EAST LANSING, MI - The mayor of East Lansing is calling for a review of the city's police policies following allegations of racist remarks allegedly made by the chief of police.
Several people are reportedly calling on East Lansing Chief of Police, Jennifer Brown, to step down following comments she made to 6 News during an interview in late September, WLNS reported.
The city manager, Robert Brown, said that he agrees that Brown's comment was racist.
The comment in question was made when 6 News asked the chief about a report showing that in June, 55 percent of force used by East Lansing officers was against black people.
In July, that number rose to 88 percent. Chief Brown's response is below:
"During welcome weekend, we had a disproportionate number of minorities come into the community and commit crimes, and as police officers, we are simply responding to those crimes."
During the East Lansing City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 7, council members addressed those comments and took action.
Mayor George Brookover addressed the struggles minority groups face and demanded action. "I call upon our city manager and city attorney to undertake immediately a complete review of our police and personnel policies," he said.
"And report back to council with recommendations as to how the city can best utilize outside resources, such as the MSU School of Criminal Justice, to ensure our continuing progress towards effective and just law enforcement," the mayor added.
His comments came after some residents at the meeting asked for Chief Brown's resignation.
The Women's Center of Greater Lansing not only called for the chief's resignation, but also joined the NAACP and the Vice Chair of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission in calling for a state investigation into the police department.
"Our community deserves safety, justice and respect. Black and brown residents deserve to live in East Lansing without being stereotyped, targeted or blamed," a spokesperson for the women's center said.
At the council meeting, East Lansing City Manager Robert Belleman addressed Chief Brown's comments to 6 News.
"The comments made by Police Chief Brown were offensive and racist. She apologized, but some felt that fell short because there was no action," Belleman said.
He went on to defend Chief Brown, saying he believes that she is willing to learn and that this situation is an opportunity to teach her. "I stand behind Jen, even though an error was made, to continue to grow and make the necessary changes in our police department," he added.
Chief Brown issued an apology, saying, "I offer my deepest apologies for unintentionally offending members of the community I serve. East Lansing is a welcoming place that draws people for work, school, sports, and downtown entertainment. The focus of the East Lansing Police Department is on stopping violence and protecting the lives of our citizens and visitors alike."
"It is an honor to serve all citizens of the City of East Lansing as their Chief of Police. Looking forward, I will continue to work with the community to provide transparency on our policing efforts and earn the trust of those we serve," she added.
The city manager said that he does not believe black and brown people contribute to the problem. "I think our problem is the violence and crime regardless of race and we need to learn to address that without trying to continue to marginalize our residents or our visitors and we will continue to strive to do so," Belleman said.
Several people are reportedly calling on East Lansing Chief of Police, Jennifer Brown, to step down following comments she made to 6 News during an interview in late September, WLNS reported.
The city manager, Robert Brown, said that he agrees that Brown's comment was racist.
The comment in question was made when 6 News asked the chief about a report showing that in June, 55 percent of force used by East Lansing officers was against black people.
In July, that number rose to 88 percent. Chief Brown's response is below:
"During welcome weekend, we had a disproportionate number of minorities come into the community and commit crimes, and as police officers, we are simply responding to those crimes."
During the East Lansing City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 7, council members addressed those comments and took action.
Mayor George Brookover addressed the struggles minority groups face and demanded action. "I call upon our city manager and city attorney to undertake immediately a complete review of our police and personnel policies," he said.
"And report back to council with recommendations as to how the city can best utilize outside resources, such as the MSU School of Criminal Justice, to ensure our continuing progress towards effective and just law enforcement," the mayor added.
His comments came after some residents at the meeting asked for Chief Brown's resignation.
The Women's Center of Greater Lansing not only called for the chief's resignation, but also joined the NAACP and the Vice Chair of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission in calling for a state investigation into the police department.
"Our community deserves safety, justice and respect. Black and brown residents deserve to live in East Lansing without being stereotyped, targeted or blamed," a spokesperson for the women's center said.
At the council meeting, East Lansing City Manager Robert Belleman addressed Chief Brown's comments to 6 News.
"The comments made by Police Chief Brown were offensive and racist. She apologized, but some felt that fell short because there was no action," Belleman said.
He went on to defend Chief Brown, saying he believes that she is willing to learn and that this situation is an opportunity to teach her. "I stand behind Jen, even though an error was made, to continue to grow and make the necessary changes in our police department," he added.
Chief Brown issued an apology, saying, "I offer my deepest apologies for unintentionally offending members of the community I serve. East Lansing is a welcoming place that draws people for work, school, sports, and downtown entertainment. The focus of the East Lansing Police Department is on stopping violence and protecting the lives of our citizens and visitors alike."
"It is an honor to serve all citizens of the City of East Lansing as their Chief of Police. Looking forward, I will continue to work with the community to provide transparency on our policing efforts and earn the trust of those we serve," she added.
The city manager said that he does not believe black and brown people contribute to the problem. "I think our problem is the violence and crime regardless of race and we need to learn to address that without trying to continue to marginalize our residents or our visitors and we will continue to strive to do so," Belleman said.
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Comments
2025-10-10T18:12-0400 | Comment by: Mary
Get threatened for doing your job? The truth of the numbers aren't the police chief's fault.
2025-10-11T07:53-0400 | Comment by: James
She is in trouble for TELLING THE TRUTH! What BS! This is what is wrong with America today! It ain't racism if it is the truth you dolts!
2025-10-15T16:13-0400 | Comment by: Rick
I don't see anything racist. Oh yeah, it's the Left, so anything factual is "racist."