Detroit Police Working with Council on Security Ordinance - KMSP-TV

Detroit's Board of Police Commissioners opened their meeting with a prayer that violence in Detroit will subside, but the carjacking and robbery of Pastor Marvin Winans and the recent string of deadly shootings, home invasions and other violent crimes have people in the neighborhoods crying out for help.

"I'm all upset. [There are] too many people getting killed here in Detroit," said one resident.

Another resident on Detroit's east side is so fed up he posted a sign that reads, "This city is infested by crack heads. Secure your belongings and pray for your life. Your legislators won't protect you."

"Everybody's been talking for years and years and years as things are getting worse and worse and worse," said Andrew Ventura. "It's time to end it now."

Police Chief Ralph Godbee says the Winans case points to a major trouble spot in the city. He says businesses that are open around the clock need extra protection.

"There are certain areas that are target rich environments -- gas stations, 24 hour establishments, Coney Islands. Things of that nature, there should be some requirement that they have a certain level of security."

He says the police department is working with city council on an ordinance that would require exterior surveillance cameras and security, even uniformed officers at places that are open all night.

The chief says right now violent crime is on par with last year -- 119 murders since the start of 2012. What's down is the number of officers. There are 300 fewer officers on the street and more cuts on the way.

"When you have the resources we have, we can't be everywhere at the same time."

The chief says he's about to lose another $75-million from the police department budget and another 352 officers. He says with help from state police, the sheriff's department, U.S. Marshals and the FBI, they're doing their best to watch over Detroit.