In a previous post, we discussed the harms of Copaganda, and how even "progressive" politicians in Dearborn have a habit of participating in it. Let's look at Dearborn's current mayor Hammoud and some of the copaganda he has put into the world.
The Post
On February 8, 2023, Abdullah H. Hammoud posted to his Facebook page:
"Every morning, I receive an email from our police department with the major incidents that occurred in our city from the day before. I want to provide residents a glimpse of what this report looks like. In particular, I'd like to highlight that our officers resolve nearly EVERY major crime related issue within a matter of a day - very uncommon among police departments and pretty remarkable. Often times, residents see a social media post about an incident that unfolded bu you are not made aware of the end result.
As an example, the report below speaks to three auto related crimes (theft or attempted break-ins), all of which resulted in the subjects being arrested and/or vehicles recovered. This is a strong testimony to the leadership of our department and the work ethic of our officers.
A BIG thank you to our Police Chief Issa Shahin and the officers of the Dearborn Police Department"
Alongside the statement, a report from the Dearborn Police Department was shared.
The report detailed six incidents:
- Two stolen vehicles that were recovered
- Shots fired (investigation ongoing)
- A traffic stop that resulted in vehicle pursuit through neighborhoods
- Robbery of a mail carrier (investigation ongoing)
- Suspicious behavior report (arrest completed)
The Numbers Don't Back It Up
The briefing posted indicates that both the alleged robbery of the USPS mail carrier noted for Beat 7 and the alleged shooting noted for Beat 2 remain unresolved, as of the date of Hammoud's post (February 8th). only 3 out of 5 incidents were resolved, or 60%. According to the FBI, 350 violent crimes were reported in Dearborn in 2021 (the most recent data available) and the Dearborn police "resolved" 186, or just over 53%. That same year, less than 10% of all vehicle thefts were resolved.
This is a far cry from resolving "nearly every major crime-related issue", let alone within a day.
And It's Misleading
Describing these incidents as "resolved" is misleading. When cops say a situation is "resolved" that means "no longer our problem". It doesn't mean the individuals who were harmed have received any relief, and it doesn't mean the conditions that produced the harm have changed.
Recovery of Vehicles is NOT Resolution
The truth is when stolen vehicles are "recovered", they are impounded. To reclaim your vehicle, you must pay any impound fees that are applied for the duration of the department's investigation. In these cases, "recovery" is the beginning of an arduous process for victims of vehicle theft who are forced to jump through hoops to prove ownership and are responsible for repairs resulting from the theft and subsequent invasive investigations. When owners are unable to meet these demands, their recovered vehicle may be sold at a police auction.
High-Speed Pursuits are NOT Resolution
High-speed pursuits are dangerous. During reckless pursuits through neighborhoods, Dearborn Police have collided with civilians, resulting in deaths, serious injuries, and the destruction of property. The city has paid out at least two lawsuits due to the Dearborn police's callous disregard for community safety (
Coe V City of Dearborn,
Stieve V City of Dearborn).
Arresting a driver does not "resolve" the situation for the individuals who lost family members or were hurt, whose vehicles were damaged, or who no longer feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.
The Truth Is
Dearborn Police Department is a history of brutality and racism. These are not problems that have been solved or which can even possibly be solved with the current law enforcement structure in place. To promote the current police department is to promote that structure and encourage additional investment of our tax dollars in that structure. And to promote that structure with misleading claims is, frankly, inexcusable.
Join us in calling out Dearborn government officials! Remind them that we demand accountability, transparency, and divestment from the police.
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