Michigan Chronicle honors Police Commissioner among 2019 Women of Excellence

The nation’s premiere African-American weekly newspaper recently named Police Commissioner Evette Griffie as one of its 2019 Women of Excellence and honored her at a special May event.

“Each year in character, in manner, and in style; the Michigan Chronicle celebrates phenomenal women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, unwavering conviction, and extraordinary grace,” Hiram E. Jackson, Publisher of Michigan Chronicle, said on its website.

Police Commissioner Griffie represents District 2. She joined the BOPC in December 2018 to fill a vacancy. In addition to her dedicated volunteer service as a police commissioner, Griffie is the Chief of Staff, Customer Service for DTE Energy. She was among 50 women recognized for her
professional work and active community participation during the Chronicle’s May 3, 2019 ceremony.

The Chronicle has been “the voice of the community for more than 80 years.” According to its website, the newspaper has celebrated local African American women who inspire others through vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service through the Women of Excellence honor for over a decade

Created by the 1974 City Charter, the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners has supervisory authority and oversight over the Police Department. Under the 2012 Charter, the Board is comprised of 11 civilian members; Detroiters elect seven members by district and the mayor appoints and the city council confirms four at-large members. All board members serve as unpaid volunteers.

The current members are Willie E. Bell, Elizabeth Brooks, Darryl D. Brown, Shirley A. Burch, Willie E. Burton, Lisa Carter, William M. Davis, Eva Garza Dewaelsche, Evette Griffie, Jim Holley, and Annie Holt.

The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners meets weekly on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Detroit Public Safety Headquarters, 1301 Third Street, except for the second Thursday of the month when it holds community meetings at 6:30 p.m. at various locations. For the Board meeting schedule, video, minutes, and other information, visit the website at detroitmi.gov/bopc.