The letter was written by Ira Todd, who was a police investigator for the Detroit Police Department for 35 years. Prior to that, he worked for Michigan State Police. He retired in 2020.
Dear Mayor Duggan,
I hope this letter finds you well. From a friend to another friend, I’m writing to you today with deep concern for the future of our city, particularly regarding the persistent and devastating impact of youth gun violence. With decades of experience in law enforcement, I’ve witnessed first hand the toll that violence takes on our community, and I know that these challenges are ones you’ve also grappled with in your career.
Mayor Duggan and Ira Todd in 2014
I remember the days when, as a prosecutor, you made the safety of our youth a top priority. Your commitment was evident, and it was clear that you genuinely cared about protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children and elderly. However, as I reflect on your tenure as mayor, I’m concerned that this once fierce urgency has waned, even as the dangers facing our streets continue to grow.
In previous years, Detroit responded to rising violence with measures like school sweeps, curfews, and increased police presence. These actions, though well-intentioned, often painted our youth as suspects rather than as individuals in need of support. This approach did little to address the root causes of violence and instead fostered a climate of mistrust and fear—something our city cannot afford.
Under Mayor Coleman Young, we saw a push to try more juveniles in adult courts—a move that, despite its intentions, was met with public opposition for being overly punitive. Today, under your leadership, we face a similar inconsistency. Your administration has made strides in revitalizing Detroit, but the critical issues of youth violence and the fear it instills in our citizens persist. These concerns have been overshadowed by economic initiatives and infrastructure projects, leaving many of our citizens—particularly the young and old—feeling neglected and vulnerable.
Elderly and Young Deserve Better
The reality is stark: guns and violence have become the greatest fears for both our youth and our elderly. These groups, who should feel secure in their neighborhoods, are instead forced to navigate a city that, while showcasing signs of progress, still harbors deep-seated dangers. Our elderly and young people deserve better—they deserve a city where they can live without the constant threat of violence hanging over them.
Recently, I experienced a profound reminder of this when a dear friend of mine in his 60s, was harassed by a group of young men. These pseudo-tough guys congregated on the sidewalk, outside a bus stop. As he passed, one of the men, standing right next to him, started screaming at him, trying to intimidate him. He kept walking. Then about a block away, one of the men ran up behind him and yelled out, “hey sir.” The young man laughed, then walked away.
The hurt in my friend's voice as he recounted how he felt bullied and vulnerable was palpable. It struck a chord with me because I know growing up, and as homicide detective, what impact bullies have on our city. I've lived with that reality all my life, and despite dedicating decades to serving this community, it’s heartbreaking to see that such hatred and fear still thrive in our city.
I investigated, arrested and obtained a confession from a former gang member who killed an elderly man because he warned the old man not to walk on his sidewalk which was the sidewalk in front of the man’s apartment building. These things really happen.
The safety of our community is not just a professional concern for me—it’s deeply personal. I’ve spent my career working to protect this city, and I believe that after so many years of service, every resident should feel safe walking their streets, regardless of their age, race, or background. I worry about my sister in a nice, middle class neighborhood in Detroit who is afraid to sit on her porch. I worry about my grandkids in the city and their friends in the neighborhood.
Comprehensive and Innovative Solutions
In my ongoing discussions with law enforcement deputy chiefs, political leaders, and other community stakeholders, it’s clear that the solution to this violence must be comprehensive and innovative.
We need community-based initiatives that go beyond policing to address the root causes of violence—poverty, lack of opportunities, and the absence of positive role models. Our schools and community centers must become sanctuaries where young people can learn conflict resolution and empathy, not breeding grounds for future violence.
But we also need more back-to-basics policing like having officers walk the beats in neighborhoods, letting people get to know them as fellow human beings, not just cops.
For our elderly, we must cultivate a city culture that values and protects them, ensuring that they can enjoy safe neighborhoods and public spaces without fear. By bridging the gap between generations and fostering a sense of community, we can break the cycle of bullying and violence before it takes hold.
As part of my commitment to this cause, I had the privilege of participating in the documentary "Kiss the Babies," which highlights the importance of saving our children from these very dangers. This project reinforced the critical role that leadership and community involvement play in creating a safe environment for all our residents.
I believe that with your leadership, we can restore Detroit to a place where everyone—young and old—can walk the streets without fear. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss these concerns and potential solutions with you further. Thank you for your time and consideration.
P.S. Mayor Duggan, I still remember when you called me your "top cop," and I want you to know that you were always my favorite prosecutor. I respected your unwavering commitment to the safety of our children and elderly, and I believe that together, we can reignite that same passion to protect Detroit's most vulnerable citizens.
Sincerely,
Retired Law Enforcement Investigator Ira Todd
