The front lobby was nearly overflowing with people. Young and old alike filled the space, huddling in their winter coats, surrounded by the bustling ruckus of a busy front office. But most of the employees hurrying around them were not wearing business suits, but rather the uniforms of Detroit Police Officers.

The visitors, all citizens of the city, had come out to meet and talk with the members and leaders of the Department, including Chief James Craig, at the Third and Sixth Precincts during their Open House events on November 19 and December 4, respectively.

The events were part of several such Open Houses at Police buildings across Detroit. Along with the Third and Sixth, other locations hosting the public for a tour and Q/A included the Office of Chief Investigations.

The officers in all the locations took the chance to unveil the recently renovated locations and, more importantly, to meet and speak with the visiting residents of their respective precincts face-to-face.

“I think events like this are vitally important,” said Captain Rodney Cox of the Third Precinct. “You could say that the community is our partners, and that partnership is vital to helping us investigate and solve crimes.”

During the Third Precinct’s Open House, Captain Cox personally gave the visiting civilians a tour of the building, explaining the renovations and answering questions about the precinct’s day-to-day functions.

 “When we have an opportunity like this, to show people what their tax dollars have gone to, and showcase how we use it, I think it makes the community more confident in what their police officers are doing,” Cox said.

The police and community had another chance to strengthen their partnership when the Sixth Precinct held their Open House on December 4.

Resident and mother Belinda Leonard brought her young son to the Sixth to better get to know their local officers.

“There’s so many things going on right now in the world today, that it’s become even more important for police to be familiar with the people in their precinct, especially the children,” Belinda said. “At the end of the day, [the open house] helps. It lets the officers get to know the children, and letting the kids get comfortable with saying ‘hey’ to officers passing them on the street.”

During their visit, Belinda and her son also had the chance to meet Chief Craig himself.

“My son got to meet him, and at first [my son] seemed shy, like he didn’t want to do it,” Belinda said. “I encouraged him, let him know that it was okay, and he shook the Chief’s hand. Being able to meet him and the officers here, it made my son feel more comfortable. It teaches kids to not be afraid of cops and reach out to them for help.”

Chief Craig spoke with the public at each of the events, answering their questions and speaking on the Detroit Police Department’s commitment to being open and transparent.

“The extraordinary success in this city has been possible, in part, because of the transparent and continuing partnership between the Detroit Police Department, and the community they serve,” Chief Craig said. “Everyone from the Department, the city government and businesses, to the everyday citizens have played a role in that success.”

For the Sixth Precinct, the open house’s public outreach and push for openness had even greater significance in the wake of an investigation into previous supervisors and members.

“The reason we wanted to make the open house about the community is because of the history we’ve had at the Sixth recently,” said Sixth Precinct Captain LaShanna Potts. “We had some issues, we addressed them, and now the community feels like they’re all part of a family. This was our welcome back.”

With new leadership and a remodeled headquarters, the members of the Sixth Precinct are ready to move forward and get back to the job they do best, protecting the people of Detroit.

“We believe that when we have a space that officers feel welcomed in, it projects outward, back to the community,” Potts said. “This is how we show the community that we respect and care for our officers.”

The investment into newer facilities for the Police Department is a sign of the city’s dedication to protecting the people who live, work and play across Detroit.

 “Despite the recent success in Detroit, the work is far from over,” Chief Craig said. “We are not going to pat ourselves on the back just yet. For the city to continue to improve and move forward, the Police Department and our partners in the community must continue to work together.”