The Detroit Documenters attend a range of public meetings and document what leaders and community members are saying. Their work helps us understand how government agencies, boards and commissions work — including Detroit’s Board of Police Commissioners. 

It oversees the Detroit Police Department for the community. It’s also in charge of approving promotions. 

Earlier this month, two commissioners voted against the promotion of an officer. It’s something that rarely happens. 

Metro Producer Jack Filbrandt sat down with Detroit Documenter Nachum Eichenhorn and Coordinator Noah Kincade to learn more about the Board of Police Commissioners’ role. 

“Police are dealing with the apprehension and punishment of citizens for crimes,” Eichenhorn said. “[Police] reach out and touch people physically, and that requires a higher degree of scrutiny.”

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.