Detroit's 8th Precinct reopens after 12 years

DETROIT (WJBK) - After sitting closed for 12 years, Detroit's 8th Precinct was officially reopened Monday.

"Everybody here knows that 8th Precinct should never have been closed," Mayor Mike Duggan said at the ceremony.

"It is imperative for us to have a precinct right in our neighborhood," said Detroit City Councilman James Tate.

In 2005, the decision was made to go away from precincts and form districts as a way to police.

Six police stations were closed but now that 6th station has reopened.

The ribbon cutting of the new state of the art 8th precinct was held Monday. This puts police back in the community that they represent.

"When I asked where the officers were, (they were) in another building outside the boundaries. So I said... Well, I said a lot of things, but I said whoever came up with this idea, it was a bad one," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig.

Officers in the 8th district were sharing a building with officers in the 6th Precinct.

"It was very difficult for not only the officers but the community because you need a precinct inside the community that you serve," said Corporal Kenneth Hampton of the 8th Precinct.