If Passed, Who Would Investigate HRO Violations in Royal Oak?

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The Police Department would take complaints regarding an alleged violation of the ordinance, conduct any subsequent investigation, and turn the results of that investigation over to our office for authorization to issue an ordinance violation.

We discussed the potential process internally while the ordinance was being drafted.  While we recognize that there is no shortage of work for the police, our conclusion was that the Police Department is clearly the best qualified to conduct an investigation.  Including the costs of investigation and prosecution in the Penalties section should help offset the impact on that Department.

The process in communities that have some form of human rights ordinance in place is a mixed bag.  Some process complaints through the City Manager’s Office, some though the City Attorney’s Office, and some even have appointed committees that handle complaints.

Editor's note: To read the human rights ordinance passed by the Royal Oak City Commission click here.