Speaker at Ferndale council criticizes police handling of assault, urges ordinance and liaison for venue incidents

At the council’s public comment period, Sam Gerwin of Southfield told the Ferndale City Council he was assaulted at a Ferndale music venue on Oct. 19 and criticized the police department’s handling of his complaint and the city’s complaint process.

Gerwin said he faced threats that delayed his initial complaint, that he experienced difficulty obtaining follow-up from detectives and that he was told his initial contact resulted only in a witness statement rather than a full investigation. He said he later filed a complaint against a managing detective and that the captain is now investigating; Gerwin said the process has taken weeks and he still cannot obtain needed records under FOIA.

Gerwin asked the council to consider an ordinance requiring venues to call police when patrons report an assault and suggested the city create a hotline or liaison to help victims navigate reporting and investigations. He also urged clearer public policies about how to file complaints, including whether complainants must return to the responding officer to reopen a case.

Council response: The mayor closed the public-comment period after Gerwin’s remarks. No formal council action or staff direction was recorded in the meeting minutes on this item; Gerwin said he had placed a complaint with the department captain and had been contacted by investigators.

Next steps: The speaker requested the council consider a venue reporting ordinance and a victim liaison; the council did not vote on or direct staff to draft specific language during the meeting. City staff and the police department would be the logical contacts for any follow-up on policy changes or a hotline request.