Police to Visitors: “Enter Detroit at Your Own Risk”

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Detroit police officers are telling anyone who will listen that the crime there is out of control. Police officers even went so far as to hold a rally this past Saturday, the intended purpose of which was to remind citizens and visitors of how dangerous Detroit is, and how overworked the officers are.

Detroit Police Officer Association (DPOA) Attorney Donato Iorio said, “Detroit is America’s most violent city, its homicide rate is the highest in the country and yet the Detroit Police Department is grossly understaffed.”

Iorio went on to say that the city has a war on officers.

“The DPOA believes that there is a war in Detroit, but there should be a war on crime, not a war on its officers.”

Iorio also says the the city’s worsening conditions have caused many police officers to leave the force, which is putting additional strain on the department. The Detroit Police Department can’t ensure the protection of its citizens because the officers just aren’t there. They just don’t have the numbers, according to Iorio.

“These are the men and women who we look to protect us… and police officers can’t protect you if they’re not there. Officers are leaving simply because they can’t afford to stay in Detroit and work 12 hour shifts for what they are getting paid.”

And so police officers want visitors and residents to know that it is impossible for police to protect them since they just don’t have the staff or resources.

In July, KultureKritic reported the story of a woman who waited four hours for police to arrive after she called 911 to report a break-in at her home. Detroit city officials have also encouraged people to leave certain parts of the city because they are in disrepair.