Take action
You do not need a title or a law degree. You need to know which meeting matters, when it's happening, and what to say. Here is the whole playbook — plain and practical.
Upcoming public meetings
Detroit is discussing new drone technology, and there are two public meetings where residents can learn more, ask questions, and share their perspective. Everyone is welcome.
Detroit City Council
Tuesday, June 30
10:00 AM
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center · Erma L. Henderson Auditorium, 13th Floor
2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
City Council reviews contracts and budgets. It's an open meeting — come listen, learn how the process works, ask questions, and share your perspective during public comment.
Board of Police Commissioners
Thursday, July 2
3:00 PM
Detroit Public Safety Headquarters
1301 3rd Street, Detroit, MI 48226
The civilian board that reviews police policy. Sign up for Oral Communications to ask questions and share your perspective. A good decision benefits from hearing the whole community.
You don't need to be an expert — just curious and present. Times and rooms can change; confirm on the official agenda before you go.
Under Detroit's 2021 surveillance ordinance (CIOGS), the police must publicly post a Surveillance Technology & Safety Review at least 14 days before any meeting where a new technology is discussed. If that review isn't posted on time, the purchase is unlawful — and a Michigan court has already ruled the city violated this exact rule. Watching this clock, and saying so on the record, is how residents have already won.
Read the CIOGS ordinance ↗The path
Under Detroit's CIOGS surveillance ordinance, DPD must first prepare a public Surveillance Technology & Safety Review (STSR) — what the tech does, how it's deployed, how long data is kept, the safeguards, and the cost.
That review must be posted publicly at least 14 days before any meeting where the purchase is discussed. This is the single most important deadline for residents — and a court has already ruled the city violated it before.
The 11-member civilian board shapes and approves DPD's use policy. This is the earlier, less-crowded place to slow something down.
Council approves the contract and the budget. No appropriation, no technology. This is the binding chokepoint — and where a public hearing is required before acquisition.
Approved technologies must be reported on every year. Accountability doesn't end at the vote — it's something residents can keep demanding.
Where to show up
Meeting times and the post-2025-election roster can change — confirm the current details on each official page before you go.
Civilian oversight of DPD — policy, rules, budget, complaints. The earliest place to shape police technology.
Approves contracts, budgets, and ordinances — the binding vote on any surveillance technology. The Public Health & Safety Committee vets policing items.
Before any vote
Watch the 14-day clock. If the STSR isn't posted 14 days before a hearing, that's a legal violation — say so on the record.
Find the item early on Legistar — search the vendor's name (Flock, Skydio, ShotSpotter, DataWorks).
FOIA the contract, the use policy, and the safety review if they aren't posted.
Show up at the Board of Police Commissioners first to shape the policy.
Then show up at City Council — the committee and the formal session — where the binding vote happens.
Lobby your own district commissioner and council member by name; reference the contract number.
Bring written comment too, and submit it by email — speaking and writing both count.
Coordinate with the organizations already doing this work. You don't have to start from scratch.
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act applies to the city and DPD. Ask for the contract, the use policy, and the safety review. Contracts and legislation are also searchable without a FOIA on the city's Legistar portal.
Helpful resources
These groups research these topics and can be good places to learn more or get involved. Your city officials are a resource too — they're listed above.
Nonprofit law firm focused on civil rights and technology policy in Detroit.
Visit ↗Community-based group that researches technology, data, and equity in Detroit.
Visit ↗Tracks civil-liberties and technology questions, including at City Council and the Board of Police Commissioners.
Visit ↗Statewide multiracial organizing infrastructure in civil-rights coalitions.
Visit ↗Member-led economic and racial-justice organizing; trains community organizers.
Visit ↗Show up when it counts
The most powerful thing a resident can do is be present before the vote. Subscribe and we'll email you ahead of every City Council session, Police Commissioners meeting, and public hearing that shapes our city.