
- [Environment needs change](#environment-needs-change)
- [Detroit Homicides Hit Lowest Level](#detroit-homicides-hit-lowest-level)
- [POLICE $\boldsymbol{\sim} \boldsymbol{\sim}$ LINK Since 1967. by Detroit Free Press via YellowBrix](#police-boldsymbolsim-boldsymbolsim-link-since-1967-by-detroit-free-press-via-yellowbrix)
- [SUSPECTS ARRESTED WITH THE HELP OF DETROIT 300](#suspects-arrested-with-the-help-of-detroit-300)
- [Detroit 300 organizer: Crooks, thugs, gangster wannabes better find somewhere else to exist.](#detroit-300-organizer-crooks-thugs-gangster-wannabes-better-find-somewhere-else-to-exist)
- [By](#by)
- [Key Project Team Members](#key-project-team-members)
- [Project Contact Person:](#project-contact-person)
# Table of Contents
Summary ..... 3
Detroit 300 video ..... 5
Scanning ..... 5
Analysis ..... 7
Response ..... 13
Response Concerns Identified ..... 14
Assessment ..... 17
References ..... 19
Appendix 1 ..... 21
Appendix 2 ..... 22
Appendix 3 ..... 24
Appendix 4 ..... 26
Appendix 5 ..... 27
Appendix 6 ..... 31
Project Team Members ..... 32
# Summary
THE PROBLEM: In Detroit, the code of the streets is not to snitch to the police. The community distrust of police, fear of retaliation from criminals, and a lack of confidence in the Detroit Police Department (DPD) were contributing factors to the breakdown of relationships amongst residents, business owners, and visitors. The 'No Snitch Code' has taken root and spread in the city of Detroit. This form of witness intimidation poses a major problem for law enforcement and contributes to low closure rates associated with violent crimes. In Detroit, WJBK's investigative reporter Scott Lewis suggested that the "Motor City is paralyzed by fear when it comes to talking to police or the press. It's a huge problem for law enforcement in Detroit" (Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2009, p. 2).
ANALYSIS: "Law enforcement responses alone are seldom effective in reducing or solving the problem" (C.O.P.S., 2007, p. 15). Despite the many initiatives that the DPD has implemented in an effort to reduce crime over the past 25 years, the violent crime rate has remained high. Investigative operation entities within the Department revealed to management that citizens were not forthcoming with information on crime, which impeded investigative detectives' ability to close cases. Detectives reported out that the 'No Snitch Code' on the street was a truth and not a myth. During the summer of 2010, there was a rash of beatings and sexual assaults of elderly women. Police investigators working these cases were not making progress, due to lack of community cooperation. Citizens were afraid to talk to the police. The Detroit 300 was able to bridge the gap between police and the community. "The group has worked closely with law enforcement
agencies to solve and prevent acts of violence against Detroit's elderly, youth, and female populations" (Coleman, 2011, p. 25).
In July 2010, Chief Godbee, Jr., directed the Department's Senior Management Team (SMT) to shift its' focus, and to concentrate on community partnerships. The assessment of previous enforcement initiatives revealed that the missing variable was community partnerships and accountability.
RESPONSE: The DPD has traditionally attempted to address the rise in violent crime from an enforcement stand point. The partnering of the DPD with the community based-group, the Detroit 300 created a powerful reversal of the 'No Snitch Code'. The community opened up to police as the Detroit 300 group allowed their organization to be used as a vessel to reconnect the police department and the citizens of Detroit. The Detroit 300 prides its' organizational focus on the elimination of the 'Stop Snitching' credo. The Detroit 300 belief is that in order for the police to do their jobs effectively, someone has got to stand up and tell. The key to success is police and community accountability to each other.
ASSESSMENT: The dynamic collaboration between the DPD and the Detroit 300 revitalized the community and acted as a catalyst in the breakdown of the 'No Snitch' code of the streets. The city of Detroit now takes pride in the new positive acronym for S.N.I.T.C.H. Detroiters are saying instead that "Somebody needs information that could help!" Volunteerism has increased within the city from 300 to 1600 people strong. The capture of two 2 serial rapists, the shooter of a 13 year old girl, and the apprehension of the perpetrators responsible for the rape and beating of elderly women is a clear indication that the community and police have in fact bridged the gap.
The partnership between the Detroit 300 and the DPD has proven that the 'No Snitching Code' can be extinguished. The relationship is proof positive that the citizens within the community and the police can work together to restore public safety. The number of homicides in Detroit in 2010 fell to its lowest level since 1967, and homicide closure rates has risen from a dismal $27 \%$ to $50 \%$ in only a year's time. The DPD attributes this success to the police and community coming together collaboratively, which has formed an unbeatable team.
# RIGHT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND CLICK ON "OPEN HYPERLINK" TO VIEW THE VIDEO PRESENTATION
## http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIAhupiRgnM
## Scanning:
In Detroit and other major cities the creed against 'snitching' hampers arrest and prosecution of violent crimes. Many residents are intimidated even before they witness a crime, or have other motives for not contacting the police. Stop snitching is much more than just words, it is a code of silence that criminals depend upon to intimidate righteous and just people. People are afraid to speak up when they observe crime for fear of retaliation. "Enough is Enough!" says Detroit Police Chief Ralph L. Godbee, Jr., as a rash of beatings and sexual assaults of elderly women within the community began in the summer of 2010. Chief Godbee, Jr.'s, challenge to the 3,000 men and women of the Detroit Police Department (DPD) were to actively engage the citizens of Detroit, to speak up and be the eyes and ears of the DPD. The perpetrators responsible for the nefarious acts committed against the elderly women of the city had to be apprehended!
The concept Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) by Goldstein 1979 is a systematic strategy specifically designed for police to identify problems within the community that police are designated to handle (Ikerd, 2010). On July 10, 2010, exigent circumstances darkened the city of Detroit, when an 85 year old woman was assaulted in her home. On August 17, 2010, a 90 year old grandmother was beaten and sexually assaulted in her home, and on September 9, 2010, another elderly woman, age 80 was also beaten and sexually assaulted in her home.
Chief Godbee, Jr., quickly realized that the city of Detroit had a serious problem in the community. The DPD had to come up with a solution, and that solution was to build a positive relationship between the Department and its citizens. Chief Godbee, Jr., turned the negative connotation associated with the term "Snitch" into a positive mantra within the communities of Detroit.
S.N.I.T.C.H. says Chief Godbee, Jr., is... "Somebody Needs Information That Could Help".
In support of the community's rash of beatings and sexual assaults, Chief Godbee, Jr., enlisted DPD members and Community Activist Malik Shabazz, (Co-Leader of the community based group the Detroit 300) to unite in order to capture the suspects responsible for these heinous crimes against the elderly women in the community. The outpour of support within the community was overwhelming. Activist Shabazz went on record stating, "Somebody always knows who is doing these dastardly acts!" (Mlive.com, 2011, p. 1). Reverend Angelo Henderson, also a Co-Leader of the Detroit 300, and Co-Pastor of Hope United Methodist church further confirmed that the no snitch rule of the streets is deeply ingrained into the communities of Detroit. The time for the community to come together is needed now more than ever.
Chief Godbee, Jr., held several press releases emphasizing the strengths which lie within the community and the police. The criminals will cease to operate without a fear of impunity. There has to be a shared partnership between the community and the police to deter and combat crime.
The 'No Snitch Code' has changed the rules in urban communities across the country. The individuals that observe crime do not come forward and the individuals that do come forward are labeled as snitches. According to the on-line Urban Dictionary, "somebody who snitches on somebody else shall reap the fit punishment" and the saying goes "Snitches get Stitches." This sentiment has been freely endorsed through Gangster Rap lyrics, and clothing such as T-shirts and caps. Numerous interviews with gang members, rap artists, and YouTube video(s) openly endorse the 'No Snitch Code'.
This form of witness intimidation poses a major problem for law enforcement and contributes to low closure rates associated with violent crimes. In Detroit, WJBK's investigative reporter Scott Lewis suggested that the "Motor City" is paralyzed by fear when it comes to talking to police or the press. It's a huge problem for law enforcement in Detroit" (Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2009, p. 2).
# Analysis:
A number of variables have contributed to the breakdown of police and community relations, which has had a negative affect on the city of Detroit. The relations between the DPD and the communities which DPD serves have become embittered; moreover, the communities have been infiltrated by the criminals. The 'No Snitch Code' has taken root and spread in the city of Detroit. The following dependent variables have affected independent predictor variables
(outcomes) associated with the breakdown of relations within the city of Detroit's communities and the DPD:
1) Breakdown in community partnerships and stakeholders;
2) Fear of retaliation by criminals; increase in violent propaganda;
3) Increase in youth violence; decrease in grassroots organizations;
4) Economic downturn; high unemployment, decrease in population;
5) Decrease in police personnel;
6) Poor media relations;
The 'Stop Snitching Code' of the streets has been glorified in the entertainment industry, through video, television, and music. The 'No Snitch Code' propaganda poses problematic for law enforcement agencies. The general public oftentimes feels threatened within their own communities by criminals and gang members who stand behind the 'Stop Snitching' credo.
According to Anderson, et al. (as cited by Herd, 2009) research identified that the ills of social behaviors stem largely from violent and aggressive behaviors observed and portrayed through violent television, film, video games, and music. Witnesses of crimes are less likely to report crimes. The erosion of trust between communities and the police have deteriorated. The deterioration of trust is a significant factor which has hindered police efforts, directed at deterring, preventing, and combating crime (C.O.P.S., 2009).
The 'No Snitch Code' is being embraced largely by the youth population in Detroit. According to Fowler and Braciszewski 2009 the youth are being exposed to a wide range of violent incidents, such as gang activity, robberies, and shootings. The youth are being subjected to violent crime which in turn has
negative effects. The youth internalize the violence, acting out in aggressive and violent ways. "The prevalence and associated effects of exposure to violence in urban neighborhoods indicate the pervasiveness of community violence" (p. 255).
Violent crimes in Detroit, specifically homicide closures rates have been reported below the national average. The national homicide closure rate is $60 \%$. Detroit's homicide closure rate has averaged about 35\% over the past several years. However, the first half of the quarter in 2009, the homicide closure rate dropped substantially to approximately $27 \%$.
The 'Stop Snitching' credo is an active campaign to undermine police efforts to prevent and combat part one crime such as, murder, rape, and assault. The perpetrators have little fear of impunity. A vast majority of young African American males in Detroit have embraced this code. An increase in homicides has affected the population of African American males in the city between the ages of 15 and 24 years of age. The homicides for this group totaled 79 in 2005, and increased to 102 by 2010. Young African American men account for just 7\% of the city's population; however, this population accounts for more than a quarter of all Detroit homicides (Wilkinson \& Esparza, 2010). The African American male population is not cooperating with police, but using methods of retaliation and street justice to continue the vicious cycle of violence.
Grassroots organizations' contribution to urban communities is instrumental to building and re-building the urban family connection to their communities in the United States (Sobeck, Angius, \& Mayers, 2007). Eisinger (as cited by Sobeck et al., 2007) purported that the grassroots organizations in urban
cities like Detroit "...are often the only safety net remaining in neighborhoods that are decimated by a lack of resources, power, and voice" (p. 19).
The DPD had implemented various initiatives over the past decade in an attempt to address the increase of violence within the city of Detroit. These various initiatives are listed to show the types of ideals that were developed in an attempt to combat and deter crime:
1) COMPSTAT - (short for COMPuter STATistics or COMParative STATistics) CompStat is a management tool used by police departments to compile crime statistics. CompStat is designed to identify crime patterns and to combat these crimes before crime rates escalate. CompStat is also used to manage police manpower, accountability, and to improve quality of life issues for citizenry;
2) Narcotic Intensity Patrol Impact Teams (NIP-IT) - Designed to prevent high levels of violent crime within the city by repeat narcotic offenders. The presence of narcotic activity is a quality of life issue which can leave residents within a community feeling devastated, vulnerable, and trapped; moreover, these residents may have the desire to flee the city seeking refuge in safer lesser crime infested areas. In 2006, personnel from the Narcotics Enforcement Unit and the Department's six 6 Districts focused on shutting down upper-level dealers responsible for mass narcotic distributions and sales. The street value of the narcotics confiscated were reported as more than $\$ 117$ million;
3) Operation Tactical Intelligence Driven Enforcement (TIDE) was designed to congeal law enforcement efforts of federal, state, and local agencies. The objective of Operation TIDE, was to reduce problems
associated with gun violence and gang activities in the Northwestern District of Detroit. The initiative focused on crime patterns, and the identification of "the worst of the worst" violent offender(s). The operation produced more that 1200 felony and misdemeanor arrests, nearly 480 juveniles were detained, over 170 weapons confiscated, and more than 2,300 ordinance violations issued;
4) Fugitive Apprehension Service Team (FAST) is a partnership still in effect which consist of officers from the DPD, Wayne County Sheriff's Department, Livonia Police Department, Michigan State Police, and the Taylor Police Department. FAST is responsible for the execution of not-in-custody felony warrants for violent criminals. The teams work collaboratively in the field conducting surveillance operations, arresting fugitives for high-risk felonies i.e., murders, aggravated assaults, sex offenses, armed robberies, and other heinous violent crimes. The FAST unit has arrested more than 10,218 fugitives;
5) Parental Responsibility Ordinance Accountability - The response to a $25 \%$ increase in juvenile crime during the year of 2005, the DPD increased enforcement of this ordinance. The ordinance allowed authorities to penalize apathetic parents for their children's criminal activities. Grassroots organizations depend largely upon collaborative efforts between parents, coaches, teachers, and neighborhood citizens to mentor the youth in urban communities (Sobeck et al., 2007). The decrease of grassroots organizations affects the community;
6) Crime Briefings - the DPD's Senior Management Team (SMT) developed a weekly forum for investigative operation entities to openly dialogue and analyze non-fatal shootings throughout the city;
7) Crime Trend Response Team (CTRT) - CTRT's unit of officers were recruited from specialized commands such as Gang Enforcement, Tactical Mobile, the Special Response Team, the Firearms Investigative Team, and the K-9 Unit to infiltrate high crime areas based on the crime data. This proactive effort targeted neighborhoods which showed statistic based spikes in crime.
Despite the many initiatives that the DPD has implemented in an effort to reduce crime over the past 25 years, the violent crime rate has remained high. The high crime rate affects individuals' perception of Detroit, relative to public safety. In 2008, the Detroit's homicide rate was the highest in the nation (Tactical life.com, 2011). In response to rising crime rates in 2009, the Department created the Crime Trend Response Team (CTRT) to infiltrate neighborhoods with increased spikes in crime. Community Activist Ron Scott, of the Detroit Coalition of Police Brutality, suggested that, "using specialized units like the Gang Squad and the Fugitive Apprehension Team to stop motorist in areas that show a spike in violent crimes sends the wrong message to citizens" (Tactical life.com, para 8).
In July 2010, Chief Godbee, Jr., directed the Department's Senior Management Team (SMT) to shift its' focus and concentrate on community partnerships. The assessments of previous enforcement initiatives revealed that the missing variable was community partnerships and accountability. The social
ills within society indicate that community partnerships are essential to the safety of our communities. The DPD realizes that the removal of concerted efforts between police and the community does not solve public safety concerns. The focus has to be directed at transforming the DPD by restoring public safety through the buy-in of the community. Public safety buy-in is created through effective communications, building trust, and overall organizational accountability.
# Response:
Under the leadership of Chief Ralph L. Godbee, Jr., the Department has seen the most aggressive, proactive Problem Oriented Policing (POP) initiatives thus far. The DPD has traditionally attempted to address the rise in violent crime from an enforcement stand point. However, the real task at hand is the inclusion of all Detroit stakeholders. The main objective is to prevent crimes from occurring in the first place. The quality of police service delivery enhancement is about cooperating city-wide, community by community, making the communities an equal partner in crime prevention. The DPD's response to crime is a shift in mind-set within the organization.
The DPD and the community-based group, the Detroit 300 have partnered to work together in concert toward the restoration of police and community relationships. In an effort to enhance public safety concerns and quality service delivery issues, the police and the community have begun solidifying their relationship. The Detroit 300 is a conglomeration of citizens, civic groups, community and faith-based organizations committed to Detroit, and the DPD. The goal is to continue with open dialogues between all Detroit stakeholders to effectuate a reduction in crime through collaboration, and cooperation. Dr. W.
Edward Deming, the guru of the Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy purported that total quality is about the entire system working together collaboratively in order to produce quality results (Dobyns \& Crawford-Mason, 1994).
# Response Concerns Identified
- Intelligence Sharing without Compromising DPD Investigations - The Detroit 300's, Co-founder Raphael Johnson, is the designated liaison that meets with the DPD's crime analysis unit and DPD's commanding officer of the homicide section on a regular basis. Raphael Johnson is apprised of crimes, case assignments, and intelligence information on criminal suspects. Mr. Johnson has received training regarding intelligence sharing without compromising on-going DPD criminal investigations;
- Directed Patrol - Initially the Detroit 300 informed the DPD that their organization would patrol the city without input from the Department. The Department met with the Detroit 300 emphasizing that the two 2 organizations had the same objective, making the city safe through the involvement of the entire community. The Department further stressed that the two 2 entities working together sharing information would enhance the mission of both groups and not detract from the main task, a safer Detroit. The Detroit 300 now coordinates all patrol activities with the Department. The Department provides back-up patrol units for neighborhood searches, rallies, and demonstrations. The Department is integrally involved with community rallies, neighborhood searches and demonstrations. The Department is no longer only visible from a public safety and enforcement standpoint, but as a partner in the community.
Commanding Officers of the Department also show up for rallies, demonstrations, and neighborhood searches.
- Safety Concerns for Detroit 300 Members Patrolling - Open communication and coordination of efforts between the DPD and the Detroit 300 overcame this issue. The DPD works in concert with the group ensuring their safety during rallies and neighborhood searches. The DPD has assigned officers to act as liaisons with the group. The collaboration has been effective in thwarting vigilante activities. The Detroit 300 has been trained by the DPD in neighborhood stabilization, senior safety, hand-to-hand combat, and sensitivity and people skills training (Coleman, 2011).
- Lack of Training - The DPD provides on-going training to the Detroit 300 group. Many of the Detroit 300 members have been through DPD's Citizens Police Academy. The Citizens Police Academy is a free eight 8 week course, dedicated to the education of residents on the intricacies of public safety, and the intensive workings of the Department. The Citizens Police Academy further congeals levels of understanding within the Department to identify problems and concerns within the community. The Citizens Police Academy is another resourceful tool for the Department which assists in strengthening the bonds between the DPD and the community. The ultimate goal is to continuously improve upon relations between the police and the community.
- Unauthorized Statements to the Media - the DPD initially had concerns that the Detroit 300 might share information with the media compromising cases and officers' safety. The Detroit 300 works in concert with DPD's
Public Information Office ensuring that all of the information released to the media, i.e., press releases, news interviews, etc., is credible. The DPD approves all information disseminated to the public. The Co-Leader of the Detroit 300 group, Reverend Henderson, hosts NewsTalk on Radio One's 1200WCHB. The NewsTalk radio show is used as a platform to educate, update, and report out to the community vital information on police and the Detroit 300's activities and strategies. The NewsTalk radio show is a daily show which reaches 300,000 plus listeners from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- News Media - Chief Godbee, Jr., and the Crime Stoppers organization have done several local media interviews. These media relation interviews relay to the citizens of Detroit that their input is vital to Detroit's public safety. Chief Godbee, Jr., has also given the news media access to breaking crime incidents information; in addition, the news media has access to the city-wide crime incident summary. This transparency initiative has restored trust between the community, news media, and the DPD.
- Grassroots Initiatives - Chief Godbee, Jr., has connected with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit (BBBSMD) organization of Southeast, Michigan. The BBBSMD is the nation's oldest youth mentoring organization. DPD members of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executive(s), Detroit chapter referred to as (NOBLE), mentors and acts as positive role models for the youth of Detroit. Many youth do not get a chance to interact with police officers on a personal level. This program is about the unification of officers and youth to build new and trusting relationships.
# Assessment:
The DPD has effectively scanned, analyzed, responded, and assessed (SARA) the cascading problems relative to the 'No Snitch Code'. The rash of beating and sexual assaults against the elderly women during the summer of 2010 was the catalyst which connected Detroit's communities. The re-connecting of police and the community was long overdue. The Chief's challenge and focus effectuated two significant factors: 1) Established open and effective lines of communication; and 2) Successful coordination relative to bridging the gap between the DPD and community stakeholders. The special bond forged between the DPD and the Detroit 300 has initiated an invaluable service to the citizens of Detroit.
The collaborative partnership between the DPD and the Detroit 300 has significantly increased volunteerism within the city from 300 to 1600. The most impressive achievement of the Detroit 300 / DPD collaboration is: 1) The Detroit 300 has been able to penetrate and break the 'No Snitching Code' prevalent in the communities; 2) Establish stronger community cohesiveness in neighborhoods; and 3) Aid in the capture of two 2 high profile serial rapist, the shooter of a 13 year old girl, and all the perpetrators responsible for the rape and beatings of the elderly women during the summer of 2010.
This partnership and the visible presence of The Detroit 300 in the toughest communities have been instrumental within residential areas insomuch that:
1) Residents of the community feel comfortable in providing information to the volunteers of the Detroit 300 without fear of reprisal; 2) Crimes such as narcotic activities, residential home break-ins, auto thefts, robberies, homicides,
and rapes have significantly decreased with the presence of the group; 3) Crime is further deterred and reported through the sustainability and formation of block clubs; 4) Bridging the gap and re-emphasizing the value of police and community collaborations; and 5) Inspiring residents to get actively involved in neighborhood watches, clean ups, community gardening and revitalization initiatives.
The partnership between the Detroit 300 and the DPD has proven that the 'No Snitching Code' can be extinguished. The partnership is proof positive that the citizens within the community and the police can work together to restore public safety in the communities in which they live and work. The number of homicides in Detroit in 2010 fell to its lowest level since 1967; in addition, non-fatal shootings decreased by $10.5 \%$. The year end homicide closure rate for the Department as reported out by the Commanding Officer, of the homicide section, indicated that the 2010 closure rate was 50\% (D. Blackmon, personal communication, May 30, 2011). The increase in the homicide closure rate is substantial considering that Detroit's homicide closure rate had been averaging around $35 \%$ for the past decade.
The revitalization of Detroit is on its way. Detroit is making a comeback! In the famous words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice". The only way to continue the momentum and build upon our success is by further engaging with our communities. Enforcement initiatives of the past that DPD has implemented without community buy-in failed to produce the outcomes witnessed in 2010.
Coleman, T. (2011, April). Men against violence. Black Life, Arts, \& Culture. Dobyns, L. \& Crawford-Mason, C. 1994. Thinking about quality. New York, NY: Random House.
Fowler, P. \& Braciszewski, J. 2009. Community violence prevention and intervention strategies for children and adolescents: The need for multilevel approaches. Journal of Prevention \& Intervention in the Community. 374, 255-259.
Harocopos, A. \& Hough, M. 2007. Drug dealing in open-air markets. COPS. 31. Herd, D. 2009. Changing images of violence in rap music lyrics: 1979-1997 Journal of Public Health Policy. 304, 395-406.
Ikerd, T. 2010. Beyond "flavor of the month" institutionalizing problem-oriented policing (POP) in the CMPD. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies \& Management. 331, 179-202.
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. 2009. The stop snitching phenomenon: Breaking the code of silence. U.S. Department of Justice. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice.
Oosting, J. (2010, September 1). Detroit 300 organizer: Crooks, thugs, gangster wannabes better find someone else to exist. Retrieved May 21, 2011 from www.mlive.com/news/detroit.
Sobeck, J. Agious, E. \& Mayers, V. 2007. Supporting and sustaining grassroots youth organizations: The case of new Detroit. Voluntas. 181, 17-33.
Wattrick, J. (2011, January 24). Suspect raynard coleman, 31, charged with multiple counts in Detroit serial rape case. Retrieved May 21, 2011 from www.blog.mlive.com/news/detroit.
Wilkinson, M. \& Esparza, S. (2010, September 2). Murders of young black men rise. The Detroit News.
www.tactical-life.com/online/news.
www.urbandictionary.com.
www.brainyquotes.com.
Suspect Raynard Coleman, 31, charged with multiple counts in Detroit serial rape case
Published: Monday, January 24, 2011, 10:37 AM Updated: Monday, January 24, 2011, 3:57 PM
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee says 31-year-old Detroit resident Raynard Coleman has been charged with multiple counts related to six of the eight rape cases believed to be the result of a serial rapist.
"The northeast side was terrorized by a lone individual," said Godbee as he announced the arrest at police headquarters this morning while flanked by 18 officers and members of Detroit 300.
Godbee praised his officers'" level of energy" as they investigated the case and thanked both Detroit 300 and the Crime Stoppers organization for their assistance.
He said it was forensic evidence processed by the Michigan State Police crime lab that ultimately connected Coleman to at least on one the cases and allowed investigators to connect him to the other five.
"The Michigan State Police went above and beyond the call of duty," said Godbee.
Coleman faces 30 counts related to the six attacks. He is currently on parole for an armed robbery and attempted murder committed in 1994, when he was 15 -yearsold. Prosecutors say Coleman will be arraigned later today.
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/01/suspect_charged_in_detroits_se.html 2011
## Murders of young black men rise
2 killed each week; Detroit struggles to curb violence Mike Wilkinson and Santiago Esparza The Detroit News
In Detroit, as jobs and hope have evaporated in the wake of a gnawing recession, the fallout has been more than just economic. For a tiny slice of the population, it's become increasingly fatal.
For black males in the city between ages 15 and 24, the chances of getting murdered have risen rapidly in recent years, increasing from 79 in 2005 to 102 last year. The number reached a high of 115 in 2008.
"We are aware of it," said interim Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee Jr. "We are concerned."
Young black men account for just 7 percent of the city's population, yet more than a quarter of all homicides. They have a murder rate -- 200 per 100,000 residents -- nearly seven times higher than the rest of the population. If they had died at the same rate as everyone else in Detroit, there would have been 16 killed last year, or one every three weeks.
Instead, police were investigating, on average, the murders of two young black men a week.
"There's a lot of young kids dying," said Lyvonne Cargill, a 39-year-old Detroiter whose son Je'Rean "Blake" Nobles was gunned down May 14 a few blocks from her eastside home. He was 17.
Most of Detroit learned about Je'Rean's killing because of what happened days later: Police looking for his killer raided an east-side home and accidently shot and killed a 7-year-old girl, Aiyana Stanley-Jones.
But Aiyana's death wasn't the only tragedy to follow. Cargill said two of her son's best friends, both 17, also have been killed. One was shot to death, the other beaten to death.
"It's so bad what's going on around here," she said.
## Environment needs change
Antonio Webster, strolling through his crumbling neighborhood off Grand River north of I-94, is a 17-year-old high school dropout who doesn't have a steady job. He recently finished a stint in a juvenile detention center.
The Detroit News ww.detnews.com
Webster admits trouble is always beckoning. But he said he wants to avoid getting labeled, as is happening more frequently in Detroit, as young, black and dead.
"It's around me all day, every day," Webster said.
Police have long known that youths like Webster are overrepresented at the county morgue. Yet, they and others have been surprised by an increase that can be found in area cemeteries, in graffiti memorializing the dead and in the fear that pervades the living.
http://detnews.com/article/20100902/METRO/9020418/Murders-of-young-black-men-rise $5 / 27 / 2011$
# Detroit Homicides Hit Lowest Level
## POLICE $\boldsymbol{\sim} \boldsymbol{\sim}$ LINK Since 1967. by Detroit Free Press via YellowBrix
January 04, 2011
DETROIT - The number of homicides in Detroit in 2010 fell to its lowest level since 1967 - the year of the infamous riot - according to crime statistics from law enforcement and the Detroit Almanac
There were an unofficial 308 homicides in the city last year, Detroit police announced Monday, a decline of more than $15 \%$ from the 364 in 2009. The city's highest homicide number was 714 deaths in 1974, the almanac said.
In addition, nonfatal shootings in Detroit decreased $10.5 \%$ last year from 1,307 to 1,170 in 2010, police said.
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee Jr. told the Free Press recently that technology has played a large role in helping to strategically deploy officers to violence hot spots, but he stressed that Detroiters must help keep the city safe.
"We're very proud that we are going to enter 2011 with reduced numbers in homicides and reduced numbers in shootings, but from our standpoint it's sustainability - can we build upon that?" Godbee said. "The only way we can build upon that is to have a very engaged, activist community working with the police department." Number of murders in Detroit drops 15\%, but the per capita rate is still high
Homicide numbers in Detroit are lower than they were 10 years ago, but estimated population drops during the same period could keep Detroit in the running as one of the nation's most murderous cities.
The U.S. Census estimates that Detroit lost more than 40,000 residents from 2000 to 2009.
Using the U.S. Census population figure for Detroit in 2009, the most recent available, and the city's unofficial homicide total for 2010 announced Monday - 308 - the city's per capita homicide rate is 33.8 murder victims per 100,000 residents. The FBI reported 365 murders in 2009; Detroit police say there were 364.
St. Louis, with 142 homicides in 2010, according to the Riverfront Times, had a higher rate of about 40 murders per capita. But Detroit's homicide rate exceeds that of New York, which, according to the New York Times, saw an increase from 2009 to 532 homicides in 2010 - a rate of 6.3 murders per capita. Chicago's per capita rate in 2010 was 15 with 435 homicides, its lowest number in 45 years, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Still, Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee Jr. argues that the decline in homicides shows that the city is moving away from its long-standing murder capital title.
"We're not only fighting the reality of crime, but we are fighting the perception of crime also," Godbee told the Free Press recently. "If you ask the average individual, they think you just walk
out the door and there are dead bodies laying everywhere - that's not the case. Do we have too many homicides per 100,000? I would acquiesce ... and say yes."
The murder and gruesome dismemberment of David Morgan Jr., whose body parts were found near Eastern Market in August, devastated his family, his sister Gwen Thomas recalled Monday.
http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/148752-detroit-homicides-hit-lowest-level-since-1967
"Taking our streets back, on neighborhood
Cases Patrolled and Helped DPD to
Solve
| CRIME | LOCATION AREA (Intersecting Streets) | PRECINCT SCOUT CAR AREA | DATE(S) | SUSPECT'S STATUS |
| :--: | :--: | :--: | :--: | :--: |
| Shooting of 13 year old girl | Emory/Eureka | $11-4$ | 8/12/09 - 8/13/09 | CAUGHT |
| Rape/Assault of 85 Yr Old | Grixdale/Mitchell | $11-8$ | 7/10/10 - 7/17/10 | CAUGHT |
| Rape/Assault of 90 Yr Old | Leslie/Petosky | $10-1$ and 10-2 | 8/17/10 -8/25/10 | CAUGHT |
| Rape/Assault of 80 Yr Old | Lansing/Porter | $3-14$ | 9/9/10 - 9/16/10 | IDENTIFIED |
| Robbery/Assault of 85 Yr Old | Jos Campau/Grixdale | $3-14$ | 11/26/10 -12/8/10 | CAUGHT |
| Eastside Serial Rapist \#2 | E. 7 Mile/Gratiot | $\begin{gathered} 11-6,9-1,9-2,9-6 \& 9- \\ 3 \end{gathered}$ | $1 / 13 / 11-1 / 20 / 11$ | CAUGHT |
The Detroit 300 Inc. * 65 Cadillac Square * suite 2200 * Detroit, MI 48226 * 313=703-8318
# SUSPECTS ARRESTED WITH THE HELP OF DETROIT 300
Asslt w/Int Gr Bod Hrm Less Murder
Kidnapping 4
Weapons - Firearms - Possession by Felon 5
Criminal Sexual Conduct, 2nd Deg (Multiple Variables)
Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1st Deg (16 Counts)
Homicide - Murder, Second Degree
Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manf., Nar/Coc <50 Grams
Robbery Armed 3
(AND SEVERAL OTHER CHARGES)
| 8-12-2009 too 8-13-2009 SHOOTING OF 13 YEAR OLD GIRL | | | EMORY / EUREKA |
| :--: | :--: | :--: | :--: |
|  | | MDOC Number: | |
| | | SID Number: | |
| | | Name: | WILLIE MACK |
| | | Racial Identification: | Black |
| | | Gender: | Male |
| | | Hair: | Unavailable |
| | | Eyes: | Brown |
| | | Height: | $5^{\prime} 9$ |
| | | Weight: | 165bs. |
| | | | |
| | | Date of Birth: | 06/03/1993 17 |
| | | Image Date: | $1 / 5 / 2010$ |
| 7-10-2010 to 7-17-2010 RAPE / ASSAULT OF 85 Y/O WOMAN | GRIXDALE / MITCHELL |
| :--: | :--: |
|  | MDOC Number: |
| | SID Number: |
| | Name: CHARLES ODOM |
| | Racial Identification: Black |
| | Gender: Male |
| | Hair: Unavailable |
| | Eyes: Brown |
| | Height: 5' 7 |
| | Weight: 160lbs. |
| | Date of Birth: 02/15/1974 36 |
| | Image Date: 1/5/2010 |
Home Invasion - 1st Degree
Home Invasion - 2nd Degree
Asslt w/Int Gr Bod Hrm Less Murder
Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1st Deg
Home Invasion - 1st Degree
| MDOC Number: | 515223 |
| :--: | :--: |
| SID Number: | 2293360 T |
| Name: | RAYNARD ALEXANDER COLEMAN |
| Racial Identification: | Black |
| Gender: | Male |
| Hair: | Black |
| Eyes: | Brown |
| Height: | 5' 7" |
| Weight: | 180 lbs. |
| Date of Birth: | 01/05/1985 26 |
| RAYNARD ALEXANDER COLEMAN | Image Date: |
Weapons - Carrying Concealed
Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manufacture Marijuana 3
# Detroit 300 organizer: Crooks, thugs, gangster wannabes better find somewhere else to exist.
Published: Wednesday, September 01, 2010, 10:32 AM Updated: Wednesday, September 01, 2010, 11:36 AM.
## By
Jonathan Oosting | MLive.com
Raphael B. Johnson knows something about crime. He was convicted of second-degree murder in 1992 after fatally shooting a fellow teen at a party in Detroit.
Nearly 20 years later, Johnson is leading an effort to drive criminals from the city's streets.
"It's afforded by a great deal of clarity when it comes to the element we're fighting now," he told WJR-AM 760 host Paul W. Smith on Tuesday, days after he and hundreds of volunteers helped Detroit police apprehend three teens suspected of beating and raping a 90-yearold woman earlier in the month.
Johnson helped organize daily patrols in the Russell Woods neighborhood where the attack occurred. Hundreds of volunteers joined the group -- known as The Detroit 300 -- cruising the neighborhood in motorcades with flashlights, bullhorns and video cameras.
"There's a new day in the city of Detroit," Johnson said, noting the group will continue its efforts in other areas of the city. "We're telling all crooks, all thugs, all gangster wannabes and used-to-be's that you're going to have to find somewhere else to exist because you cannot exist in our neighborhoods."
Johnson said more than 500 members have joined the group since it officially formed two weeks ago. If you're interested in participating, you can sign up on WCHB's website.
Agency and Officer Information:
# Key Project Team Members
Chief of Police Ralph L. Godbee, Jr.
Commander Todd Bettison, Transformation Management Office
Inspector Charles Wilson, Chief of Staff to the Chief of Police
Lieutenant Nicholas Giaquinto, Commanding Officer Crime Analysis
Lieutenant Dwane Blackmon, Commanding Officer of Homicide
Sergeant Hilton Kincaid, Transformation Management Office
Officer Trineen Williams, Transformation Management Office
## Project Contact Person:
| Name: | Todd Bettison |
| :-- | :-- |
| Position/Rank: | Commander |
| Address: | 1300 Beaubien, Room 318 |
| City/State: | Detroit, Michigan 48226 |
| Phone: | $313 596-2006$ |
| Fax: | $313 596-2002$ |
| Email: | Bettisont239@detroitmi.gov |