Detroit PD Lt. Willie F. Duncan Posts
Detroit police identify 128 'high risk' officers following 7 Investigation
'I haven't found any other police agency that's being this proactive,' Chief says
WXYZ News - Detroit
March 24, 2022
DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Detroit Police Department has identified 128 officers on the force today as “high risk,” promising to retrain or reign in officers with concerning behavior trends.
The announcement comes as a result of a series of 7 Action News investigations that revealed officers sued as many as a dozen of times, some charged repeatedly by prosecutors or accused over and over of using racist language and excessive force.
“Overwhelmingly, the officers in this department do what they’re supposed to do,” said Chief James White, who created the new risk management unit. “And when you have an outlier, I think it’s equally important to hold those officers accountable.”
White ordered the top to bottom review of the entire 2,600 member police force late last year. The department-wide assessment is not just a one-off, but a new way to continually monitor officers’ risky behavior going forward, White says.
Following earlier reports by 7 Action News, the department acknowledged that its Management Awareness System, or MAS, had been using since 2008 to monitor officer misconduct was out of date, missing red flags that allowed too many problem cops to slip through the cracks.
Asst. Chief David LeValley says the MAS system flagged an officer only if he or she racked up repeated misconduct in a short period of time, but it too often missed bad behavior that was stretched out over years, or longer.
Under the new risk management unit, each officer is given a “risk score” generated by their number of citizen complaints, discipline, how often they use force, are involved in vehicle chases and vehicle accidents over the span of their career.
“It gives us a real time picture as to the risk activities that they’re engaging in right now,” LeValley said.
What the department found is that 128 officers on the street today—or 5% of the force—are considered “high risk.”
Most have been on the force for five years or less and a numbe, the department says, were trained or supervised by officers with their own troubled histories.
Two of the supervisors include Lieutenant Willie Duncan, who just last year was charged with criminal sexual conduct, and Sgt. William Zeolla, who leads the department in complaints and has been sued at least 12 times.
“What is alarming is the rate at which some of these officers over the last two years are generating these activities compared to the rest of the department,” LeValley said.
The goal of the new system is to flag early warning signs in an officer’s behavior before bad conduct becomes ingrained.
Last week, 7 Action News revealed how two Detroit officers conducted an improper police chase that ended in a young woman’s death.
Officers deliberately kept their lights and sirens off and attempted to keep their dash camera off too in what a sergeant said amounted to a cover-up.
You’ll find both officers on the “high risk” list for conduct that happened before that improper chase. They’re each now awaiting discipline that could include termination.
“We’ve made some assignment changes based on risk,” Chief White said. “We’re going to be creating some individualized training opportunities for people that have hit our risk score and we’re also going to be preventing some assignments.”
DPD officials plan to change risky behavior through a months-long monitoring period. Each officer on the list will meet at headquarters with an assistant chief or the chief himself, instructed on how their conduct needs to change.
A sergeant will accompany the officers on runs, their body camera footage will be randomly checked and they’ll go through intensive retraining, if needed.
If the officer shows a pattern of targeting certain groups, like people of color, they’ll meet with Mary Engelman, DPD’s new Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“The work is tough,” Engelman said. “Because you’re dealing with people and you’re dealing with cultures and you’re dealing with biases.”
The goal, says Asst. Chief LeValley, is not to fire officers but to change their behavior.
“At some point I’m sure some officer that participate in this process aren’t going to change, and we’ll take the appropriate steps at that time,” he said.
It’s early, but Detroit Police Commissioner Ricardo Moore say he’s optimistic the new system will shine a light on Detroit’s troubled cops.
“If you have a police chief who sides with the police and believes in the blue culture, so to speak, things will slide through the cracks,” Moore said.
“I believe our current police chief, James White, is not that person.”
Detroit cop charged with sexually assaulting fellow officer, 2nd alleged victim comes forward
MLive
Aug. 23, 2021
DETROIT -- A lieutenant with the Detroit Police Department has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct after he allegedly assaulted a fellow officer following a party in February. According to WXYZ Detroit, Lt. Willie F. Duncan, 47, was arraigned on the charge Friday in 36th District Court.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office worked with the Detroit Police Department to investigate Duncan after a 39-year-old female officer with the department alleged she was assaulted by Duncan after she returned home from a party at 3 a.m. on February 20.
“The allegation against the lieutenant, to say troubling is an understatement,” said Interim Police Chief James White during a press conference Friday.
Along with the charges issued Friday, another alleged victim has come forward, according to police. That case involves an alleged assault that took place in May. Police are continuing to investigate those accusations as well.
Duncan is expected to be back in court on Aug. 27 for a probable cause conference.
DPD lieutenant charged in connection to alleged sex assault of an officer
WXYZ News - Detroit
August 20, 2021
DPD lieutenant charged in connection to alleged sex assault of an officer
Veteran Detroit police officer charged with criminal sexual conduct
Willie Duncan accused of forcibly engaging in sex with woman in her home
Click On Detroit
August 20, 2021
DETROIT – A 20-year veteran officer of the Detroit Police Department is accused of forcibly engaging in sex with a woman against her will inside her home.
Lt. Willie Duncan is charged with criminal sexual conduct in the third degree -- force or coercion. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf Friday during a 36th District Court hearing.
The judge said there is a “very extensive” investigative report on the allegations against Duncan, calling them “troubling at best.”
“Mr. Duncan allegedly did enter the complainant’s home and forcibly engaged in sex with her against her will,” the judge said.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office (WCPO) said the incident happened about 3 a.m. Feb. 20, 2021.
“The complainant returned home from a party and Lt. Duncan appeared at her door. When she opened her door he came inside the home. Once inside it is alleged that he sexually assaulted her,” reads a statement from the prosecutor’s office.
A warrant request was handed to WCPO on July 22.
Duncan’s attorney said he is on suspension amid an internal affairs investigation at the police department. The judge originally set bond at $35,000, or 10%, but then agreed to $25,000, or 10%. His attorney had asked for $20,000, or 10%.
Duncan also is ordered not to have contact with the victim.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Aug. 27.
DPD lieutenant charged in connection to alleged sex assault of an officer
WXYZ News - Detroit
August 20, 2021
DPD lieutenant charged in connection to alleged sex assault of an officer
Detroit Police Department lieutenant charged with criminal sexual conduct
Click On Detroit - WDIV
Aug 20, 2021
A 20-year veteran officer of the Detroit Police Department is accused of forcibly engaging in sex with a woman against her will inside her home.
Detroit police lieutenant accused of sexually assaulting other officers
FOX 2 News - Detroit
Aug 20, 2021
A Detroit police lieutenant is facing charges in connection with the alleged sexual assault of an officer and is accused of another sexual assault.
Detroit Police Department lieutenant charged after alleged sex assault of police officer
Detroit Free Press
August 20, 2021
Lt. Willie Duncan of the Detroit Police Department was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct in the alleged sexual assault of a 39-year-old police officer in February.
According to a news release from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Duncan, 47, allegedly went to the officer’s house at 3 a.m. Feb. 20, after she returned from a party. When the officer opened the door, prosecutors say Duncan came in and sexually assaulted her.
On July 22, the prosecutor’s office received a warrant request. Duncan was arraigned Friday in 36th District Court and got a $25,000 10% bond, with a condition that he have no contact with the officer he allegedly assaulted, according to the news release. Duncan’s probable cause conference will be held Aug. 27, before Judge Kenyetta Stanford Jones.
Duncan also was accused of sexually assaulting another police officer on May 21 at an off-duty social gathering attended by members of the department. The alleged assault was reported to former Police Chief James Craig on May 28, prompting an immediate investigation by Internal Affairs. The next day, Duncan was reassigned to another unit within the police department as the investigation continued.
After learning additional facts provided by Internal Affairs, Interim Police Chief James White suspended Duncan with pay on June 8. Several days later, allegations of the February assault were reported to Internal Affairs.
Although it was reported before the February incident, prosecutors have not charged Duncan for the alleged incident that occurred in May, though the investigation is still in progress.
"Wearing this badge is an absolute privilege. It is not a right," White said Friday during a news conference. "It is a privilege to be a Detroit police officer and, if your conduct does not support that privilege of being able to represent this department and this city with this badge, it is my responsibility to ensure that you don't wear one."
Detroit police lieutenant charged with sexually assaulting another DPD officer
FOX 2 - Detroit
August 20, 2021
DETROIT - A Detroit police lieutenant has been charged with criminal sexual conduct in the third degree following accusations he raped a female officer last February.
The charge against Lt. Willie Fred Duncan was filed Aug. 18. He was arraigned in the 36th District Court Friday morning.
Duncan, who has served more than 20 years with the Detroit Police Department according to his attorney, entered a not guilty plea Friday.
A judge reading from a report that alleged that Duncan had entered a complainant's home and forced sex against her will described the details as "troubling at best."
According to a release from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, the female victim returned home from a party Feb. 20 when Duncan appeared at her door. When she opened the door, he came inside where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Duncan's attorney said during the arraignment that the officer has been suspended and confirmed he's been in contact with the internal affairs bureau.
Judge Kenyetta Stanford Jones ordered Duncan to avoid all contact with the victim. He also set his bond at $25,000/10% and set the next court date for Aug. 27.
According to Detroit police, the sexual assault allegation was brought forward while they were investigating a different incident. Police said that on May 28, a report was made to then-Chief James Craig that Duncan had allegedly sexually assaulted an officer at an off-duty social gathering a week prior.
Duncan was moved to a different unit pending an investigation. On June 8, Chief James White, who assumed the role of chief in early June, suspended Duncan with pay. After that, the February incident was brought to DPD's attention.
After an internal investigation, warrant packets for both alleged incidents were submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office on June 22. On Wednesday, the office signed the warrant request for the February incident. No charges have been issued for the May alleged assault.
White has requested permission from the police board of commissioners to suspend Duncan without pay.
"It is a privilege to be a Detroit police officer," White said. "If your conduct does not support that privilege of being able to represent this department in this city with this badge, it is my responsibility to ensure that you don't wear one."
Duncan is reportedly out of custody after making bond Friday.
In response to a request for comment, defense attorney Sam Bennett said: "Mr. Duncan maintains his innocence. He was incredibly shocked by the allegations. He does know this woman but nothing described in the allegations occurred."
DPD lieutenant charged in connection to alleged sex assault of an officer
WXYZ News - Detroit
August 20, 2021
(WXYZ) — A Detroit Police Department lieutenant was arraigned today on sexual assault charges in 36th District Court, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office.
The prosecutor’s office said Detroit Police Lt. Willie F. Duncan, 47, allegedly sexually assaulted a 39-year-old female DPD officer when she returned home from a party on February 20 at 3 a.m.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy today charged Lt. Duncan with Criminal Sexual Conduct Third Degree, a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The Detroit Police Department at a press conference Friday said they have been working closely with the Wayne County Prosecutor's office and that another alleged victim, an employee of the department, had come forward after a May incident. Police officials said the criminal and departmental investigations into that May incident continue, and the outcome should be announced in the near future.
Interim Detroit Police Chief James White said he has asked that the lieutenant be suspended without pay.
“These allegations obviously are severe and we do not take them lightly," said Chief White.
Duncan's probable cause conference is scheduled for August 27.
Detroit lieutenant suspended, charged with sexual assault
The Detroit News
August 20, 2021
A Detroit police lieutenant on Friday was arraigned on sexual assault charges and suspended from the force without pay, authorities said.
Lt. Willie F. Duncan, 47, was charged by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 39-year-old female DPD officer, the prosecutor's office announced in a press release Friday.
Chris Graveline, director of the Detroit Police Professional Standards Section said at an afternoon press conference that Duncan, a 26-year veteran of the department, was arraigned Friday on one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct on allegations of "force or coercion to commit rape," a felony that can carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Previously, Duncan had been suspended with pay after initially being reassigned from his unit.
The court ordered a $25,000/10% bond for Duncan, with a condition that he have no contact with the survivor.
Detroit police on Friday noted Friday that two employees of the department have come forward with allegations involving Duncan.
The first employee reported to former police chief James Craig on May 28 that Duncan had assaulted her at an off-duty social gathering a week prior, on May 21, said Graveline.
Craig, in his last week as police chief, alerted the force's office of internal affairs which triggered two investigations, departmental and criminal. He assigned Duncan out of his unit, but Duncan opted to use leave days and didn't report to work before the then-incoming interim police Chief James White decided to suspend him with pay on June 8.
Five days later, on June 13, the second allegation involving the 39-year-old officer surfaced. The woman claimed Duncan had assaulted her in her home on Feb. 20. Her claim led to the charges.
White said the May 21 incident was still under investigation, and could result in additional criminal charges for Duncan.
"If your conduct does not support the privilege of being able to represent this department in this city with this badge, it is my responsibility to ensure that you don't wear one," said White.
Duncan's attorney Sam Bennett told The Detroit News Friday that his client maintains his innocence.
"Even though he knows this woman, he denies any of these allegations and that any of these incidents ever occurred," Bennett said.
This is the second high-profile incident of alleged police misconduct this month for the department.
On Aug. 5, another officer was suspended with pay pending an investigation into a video that surfaced on social media in which he appears to be punching an unarmed man in Greektown on Aug. 1.
White has said that the probe into how police handled those events also included allegations that supervisors reportedly violated multiple policies at the scene.
Findings of that investigation have not yet been made public.
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