DPD unveils new strategy to end illegal block parties after violent weekend

The city of Detroit has announced a new strategy to combat illegal block parties across the city after a violent weekend.

Shootings occurred at six illegal block parties after the Fourth of July, leaving three people dead and 24 injured, according to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit Police Chief James White.

The largest shooting occurred Sunday morning in the city’s east end, leaving two people dead and 19 wounded. Police said more than 100 shell casings were recovered and nine firearms recovered.

“I want to be clear. We are not going to let our neighbors become hostages in their own homes this summer,” Duggan said at a news conference Monday morning.

Hear from community leaders below

VIDEO: Community activist speaks out after July 4th weekend violence leaves three dead, 24 injured at block parties

According to White, the department will deploy a new neighborhood response team of 80 officers who will be called in to help stop or shut down illegal block parties.

There will be at least one police car in each precinct from Thursday through the weekend, driving around looking for illegal activity and trying to quickly detect illegal block parties.

White also said the department would now treat illegal block parties as priority calls.

Listen to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in the video below

VIDEO: Mayor Duggan speaks out after July 4th weekend violence at neighborhood parties, including fatal shooting

Listen to Detroit Police Chief James White below

VIDEO: DPD Police Chief James White addresses July 4th weekend violence at neighborhood parties

The city explained that these illegal block parties are different from permitted block parties, where residents work with the city and Detroit police to close streets. They are also different from events that take place in homes and backyards, which do not require permits.

Parties become illegal, according to the DPD, if cars are parked illegally, participants start loitering in public spaces or interfere with traffic, music and noise are excessive, children do not respect the curfew, etc.

White said they are also counting on the public’s help to break up block parties and to call 911 if they notice one starting to get out of control or spilling into the streets.

They also plan to work with community organizations across the city to help curb block parties and violence.

Finally, the city is working with Wayne County District Attorney Kym Worthy to prosecute owners and organizers of illegal block parties.