Detroit police chief addresses staff on cuts

DETROIT – Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbeee posted a link on his his Facebook page to a YouTube video with him addressing the city's police staff on rumored wage and staff cuts.

In the video titled "Chief Godbee Address the Troops," the chief says he understands the frustrations that officers may be facing. The video was posted to YouTube Friday night, a night that included an apparent "sickout" staged by 16 Detroit police officers in the northeastern district.

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"We've been working under some very difficult circumstances," Godbeee says in the video. "In light of the mayor's announcement of severe fiscal challenges for the city, and with the prospect of negotiating concessions, it makes our job even more difficult."

Godbee assures police officers that "wild rumors" about hundreds of layoffs "could not be further from the truth."

"When you get frustrated, express that frustration," he said.

He said he understands what the force is going through and he believes the best way to deal with it is to continue to do the job at hand and "lock up bad guys."

He advises officers not to call in sick, but to talk to their management and express frustrations by talking about it. He doesn't want officers to be put in jeopardy if their partner calls in sick.

"Continue to saves lives. Continue to make sure that we make Detroit a safer place," he said.