Detroit watchdog calls for badge policy after commissioner used it at Royal Skateland police scene

Detroit's Office of Inspector General says the Board of Police Commissioners needs clearer rules governing commissioners' duties, badges and conduct at active police scenes after an investigation into a commissioner's actions during a spring disturbance at a city skating rink.

The watchdog agency made the recommendations after reviewing claims that District 3 Police Commissioner Darious Morris interfered with an active police investigation during an April teen takeover at Royal Skateland. The OIG found that Morris did not abuse his authority when he used his ceremonial police commissioner badge to enter the scene and stepped into a confrontation between Detroit police officers and local youth.

The report says Morris exceeded the administrative civilian oversight authority assigned to the board by the City Charter when he physically engaged with a crowd at an active police scene. But the OIG concluded his actions did not amount to abuse because neither the police board nor the Detroit Police Department has policies governing whether commissioners may engage in active police matters. The report also says officers at the skating rink explicitly asked for his help.

The OIG recommended that the police board and Detroit police establish clear policy guidelines and corresponding training about the board's role at active scenes. It also recommended that the board create a badge policy covering general use and use at active police scenes, and policies and procedures outlining commissioners' roles based on their charter duties.

Morris told investigators that none of the officers objected to his involvement while he engaged the crowd. According to the report, the officers were focused on managing the situation and later shook his hand to thank him for his assistance.

In interviews conducted by the OIG, Morris said he lacks formal training in crowd management but has a decade of practical experience handling crowd dispersal. He said he also holds a certification in conflict resolution that supports his work as a youth mentor and that he uses de-escalation techniques to resolve disputes.

Morris said Friday that he felt compelled to intervene during the April incident because of his own history, which includes hostile actions against a police officer. He said intervening when asked for help came from being a decent human being and from understanding the consequences young people could face if the situation escalated.

“I don’t want them to go down the path that I went down,” Morris said. “And so, I intervened, not only in the best interest of the officer, but in the best interest of the kids as well.”

The OIG confirmed through interviews with Detroit police officers and body camera footage that Morris identified himself as a member of the police board with a badge and displayed it to enter the scene.

The report says the OIG had previously recommended that the board adopt a policy outlining the appropriate use of police board credentials. The new report says the agency could not confirm whether such a policy was developed.

Police board Chair Robert Jones declined to comment Friday on the investigation into Morris' conduct or whether he is considering the OIG's recommendations on badge use policy and training.

District 7 Commissioner Victoria Camille said she has not taken her badge out of its packaging since becoming a commissioner in January. She said a policy would be useful for both the board and the police department and that she would be willing to draft one, though she would want to make sure it did not prevent commissioners from performing their duties in the community.

Camille said commissioners are not the only ones issued badges. The board's secretary and chief investigator also receive them.

“I’m not sure what that policy should look like just yet, but I do think that documenting some clarity would be helpful to all parties,” Camille said.

The OIG is responsible for investigating waste, fraud, abuse and corruption in city operations.

The Office of Inspector General's full report is available through the city's public records.