UPDATE
We contacted Chief Craig's office about doing an interview to be published in the next newsletter. They responded and wanted some background on Michigan Open Carry and a list of questions to be asked. I gave them some background on MOC and these are the questions I submitted:
1. You have been outspoken on gun ownership and self-defense, saying, “If more citizens were armed, criminals would think twice about attacking them,” and more recently, when asked about open carry, “It’s the law, and I support the law.” The reaction from some in the media and politics has not been favorable. What has been the reaction to these comments from the street officers under your command? How do your officers feel about your stance on personal defense for individuals not in law enforcement?
2. All large cities face challenges. What has prompted you to have a different attitude on citizens carrying guns for self-defense than other police chiefs such as Milwaukee’s Police Chief Edward Flynn who was quoted as saying, “My message to my troops is if you see anybody carrying a gun on the streets of Milwaukee, we’ll put them on the ground, take the gun away and then decide whether you have a right to carry it?” Is there a moment in time you can point to where you adopted this belief?
3. Has there been protocol set up for officers at the street level as to how to address those who choose to carry a holstered pistol openly rather than concealed?
4. There are citizens who are concerned in what they see as the militarization of the police. Police officers are not troops, they're civil servants, peace officers. People recognize that there are important differences between cops and soldiers. What do you say to those who are concerned about this growing trend?
5. You began your career in 1977 with the Detroit Police Department before moving to the LAPD. From the perspective of a police officer, how has Detroit changed since you first began with them 37 years ago?
6. What is your position on gun control legislation regulating magazine capacity?
Aside from these questions, if Chief Craig would like to comment on anything else, we’d be more than happy to print anything he wishes to say to our readers.
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They didn't reply, so after a couple of weeks I sent a reminder email. They finally replied today and denied us an interview. This is what I received today:
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Mr. Griffin,
We respectfully decline this opportunity to interview with your agency due to scheduling conflicts. If there is anything else we can assist you with, please let us know.
Thank you,
Officer Moreno
Detroit Police Department
Office of Public Information
313-596-2200 Phone
313-596-1450 Fax
Pubinfo@dpdhq.ci.detroit.mi.us
