DETROIT—The City of Detroit Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced the release of its report examining the Jan. 7, 2014 traffic stop involving Council President Pro-Tem George Cushingberry and members of the Detroit Police Department. The OIG found “that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that Detroit City Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry abused his authority during the course of his interaction with members of the Detroit Police Department.” 

Additionally, the report made two recommendations: The executive and legislative branches should formulate guidelines which govern employees’ “non-official” interaction with law enforcement and other city personnel; and the Detroit Police Department should review its notification policy to ensure that it does not mistakenly create an atmosphere of favoritism. 

The OIG worked collaboratively with the Detroit Police Department in conducting its investigation. Inspector General James W. Heath stated that, “the thoroughness of the report was made possible in large part due to the cooperation of Police Chief Craig and Commander Thomas of the Internal Affairs Division. All parties to the incident, including Councilman Cushingberry, participated willingly in this investigation.”