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Detroit Officers Suspended Amid Controversial CBP Contact

2/24/2026

31 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Two Detroit Police Department officers were suspended for 30 days by Chief Todd Bettison after contacting Customs and Border Protection during traffic stops.
Sgt. Denise Wallet of the Detroit Police Department filed a federal lawsuit claiming the suspension violated her due process rights, saying she contacted CBP to identify a driver per a lieutenant's direction.
Bettison initially sought to fire them but ultimately imposed a suspension.

History

Historical Context

The 1964 Civil Rights Act aimed to eliminate discrimination, yet tensions persisted in Detroit, particularly within the police force. In 2000, the Detroit Police Department faced scrutiny for excessive force, leading to federal oversight until 2014. Sgt. Denise Wallet's lawsuit reflects ongoing struggles for accountability and civil rights, echoing historical conflicts between law enforcement and marginalized communities in Detroit.

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Story summary

Two Detroit Police Department officers were suspended for 30 days by Chief Todd Bettison after contacting Customs and Border Protection during traffic stops.
Sgt. Denise Wallet of the Detroit Police Department filed a federal lawsuit claiming the suspension violated her due process rights, saying she contacted CBP to identify a driver per a lieutenant's direction.
Bettison initially sought to fire them but ultimately imposed a suspension.

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