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Police Brutality and STRESS

In the minds of many black Detroiters, police brutality was worse after the Rebellion than it was before. Within two months of the Rebellion, black Detroiters increasingly began to believe that the police were taking revenge for the Rebellion out on everyday average black Detroiters. Newspapers widely reported that police were joining the Nationl Rifle Association (NRA) in droves and purchasing carbines in case another outbreak occurred. Newspapers also reported that the Detroit Police and Fireman’s Association for Public Safety was a sponsoring organization of several white self-defense rallies held in Northwest Detroit and in Detroit suburbs. By October 1967, these developments made many black Detroiters believe that the police were planning to place them in concentration camps.

A little more than a month after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., Detroit police exploded on Detroiters who participated in the Poor People’s Campaign. In coordination with local organizers, the national movement came to Detroit in May of 1968 on its way to set up an encampment in Washington, D.C. While the Cavanagh administration welcomed the demonstration and march, the Detroit Police Department felt differently.

Gathering outside Cobo Hall for a permitted march and demonstration, marchers were charged at by Detroit police officers and beaten. Samuel J. Dennis, who was a field representative of the United States Department of Justice reported, “I saw police officers ride horses into a crowd which I judged to be under control. In addition, I saw officers strike individuals in that crowd with night sticks.” An additional observer from the justice department confirmed Dennis’s statements, “The actions of the horsemen on the crowd were, in my judgment, uncalled for. The crowd was just standing there observing, walking in and walking out. I observed no provocation on the part of marchers, marshals, or the crowd for officers to behave in that manner.” Because the police acted with no provocation, many black Detroiters believed that the police planned their attack on the demonstration in advance.

Less than a year later, the police again attacked an organized protest gathering in ways that further fueled suspicion they were actively taking revenge on blacks for rebelling. In March of 1969, the Republic of New Afrika (RNA) gathered to celebrate it’s one-year anniversary at New Bethel Church on the city’s West Side and, in response the threat of police brutality, the meeting itself was protected by armed members of the RNA. Following the meeting of approximately 200 people, a Detroit Police Department squad car pulled up to RNA security forces. Two officers, Michael Czapski and Richard Worobec got out of the car and in the confrontation that followed, Czapski was killed, Worobec was injured, and four civilians were injured. As police flooded the surrounding area, they began firing indiscriminately and rounded up over 150 civilians. RNA leader Brother Giadi (Milton Henry), who had left the meeting before the shootout, contacted State Representative James Del Rio about the chaos, and Del Rio contacted George Crockett, a black judge.

Crockett arose from bed, went to police headquarters, and found complete chaos when he got there. Although the police had rounded up more than 150 people and not taken a list of their names, they had questioned, fingerprinted, and administered nitrate tests to all 150 to see if they had fired a gun. Denied their right to legal counsel, Judge Crockett, set up court right there in the station. After Crockett demanded that all those held captive be freed or formally arrested and charged, the police called in Wayne County Prosecutor William Callahan. When Callahan promised that all irregular police procedures would be abandoned Crockett adjourned court and went home. The next day all but a few of those rounded up were set free without charges.

In the weeks that followed, Detroit was embroiled with tension between the police and black activists. Appalled that a black judge would interfere in their racist practices, the Detroit Police Officers Association (DPOA) organized a campaign to get Crockett removed from the bench. Their main complaint was that Crockett was acting out of solidarity with black people rather than following the law. Conservative politicians responded by ordering a full investigation into Crockett’s fitness to stay on the bench. Black activists responded by formally creating a Black United Front (BUF), made up of 60 black organizations. While the DPOA took out a full-page ad in the Detroit News, the BUF organized a demonstration in support of Crockett, drawing upwards of 3,000 people. The Detroit Commission on Community Relations issued a report favorable to Judge Crockett and the controversy eventually came to rest.

Despite Crockett’s intervention and the activism of black Detroiters, police brutality continued to climb after the Rebellion and by 1971 the police in Detroit killed more civilians than police in any other city. Most of these killings were the product of a program of the Detroit Police Department called STRESS, or Stop the Robberies Enjoy Safe Streets. STRESS was the product of the promise Mayor Gibbs made to his white constituents to restore “law and order” after the Rebellion. STRESS often employed a decoy tactic in an attempt to catch would be robbers. One STRESS officer would act as an easy target of a robbery while two officers hiding nearby would jump out and arrest would be robbers. Not only a police tactic of questionable legality, it also resulted in the deaths of ten suspects in the first nine months on 1971, nine of whom were black. By September 1973, STRESS officers killed twenty-two suspects, 95 percent of which died in decoy operations.

Black Detroiters organized against STRESS almost as soon as it emerged. In September 1971, more than 5,000 demonstrated against it, demanding that it be abolished. Similar demonstrations occurred until the mayoral election of Coleman Young who abolished the program.

References

 

Dan Georgakas and Marvin Surkin, Detroit: I Do Mind Dying, Boston, South End Press, 1998


Heather Thompson, Whose Detroit? Politics, Labor, and Race in a Modern American City, Ithaca, NY, Cornell University Press, 2001

Clips from 2018 interviews with veteran Detroit activists Elliott Hall and JoAnn Watson, in which they discuss police brutality and community responses to STRESS. –Videography: 248 Pencils

Cavanagh at Poor People\'s Campaign (1968)

Cavanagh at Poor People\'s Campaign (1968)

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Mayor Jerome Cavanagh is confronted by protestors during the Poor People\’s Campaign in Detroit in March 1968. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Clips from 2018 interviews with veteran Detroit activists Frank Joyce, JoAnn Watson, Dan Aldridge, and Elliott Hall, in which they discuss the \”New Bethel incident,\” an infamous shoot-out between the Detroit Police Department and the Republic of New Africa in 1969. –Videography: 248 Pencils

The South End, vol 27, no 102 (April 10, 1969)

The South End, vol 27, no 102 (April 10, 1969)

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The South End, vol 27, no 102, April 10, 1969. This edition features coverage of the New Bethel Incident, formation of the Black United Front, and an analysis of racist media coverage of the incident. –Credit: Files of David Goldberg

Detroit Under STRESS

Detroit Under STRESS

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Pamphlet, \”Detroit Under STRESS,\” published by From the Ground Up, 1973. From the Ground Up, a White political organization, believed the STRESS program intimidated the Black community and perpetuated the existing power structures and racial divisions. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Anti-Stress Rally (1971)

Anti-Stress Rally (1971)

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Five thousand gather in downtown Detroit on September 23, 1971 to protest the killing of two Black teenagers, Craig Mitchell and Ricardo Buck, by STRESS officer Richard Worobec. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University

Explore The Archives

Citizen Complaint Bureau Complete Yearly Report, 1967

Citizen Complaint Bureau Complete Yearly Report, 1967

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According to the complete yearly report from the Detroit Police Department\’s Citizen Complaint Bureau for 1967, few substantive actions were taken against offending police officers. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Statement on Stop and Frisk

Statement on Stop and Frisk

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Statement presented to Common Council by Rev. Roy Allen, Chairman of the Police-Community Relations Committee, stating his opposition to a proposed Stop-and-Frisk law (February 28, 1968). –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Conclusion to Cobo Hall Incident

Conclusion to Cobo Hall Incident

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Detroit Police Department memo to Commissioner Johannes F. Spreen, \”Conclusion to Cobo Hall Incident.\” On May 13, 1968, there was an altercation between police and members of the Midwest Caravan PPC. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Protestors Confront Cavanagh over Police Brutality

Protestors Confront Cavanagh over Police Brutality

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Protestors confront Detroit Mayor Jerome Cavanagh in the late 1960s. This photo was likely taken during protests over police brutality at the 1968 Poor People\’s Campaign in Detroit.–Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

List of Demands, Ad-Hoc Action Group Citizens of Detroit

List of Demands, Ad-Hoc Action Group Citizens of Detroit

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List of demands of the Ad-Hoc Action Group Citizens of Detroit, a group of White citizens protesting police brutality (May 1968). –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Statement, Ad-Hoc Action Group Citizens of Detroit

Statement, Ad-Hoc Action Group Citizens of Detroit

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Statement of the Ad-Hoc Action Group Citizens of Detroit on police incidents at Cobo Hall, issued November 12, 1968. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Your Call for Justice Will Be Answered!!!

Your Call for Justice Will Be Answered!!!

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Detroit Task Force for Justice flyer and statement of purpose. The Task Force provided legal assistance for those mistreated by police (November 1968). –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Memo from Lonnie Saunders to Richard V. Marks

Memo from Lonnie Saunders to Richard V. Marks

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Memo from Lonnie Saunders to Richard V. Marks regarding an organizing meeting of the Detroit Task Force for Justice (November 8, 1968). –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.
Republic of New Africa Press Conference

Republic of New Africa Press Conference

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Members of the Republic of New Africa (RNA) hold a press conference. In view are Robert Williams, Sr. (at mic), Mabel Robinson Williams, Audley \”Queen Mother\” Moore, Milton Henry (Gaidi Abiodun Obadele) and Richard B. Henry (Imari Abubakari Obadele). –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
Clips from 2018 inteviews with veteran Detroit activists Elliott Hall and Dan Aldridge, in which they discuss the Republic of New Afrika, a Black Nationalist organization founded in Detroit in 1968. –Videography: 248 Pencils
Republic of New Africa Flyer, \"Withdraw Your Consent\"

Republic of New Africa Flyer, \"Withdraw Your Consent\"

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Republic of New Africa Flyer, \”Withdraw Your Consent,\” is a call to stop police oppression and fight the STRESS program. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.
Memo to Richard V. Marks from Lonnie Saunders, Interview with Attorney Milton Henry

Memo to Richard V. Marks from Lonnie Saunders, Interview with Attorney Milton Henry

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Memo to Richard V. Marks from Lonnie Saunders, Interview with Attorney Milton Henry, April 9, 1969. Henry was interviewed after the New Bethel Church incident of March 29, 1969. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.
Memo to Richard V. Marks from Lonnie Saunders, Witness Accounts of the New Bethel Church Incident

Memo to Richard V. Marks from Lonnie Saunders, Witness Accounts of the New Bethel Church Incident

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Memo to Richard V. Marks from Lonnie Saunders, Witness Accounts of the New Bethel Church Incident. Ralph Williams, Miss Hughey, and Miss Deyes were interviewed on March 30, 1969, after the New Bethel Church incident. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.
The New Bethel Report: \"The Law on Trial\"

The New Bethel Report: \"The Law on Trial\"

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The New Bethel Report: \”The Law on Trial,\” adopted by the New Detroit Board of Trustees, May 2, 1969. After the murder of a young man outside the New Bethel Baptist Church, the Law Committee of New Detroit issued this report on the judge\’s rulings. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.
Black United Front To Fight Injustice

Black United Front To Fight Injustice

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Clipping, \”Black United Front To Fight Injustice\” (April 3, 1969). The BUF, a group of over 40 Detroit organizations, joined together to fight police brutality and the disregard for civil rights. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.
Clip from a 2018 interview with veteran Detroit activist George Crockett, in which he discusses the life and legacy of Judge George Crockett, including his role in the \”New Bethel Incident\” involving the Republic of New Africa. –Videography: 248 Pencils
Detroit\'s Political Police

Detroit\'s Political Police

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Statement on the Detroit Police Department and the Detroit Police Officers Association as a political force. (August 1969). –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.
The 1970\'s: A Good Time to Be a Police Officer?

The 1970\'s: A Good Time to Be a Police Officer?

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A message from Police Commissioner Patrick V. Murphy to Detroit Police officers on fatalities in the line of duty. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

The Ghetto Speaks (August 15, 1970)

The Ghetto Speaks (August 15, 1970)

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The Ghetto Speaks: East Side Voice of Independent Detroit, vol. 3, no. 28 (August 15, 1970). Headline on the police repression of the Black Panther Party. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Craig Mitchell\'s Funeral

Craig Mitchell\'s Funeral

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Ken Cockrel (center), Mike Hamlin (behind Cockrel\’s right shoulder), and others watch as 14-year-old Craig Mitchell\’s casket is carried to a hearst. Mitchell and 15-year-old Ricardo Buck were killed by STRESS officer Richard Worobec in September 1971. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Flyer, Silent Protest March

Flyer, Silent Protest March

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On September 23, 1971, several community organizations (including the Labor Defense Coalition, the Black Workers Congress, and others) sponsored a silent march to protest the murder of Black people and political prisoners. The march coincided with a visit from President Nixon. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Memo, Detroit Police Department\'s STRESS Program

Memo, Detroit Police Department\'s STRESS Program

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A memo to the Commission on Community Relations (CCR) from the Police-Community Relations Committee and Staff on the Detroit Police Department\’s STRESS Program (October 2, 1971). The program, Stop the Robberies, Enjoy Safe Streets, began that previous January. Many community groups were opposed to the program, particularly after the killing of Black citizens by STRESS officers. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Ken Cockrel at STRESS Rally (1972)

Ken Cockrel at STRESS Rally (1972)

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Attorney Kenneth Cockrel addresses the audience at an Anti-STRESS (Stop the Robberies and Enjoy Safe Streets) event in Detroit. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University

Changes in the Detroit Police Department\'s STRESS Program

Changes in the Detroit Police Department\'s STRESS Program

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Memo to the Commission on Community Relations, \”Changes in the Detroit Police Department\’s STRESS Program,\” (March 22, 1972). After criticism and a large number of citizen fatalities, Police Commissioner John F. Nichols announced stricter testing and supervision of officers. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Petition, Abolish STRESS!

Petition, Abolish STRESS!

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Petition from the Labor Defense Coalition demanding the immediate elimination of the STRESS program, 1972. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Anti-STRESS Flyer, From the Ground Up

Anti-STRESS Flyer, From the Ground Up

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Women of From the Ground Up demand the abolishment of STRESS after the murder of Joan Davis. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Abolish STRESS Press Conference

Abolish STRESS Press Conference

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Ken Cockrel (center) speaks at a press conference in the early 1970s demanding the abolition of STRESS. Cockrel played a leading role in organizing efforts to resist and dismantle STRESS, which propelled Coleman A. Young to become mayor in 1973.–Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Coleman Young and Ken Cockrel at Press Conference

Coleman Young and Ken Cockrel at Press Conference

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Coleman A. Young and Ken Cockrel at a press conference in the early 1970s. STRESS was one of the central issues of the 1973 mayoral campaign won by Coleman A. Young. Young ran on a promise to dismantle STRESS, which he kept once he got into office.–Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Cockrel Campaign Rally

Cockrel Campaign Rally

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Ken Cockrel at a rally to support a potential campaign for the 1973 mayoral election. Cockrel\’s fierce opposition to STRESS and steadfast legal defense of Black citizens charged with STRESS-related crimes made him one of Detroit\’s leading political figures. Cockrel eventually left the election to Coleman A. Young, however, who became the first African American mayor of Detroit. -Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

Statement by Judge George C. Crockett

Statement by Judge George C. Crockett

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Statement by Judge George C. Crockett following the New Bethel Church incident, 1969. –Credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.