Detroit City Wire

Detroit Police Chief James Craig recently spoke on WJR's "The Paul W. Smith Show" radio show regarding the state of law enforcement as it pertains to recent arguments over defunding police.

Craig said Detroit residents don't want to defund the police, and in most cases, they are seeking more of a police presence in their neighborhoods.

"I certainly appreciate the men and women who go out every single day and put their lives on the line and by, you know, the vast majority of what they do, the vast majority do it right each and every time," Craig said on the radio program. "They run toward danger, they respond to horrific crime scenes, and then conduct follow-ups."

Detroit Police Chief James Craig | City of Detroit

Craig said because of incidents that have occurred, many are left without a voice.

"I’m all about transparency," Craig told Smith. "I’m okay with that. What I am not okay with is that we’re dismissive of these children victims or individuals who are vulnerable in our community, who get shot by some coward, and there is never a conversation."

Craig said he was not happy that people are being silent.

"It's a twisted time, and we need the good people to stand up, speak in one voice, and say enough is enough," Craig said.

Craig said it was shameful that there are government officials who are being silent on the issue.

"To those who sit in leadership positions and remain silent, it’s shameful," Craig said on the radio program. "Shameful. I don’t need to call names out -- I get it."

Craig said he was also frustrated with those who attempted to change the narratives to fit their own views.

"Anytime you change the narrative of an officer-involved shooting — clearly put out a video that’s been revised to push out your narrative, and people just sit back, and some of your colleagues try to entertain that, shameful. It is shameful," Craig said.

Craig said people don't want to talk about the truth, but he isn't afraid to talk about it.