DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison is applauding the Board of Police Commissioners' unanimous vote to suspend two members of the department for working with federal immigration agents.
But he no longer plans to fire them.
Bettison had initially suspended Sergeant Denise Wallet and Officer James Corsi with pay, but the boar, in a vote Thursday night, has now acted to suspend them without pay for 30 days.
Bettison spoke before the board last week, saying that 99% or 98% of his officers are doing the job right every day — but when 1 or 2% decide to violate department rules, he intends to hold them accountable.
Bettison had planned to fire the two officers, but now says, in light of the BOPC's decision, he will not be pursuing their termination.
The suspensions stem from separate incidents in which Bettison said Wallet and Corsi contacted Border Patrol during traffic stops, leading to the detainment of two motorists by federal agents.
Bettison said, in a statement, "Policies are meant to provide structure and limits for officers to protect them and citizens alike. When policies are not followed, whether in this matter or DPD's no pursuit policy, it puts the community at risk."
He added: "I support the actions of the board as the ultimate discipline for these officers. The Board had the opportunity to review all the video and consider all the facts and circumstances in their decision. The role of the Board is to serve as an oversight body and a check and balance for the police department and I fully respect its role.
"Therefore, I am satisfied with the Board’s decision and I will not be pursuing termination of these two officers. This incident should make it clear, however, that as Chief, I will continue to vigorously enforce DPD's policies."
Wallet on Thursday filed a 17-page lawsuit in U.S. District Court to attempt to prevent her firing, stating that she followed orders and did not violate department policy.
The suit said Wallet, a 27-year veteran with the DPD, was called to a scene on Feb. 9 after a driver presented a photo of a fake driver's license. Wallet claims she asked her lieutenant what to do, and he said to call Border Patrol for identification purposes. Border agents later determined that the man was in the U.S. illegally, the suit said, and they took him into custody.
This comes amid high tensions in Michigan and across the U.S. over increased ICE activity, related violence and arrests.
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