On June 15, 2023, the COPS Office announced its partnership with the Dearborn Heights (Michigan) Police Department (DHPD) to conduct a Collaborative Reform Initiative Organizational Assessment (CRI-OA) focusing on six areas:

1. Community engagement and problem-solving strategies
2. Accountability and oversight systems
3. Recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion practices
4. Employee safety and wellness
5. Organizational learning and data-informed practices
6. Internal and external communication

A multidisciplinary team made up of researchers, practitioners, and subject matter experts worked with the department to evaluate the DHPD, identifying areas for improvement, reinforcing agency strengths, and assisting with the implementation of reforms expeditiously while providing transparency and accountability with routine public reporting. This engagement concluded on December 1, 2024.

Project Status

Over the course of the engagement, the team developed a total of 15 findings and a total of 36 recommendations. The Dearborn Heights Police Department was also provided with a variety of training and technical assistance to assist in the implementation of recommendations and other improvements in each of the focus areas. At the conclusion of the engagement, the agency was continuing to work toward the implementation of the suggested improvements.

Findings and Recommendations

A final report documenting the engagement, which includes a complete list of findings and recommendations can be found here. The report also includes an assessment of the status of the findings and recommendations as of the conclusion of the engagement. It also outlines steps that the agency is encouraged to make in order to sustain improvements that have been made.