Detroit police chief: Financial woes affect safety

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DETROIT (AP) — Detroit’s new police chief says the city’s financial woes have hobbled his department and threatened the safety of officers, residents and visitors.

James Craig testified Friday during a trial to determine whether the city is eligible to fix its finances in bankruptcy court that he has found “deplorable conditions” of facilities and equipment. He started his job in July — the same month the city filed for bankruptcy.

Craig, who has worked for several law enforcement agencies nationwide, says department morale is lower than anywhere else he’s worked. That includes when he worked as an officer in Detroit in the 1970s.

He says officers blame pay cuts and 12-hour shifts brought on by money problems.

The trial determining bankruptcy eligibility is in its third day and continues next week.

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