Detroit police officers already seeing a ten percent pay cut will soon see twelve hour work shifts. Thursday, a Wayne County Circuit Court judge lifted the restraining order that blocked the changes.
"It's demoralizing. We feel unappreciated by it," said Detroit Police Officer Baron Coleman.
The 16 year veteran is already dealing with a 10 percent pay cut.
"In 16 years, I've made basically a $7,000 raise. We're the lowest paid major police department in the country right now, and it's going to get lower."
A judge ruled Thursday that Police Chief Ralph Godbee can proceed with his plan for twelve hour shifts.
"The bottom line is that if you're not at a hundred percent, you're going to make mistakes, and when we make mistakes, it's unfortunate but sometimes people die," said Joseph Duncan, president of the Detroit Police Officers Association.
He is disappointed. The DPOA had gone to court hoping to permanently block the move. The ten percent pay cuts are already in effect.
"It's $5,300 a year what it comes out to be," Duncan explained. "It's about $200 a paycheck. It's $400 a month. That's a car note. That's my kid's braces. School is coming now. Could be school clothes."
"October we're going to lose more of our medical, so it's not going to get better. We just want to be appreciated. We do an honest day's work, want an honest day's pay," said Coleman.
The ten percent pay cuts were already reflected in last week's paychecks, and Duncan said he expects the twelve hour shifts to start next month.
It's those twelve hour shifts that have Duncan most concerned, and not just because they impact the officers.
"I don't believe that they can run and do their jobs and do it effectively working those many hours, and that becomes a concern not only for the officers themselves, but I mean for the citizens, as well," said Duncan.
"Public safety is number one and without that you're not going to have a turnaround," he added.
They also wonder how many of the 2,033 Detroit Police officers will decide they've had enough. 300 can retire right now, and newer officers are getting offers elsewhere.
"Our numbers are wearing out. I just learned today in court that 63 officers left since June. I don't know if more (are) going to leave because of today's decision. If I had my time I would leave," Coleman remarked.
"I got a call from Toledo. They're looking for 75 individuals. Trust me, they're going to be here. Atlanta was here about a month and a half ago, two months ago. It's unfortunate that Detroit loses their police officers, but fortunately somebody else wants them," said Duncan.
Mayor Dave Bing released the following statement: "I am pleased with Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Macdonald's ruling today. My administration will move forward in implementing the City Employment Terms for all City of Detroit workers as we continue to work to fiscally stabilize the city."
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:17:22 GMT
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino.
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino. 42-year-old Myron Williams is on probation in Michigan for a drug paraphernalia charge. He also has quite a past in Louisiana.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:30:05 GMT
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:49 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:49:41 GMT
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:19:24 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:15:15 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Detroit Police patrol car (Credit: MyFox Detroit)
