Warren Evans
Warren Evans, who served as Wayne County Sheriff and Detroit Police Chief before becoming Wayne County Executive, faced several controversies during his career in public service.
Wayne County Sheriff
Detroit Police Chief Tenure and Resignation (2009-2010)
During his tenure as Detroit Police Chief in 2009-2010, Warren Evans implemented an aggressive policing strategy reviving elements of the "STRESS" (Stop the Robberies, Enjoy Safe Streets) program, which had been controversial in Detroit's history during the 1970s. The policy included ordering his Mobile Strike Force to conduct extensive traffic stops in "high-crime areas" for any legal violation, hoping to find unregistered guns.[1] The approach drew criticism from civil rights advocates. The Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality reported a 67% increase in weekly complaint calls, and citizen complaints to the Police Commission rose 10% in the second half of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.[1] Particularly controversial was a memo from Inspector Eric Jones threatening "WRITTEN progressive discipline" for officers who didn't make enough traffic stops, which critics argued amounted to an illegal quota system.[1]
His resignation came amid multiple controversies:
"The Chief"
The most prominent issue involved his participation in a promotional video for a proposed reality TV show called "The Chief." The video showed Evans carrying weapons and promoting an aggressive law enforcement style. Then-Mayor Dave Bing cited this video as inappropriate and a factor in requesting Evans' resignation.
Carrying military-style weapons
Conducting raids
Making dramatic statements about fighting crime
Portraying an aggressive, TV-style approach to policing
The video's tone and content were criticized as inappropriate for a sitting police chief and potentially compromising to police operations. When the video became public, it created significant political backlash.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/raHgiM_YL3w?si=n1H1haUKVoakertO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Relationship with Subordinate
Additionally, Evans faced scrutiny over his romantic relationship with Lieutenant Monique Patterson, a subordinate officer in the department. This relationship raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and professional conduct.Evans faced scrutiny over his relationship with Lieutenant Monique Patterson, who worked in the department. The relationship raised concerns about:
Chain of command issues
Professional conduct standards
Potential conflicts of interest in departmental decisions
The relationship became public knowledge and added to the growing controversies surrounding his leadership.
In July 2010, Evans resigned as Detroit Police Chief after approximately one year in the position.
As before his Detroit Police Chief role, Evans faced criticism over departmental spending and management practices.