CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 9:01 a.m.
ROLL CALL
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Secretary Schell requested an addition to the agenda regarding the Chairperson elections. The Commission agreed to postpone the election until the August meeting to allow Chairperson Alexandra Peterson to be present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion made to approve the April 14, 2026 meeting minutes made by Haines, seconded by Shukwit.
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
None Present
REPORTS
Chief's Report
Chairperson Alexandra Peterson welcomed a new baby approximately one month ago.
We recently hired Officer Brandon Harper, who was sponsored through the Oakland Police Academy and was sworn in on June 1, 2026. Alex Thomas, a nine-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, is scheduled to be sworn in on June 15, 2026. An additional police officer candidate is currently in the background investigation process and is expected to begin employment within the next month.
Two new dispatchers, Mary Ann Derr and Katherine McClure, have been hired and are currently completing their training. Upon completion, our dispatchers will be fully staffed.
The department also welcomed a new Animal Control Officer, Veronica Bucchare, who brings prior experience from both Detroit and Warren. Additionally, Julie Torres has joined the department as a Records Clerk and is currently undergoing training.
Several personnel changes and retirements were announced. K-9 Harko retired on April 29, 2026. Sgt. White will retire in July, while Officer Hirst and Sgt. Walker are both scheduled to retire in August. Sgt. Rayner was promoted to Lieutenant on April 20, 2026, and Officer Bradley was promoted to Sergeant on June 1, 2026. Additional staffing changes have been made within the Detective Bureau, Training Division, Property Room, Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and a new School Resource Officer has been selected. The department is now very close to reaching full staffing for sworn officers.
The State of Michigan is reimbursing the department for the cost of sponsoring officers through the police academy.
The department's Drone Unit is now fully operational and consists of six officers, including Sergeant Randolph. A demonstration of the drone program will be held during this year's Bike Rodeo, with a monitor available for attendees to view the drone's live footage.
The department recently completed its bullet proof vest replacement project as part of the Capital Improvement Budget. Existing vest warranties had expired, and all personnel have been fitted for new vests. Delivery of the new equipment is currently pending.
The department has partnered with Face Addiction Now (FAN) to implement a Redirect Program aimed at providing alternatives to incarceration for eligible individuals. In cases involving low-level offenses, such as minor retail theft or simple possession where substance use is believed to be a contributing factor, officers may, with the individual's consent, refer them to FAN for rehabilitation services. Upon successful completion of the program, the department will not pursue criminal prosecution. Local major retailers have been consulted and have expressed support for the initiative.
An update was also provided on the VIP Program. Through a donation from Susie Q Kids, a local nonprofit organization, the department was able to replenish the sensory bags carried in patrol vehicles.
New labor agreements have been finalized and signed with the Police Officers, Command Officers, and Clerks unions. The contracts will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Council Report
Mayor Haines announced that several members of the Crime Commission plan to attend the upcoming Bike Rodeo.
Councilman Wright informed the Commission that the Revin' in the Heights Car Show will be held on September 19, 2026, and invited the Crime Commission to participate by hosting an informational table at the event.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2026 Bike Rodeo / K-9 Demo
The annual Bike Rodeo will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The Crime Commission will host an informational table at the event, where members will distribute literature and backpacks to attendees.
Blue Hands for Autism
Commissioner Scott reported that she participated in a Zoom meeting with parents from Blue Hands for Autism in Dearborn regarding an initiative to provide AirTags for children with special needs. The parents' group is responsible for purchasing the AirTags and raising the necessary funds, with each AirTag costing approximately $3 to $5.
Commissioner Scott plans to meet with representatives from Lamphere Schools when the new school year begins to discuss potential fundraising opportunities to help provide AirTags to local families of children with special needs as a safety measure to assist in locating missing children. She also suggested partnering with the Dearborn program to help launch a similar initiative in Madison Heights. Additionally, she said that there are companies that have expressed a willingness to donate bracelets or necklaces designed to securely hold the AirTags.
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:29 a.m.
NOTICE: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation through electronic means in this meeting should contact the City Clerk at (248) 583-0826 or by email: clerks@madison-heights.org at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.