FERNDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT

IRECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH CHIEF OF

FERNDALE’S POLICE DEPARTMENT, Dennis Emmi, for an in-depth conversation on current policing perspectives in Ferndale. Chief Emmi is committed to maintaining good leadership practices and standards. We can be reassured in knowing he is in charge of Ferndale's police force.

We covered four main topics: The Department’s response to the Covid19 pandemic; professional standards; interaction with the community; and the evolving role of technology within law enforcement.

COVID19:

Emmi emphasized how proud of the staff he has been throughout the pandemic. The officers worked staggered schedules to minimize crosscontamination. Due to consistent precautions, such as the mandatory wearing of masks and strict hygiene measures, the Department kept Covid19 under control around the station. “We prepared for the worst outcome and protected our officers. We were constantly writing and updating a Covid response for the City and also for SouthEast Oakland County. It was a team effort.”

The pandemic has severely affected the social interaction part of policing. This has posed a big obstacle. As Emmi pointed out, “Zoom just is not effective with that!” At a time where the law needed to be humanized more than ever, it wasn’t easy while also maintaining safe distancing measures.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:

Emmi added that they are a progressive Department, where oversight and professional conduct is always a top priority. Out of 588 departments in Michigan, they are one of only 29 to be accredited by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. Emmi explained, "We follow National Best Practices, and our certification gets renewed every three years. We definitely need to maintain high standards, and I would encourage other Michigan departments to complete the same accreditation process."

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

Emmi believes this is the core value of their Department: “Our residents do not just take government for granted. They participate a lot. We engage in their opinions and support them in voicing concerns.” Emmi strongly feels that their interaction with the community is a key for success, and that the workforce needs to closely represent the society they protect. Emmi particularly likes the Cop On the Corner program, where residents are encouraged to chat with the Chief of Police and some of the officers. Another way of reaching out to residents is the Citizens Academy. This is a four-week program involving 20 “recruits,” who spend their time learning all about local law enforcement, four hours a week. The program is designed to educate residents on various aspects of policing, including investigations; reporting; crime scene processing and also employment opportunities. Staff members from every Department program, from dispatchers to the Chief of Police, help shed light on what goes on behind the curtain and eliminate some of the mystery surrounding law enforcement.

The Ferndale Police Department is currently hiring, and they actively recruit from local academies. Emmi describes their Department as, “an exciting place to work.”

by Jenn Goeddeke

TECHNOLOGY:

Emmi emphasized that investigators in this modern era need to be in touch with technology. Gone are the days where a police officer simply leaves with a carbon notepad and pen. Emmi points out that much crime is now embedded within the online world, including a high percentage of Internet-based fraud schemes and identity thefts. Also, solving crimes typically includes the use of different technologies, such as: cameras/surveillance equipment; social media; cell phones/tower signals. Part of their job is to educate the public how to safeguard ourselves against crime. For example, monitoring your personal and business credit and changing passwords frequently. Controversy has arisen over the years regarding where to draw the line with technological recognition/monitoring computer programs such facial recognition and vehicle license plate scanning. This makes people nervous about their privacy rights. The implementation and use of these types of technology must be preceded by well thought-out policies and strict oversight to ensure they are used responsibly. However, as Emmi pointed out, these technologies have become essential for combatting crime. They serve as a force multiplier and in some cases increase officer safety. For instance, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones) are an invaluable, potentially lifesaving piece of equipment for searching for missing children or assessing dangerous police or fire situations. Emmi recognizes that police officers are “in a position of great authority. We don’t take the responsibility lightly, and we want the public to know about our efforts to maintain professionalism, and to avoid any appearance of mystery or violating the public trust.” We thank Chief Emmi and the members of the Ferndale Police Dept. for their efforts in keeping Ferndale a safe, great place to live! n 310 East Nine Mile, Ferndale MI 48220 The Command Desk may be reached at: 248.541.3650 • Hope Not Handcuffs program: www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org • For anonymous reporting of ordinance violations or hazards, please install the CClickFix app on any smartphone. • The Ferndale Police Department will dispose of expired medications. A medbox is available within their location.

Fer ndale Police Dept.

A P R O F E S S I O N A L P E R S P E C T I V E F R O M C H I E F E M M I

DOWNTOWN FERNDALE BIKE SHOP

See you on your bikes.

Available (6 months interest-free)

SAME-AS-CASH FINANCING Advanced Testing Extra FREE SCAN FREE NOISE CHECK w/coupon* expires Dec. 31 2021 w/coupon* expires Dec 31 2021

We don’t just repair cars, we create RELATIONSHIPS We believe in hassle-free transparent SERVICE WITH A SMILE & reliable transportation at the most effective cost.

We Have The Tires You Need!

248-542-0930

Specializing in • New & Used Tires/Wheels • Lease Turn-Ins

317 E 8 Mile Rd Hazel Park MI

John R

8 Mile

I-75

Your Neighborhood Garage!

Towing Available • Master Mechanics

• Engine Exchanges & Rebuilds • Automatic & Manual Trans • 4x4s • Heating/Air Conditioning • Suspension/Front End • Tune-Ups • Computer Diagnostics • Electrical • Brakes

Allen Woodward

Marshall

248

242 W Marshall, Ferndale 8 blks S of 9 Mile, W of Woodward