Michigan Central Station’s grand opening on Thursday was epic. That is been established.
Its opening, after over 30 years of emptiness, was a historic show of satisfaction Detroiters have for his or her metropolis. And, in line with Detroit Police Chief James White, it confirmed the influence that neighborhood satisfaction can have on crime: There have been no arrests and no vital incidents as of Saturday afternoon.
From a public security and neighborhood policing standpoint, White mentioned the opening was “incredible.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of the women and men of the Detroit Police Division,” White mentioned. “I’ve to say that. I do know it looks like I am speculated to, however I imply it from the underside of my coronary heart.”
The historic practice depot’s grand opening drew hundreds who got here to have a good time and watch Detroit legends carry out, like Diana Ross, Jack White, Eminem and Large Sean. White mentioned his division developed a method that balanced police visibility to discourage crime and neighborhood engagement in a approach that would not be intrusive, or make individuals really feel “over-policed.”
Detroit cops outdoors of the live performance have been centered on neighborhood engagement, White mentioned. They helped direct site visitors, helped individuals with instructions and have been “nice and optimistic concerning the metropolis and the expertise,” White mentioned.
Within the live performance and among the many crowd have been non-uniformed officers “so that you did not really feel this over-police intimidation from the police, however on the identical now we have that layer of safety,” White mentioned.
Making ready for the occasion, White mentioned, the division had swept the realm for bombs and partnered with federal regulation enforcement to evaluate any potential threats. Through the occasion, Detroit police monitored video surveillance and had floor help from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Workplace and aerial help from Michigan State Police.
Fortunately, nevertheless, “no arrests, no incidents of word. Everybody was so proud … it was only a totally different vibe,” White mentioned.
“This can be a nice second for our metropolis. This practice station (had) served as a beacon of decay and what can occur to a metropolis over time,” White continued. “However now it is like a microcosm of what a metropolis will be.”
White went to the grand opening and watched the efficiency. Amongst his favourite acts have been Jack White — “The way in which he shredded that guitar … Oh my God, he was good!” — and naturally, Diana Ross.
“I felt like I used to be amongst Detroit royalty, watching her carry out,” he mentioned.
Andrea Sahouri covers felony justice for the Detroit Free Press. She will be contacted at 313-264-0442 or[email protected].
