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Editorial
April 1, 1939
The Detroit Tribune
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
What is this article about?
Editorial by J. E. McCall in The Tribune opposes Detroit's proposed Police Merit Board amendment, arguing it would harm colored officers by limiting appointments and promotions and obscuring accountability from the Mayor and Commissioner. Advises voting NO.
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PAGE THIRTEEN
A NON-PARTISAN NEWSPAPER
THE POLICE MERIT BOARD
By J. E. McCall
One of the amendments to be voted on next Monday by the citizens of Detroit is the proposed Police Merit Board plan.
This proposal aims to establish a three-man board, through which police appointments, promotions and retirements in future would be made on a so-called merit system.
The Tribune does not approve this plan as we believe it would be detrimental to the interests of our colored police officers, and we advise our people to vote against it.
Under the present set-up, the Police Commissioner is held responsible for the operation of his department. He is appointed by the Mayor, who is responsible to the people. When we fail to get a square deal from the Police department, we have the privilege at present of fixing responsibility where it belongs, on the Mayor and his appointed Police Commissioner. We could not do this effectively, if a three-man police merit board is established. Few, if any Negro officers would be appointed or promoted under such a system.
Vote "NO" on the proposed Police Merit Board plan.
The Bulletin Board
Ulysses W. Boykin
A NON-PARTISAN NEWSPAPER
THE POLICE MERIT BOARD
By J. E. McCall
One of the amendments to be voted on next Monday by the citizens of Detroit is the proposed Police Merit Board plan.
This proposal aims to establish a three-man board, through which police appointments, promotions and retirements in future would be made on a so-called merit system.
The Tribune does not approve this plan as we believe it would be detrimental to the interests of our colored police officers, and we advise our people to vote against it.
Under the present set-up, the Police Commissioner is held responsible for the operation of his department. He is appointed by the Mayor, who is responsible to the people. When we fail to get a square deal from the Police department, we have the privilege at present of fixing responsibility where it belongs, on the Mayor and his appointed Police Commissioner. We could not do this effectively, if a three-man police merit board is established. Few, if any Negro officers would be appointed or promoted under such a system.
Vote "NO" on the proposed Police Merit Board plan.
The Bulletin Board
Ulysses W. Boykin
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Or Punishment
Legal Reform
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Police Merit Board
Detroit Amendment
Colored Officers
Negro Appointments
Vote No
Police Reform
What entities or persons were involved?
J. E. Mccall
Police Commissioner
Mayor
Colored Police Officers
Negro Officers
The Tribune
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Opposition To Proposed Police Merit Board In Detroit
Stance / Tone
Strongly Against The Plan, Advising Vote No
Key Figures
J. E. Mccall
Police Commissioner
Mayor
Colored Police Officers
Negro Officers
The Tribune
Key Arguments
Establishes Three Man Board For Police Appointments, Promotions, Retirements On Merit System
Detrimental To Interests Of Colored Police Officers
Under Current System, Mayor And Police Commissioner Are Responsible To People
Merit Board Would Obscure Responsibility, Making It Hard To Hold Accountable
Few If Any Negro Officers Would Be Appointed Or Promoted Under Merit System