LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Sylvia Santana (D–Detroit) has issued the following statement on news that Detroit police officer Gary Steele has been fired after posting inappropriate comments and a racially insensitive Snapchat video.
“Detroit Police Chief James Craig has been an outstanding leader through this entire investigation and I thank him for listening to the concerns of our community. Even while emotions ran high, DPD officers continued working hard to keep our communities safe and secure, and Chief Craig helped protect the integrity of the process while the investigation into Officer Steele’s alleged racist actions was conducted.
“As we conclude Black History Month, we realize we have come a long way — but this recent issue makes it clear that there are still many problems we need to face. While this specific incident was a rare blemish, no one deserves to be at the end of the comments that Officer Steele made, and I’m proud of Detroit’s police department for helping to provide a thorough, swift and professional investigation. I look forward to the opportunity of working with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, police officers and community members in the days ahead as we rebuild and restore trust.”
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