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Trustees, public spar over police presence at D7 board meetings; some say officer presence made them feel unsafe
Summary
Board members and at least one public commenter clashed over having a police officer at meetings. The board president said officers are present for safety and will remain at the back of the room; critics said an officer previously approached a board member after a meeting and called her a liar, and said the presence can be intimidating and an unnecessary use of funds.
A debate over police presence at Dearborn Heights School District #7 board meetings produced sharp comments Nov. 20 as trustees and a public commenter described competing safety and harassment concerns.
The board president said officers are assigned when safety concerns are raised and will be asked to stay at the back of the room so they do not restrict speech. "The officer is strictly for safety, that's all," the president said during the meeting. Supporters said a visible officer can deter threats and protect participants.
Other trustees and at least one member of the public said past conduct by an officer made them feel unsafe. One commenter said an officer who remained after a previous meeting approached her and insulted her, and told the board, "I do not feel safe." Trustees also raised cost and symbolic‑message questions, noting a single officer in a room of few people may not be an effective preventative measure and that the expenditure of taxpayer dollars should be considered.
Board members said they will continue to review circumstances for assigning officers and will keep the officer at the back of the room when present. No formal policy change was adopted at the Nov. 20 meeting.
