NAACP Lansing Branch Condemns East Lansing’s Effort to Weaken Independent Police Oversight Commission

 Proposed deal with police union would eliminate transparency, civilian oversight

Courtesy Photo-NAACP Lansing Branch President Harold A. Pope 

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EAST LANSING — A recent proposal in a negotiated contract between the City of East Lansing and its police union would significantly reduce the power of the city’s Independent Police Oversight Commission, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of citizens.

Proposed changes to Ordinance No. 1533, which governs the independent commission, would take away the commission’s right to investigate or contribute to any disciplinary action until after the police department has finished and closed its own investigations involving citizens’ complaints of possible malfeasance of police officers. The potential changes also threaten the release of police officer names and body camera footage.

These proposed changes are particularly alarming considering the events involving the disparate treatment of college-age Black men in downtown East Lansing during Michigan State University’s Welcome Week. On the weekend of Aug. 23-24, citizens complained that officers used “excessive force” when dealing with students of color, including pepper-spraying them and visitors.

“These changes are a clear attempt to remove any oversight within the East Lansing Police Department,” said NAACP Lansing Branch President Harold A. Pope. “The lack of transparency surrounding the incidents in August, where the ELPD pepper-sprayed students and others as well as tasing one individual, shows the absolute need for an independent oversight commission.”

“The MSU NAACP is not surprised by the push for the proposed changes to Ordinance No. 1533,” said MSU NAACP President Anjali Konkipudi. “While the ELPD says they value transparency and relationships with the student body, it’s evident these beliefs do not apply to the communities of students of color at MSU. The MSU NAACP calls for officer and precinct accountability.”   

The NAACP is inviting citizens to attend the next East Lansing City Council meeting on September 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Hannah Center Banquet Hall and express their opposition to the impending changes. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization.