Organizer seeks police presence for peacemakers conference; council and chief outline limits and options

Ted Barham, a Dearborn resident, told the council on Feb. 7 that he is organizing a two‑day “Peacemakers Conference” at the Henry Ford Centennial Library and asked whether the city could provide police presence for the event because invited guests had safety concerns.

Why it matters: The organizer said potential speakers had withdrawn over safety worries. Council members and the mayor advised him how the city’s police department responds to event security requests and what options are available to organizers.

Barham described the conference, which includes speakers from the region and abroad, and said several invited rabbis pulled out because they did not feel safe traveling to the event. He asked specifically whether the city could provide a police presence “during the duration of the conference for the sake of any other Jewish people who might want to come to Dearborn.”

Council President Cerini and the mayor replied that the police department does not provide personal bodyguard services for private events. The mayor said officers will respond to calls for service and that when an organizer expects large crowds or a planned protest the city may coordinate a paid, contracted police presence as part of a special event permit. “That's not the role of government” for private personal security, Cerini said, while also offering to have the chief of police or neighborhood officers notified about the event.

Councilwoman Herrick suggested the organizer seek a special‑events permit and, if necessary, arrange for contracted officer coverage; she said the organizer would work with the police department to review needs, costs and logistics. Councilman Harris, a former police command officer, recommended notifying the police chief so patrol supervisors and beat officers could be aware of the event and conduct occasional checks.

Barham said the conference will be held in the library auditorium, which has a seating capacity of 63. Council members urged Barham to provide any specific security concerns to the chief’s office and to consider hiring private security in addition to notifying police.

Ending: Council members did not authorize city officers to provide dedicated personal security at the event, but they urged the organizer to obtain required permits, notify the police chief and coordinate with library staff and the police department for situational awareness and, if needed, contracted officer coverage.