DETROIT – The city of Detroit is now using hidden cameras to catch and prosecute illegal dumpers who destroy neighborhoods.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and police Chief James Craig are sending a message that anyone who illegally dumps debris in city neighborhoods will be caught.
"For too long, people have used our neighborhoods as dumping grounds because they could get away with it," Duggan said. "With a lot of things that used to be tolerated in this town, like illegal graffiti, we’re not tolerating people who want to dump in our neighborhoods anymore. We are going to charge them and whenever we can we are going to use existing laws to seize the vehicle they used in this criminal activity."
Detroit Public Words employees remove more than 500 tons of illegally dumped material each week. Detroit police started testing hidden cameras where dumping became common.
During the tests, Detroit police identified 25 alleged illegal dumpers, based on the strength of the video images.
One man, Leo Tolin, of Detroit, was caught on video Aug. 26 dumping in northwest Detroit. He was arrested and his truck was seized. Once he pays $1,560 in blight violations or posts $1,500 bond, his truck will be returned, police said.
The city currently has more than a dozen cameras installed at frequent dumping locations. By the end of September, Craig expects to have dozens of cameras.
The total cost of the cameras is about $75,000, including the monthly cost of $54 for electricity and internet access for each camera.
"Whenever we can, we are going to use technology to our advantage," Craig said. "We are doing it effectively with Project Green Light and with this initiative we are using video technology to conduct investigations that begin with reports of illegal dumping made to the city through the Improve Detroit app. I believe the Detroit Police Department is going to be the trendsetter for other departments around the country."
22 people charged
So far, 22 people have been charged out of the 37 incidents captured on video. Investigators have warrants pending for three more people.
Other examples of recent cases made on the strength of video evidence include:
- On June 9, three Taylor teenagers were captured on video in a Detroit neighborhood dumping debris from a tree they had cut down the day before. Each of them was arrested and charged with littering and have pleaded guilty. The owner of their tree removal business, Jacob Balcewicz, also of Taylor and who directed his employees to do the dumping, has been charged and currently is being sought by police.
- On July 2 and 3, Royal Oak resident Dennis Dantonio drove his red Nissan pickup truck into a Detroit neighborhood and dumped debris on multiple occasions. Dantonio was charged based on the strength of the video evidence and pleaded guilty to littering.
- On Aug. 13, Detroit resident Cshakia Augustus allegedly drove her Dodge pickup truck and dumped several mattresses along roadway of a residential neighborhood. Investigators obtained a warrant for littering and Augustus has since been arrested.
Littering is a 90-day misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines beginning at $500. On average, costs to the defendant have been $1,000 or more and the city is now seeking restitution from the offenders to recoup the cost of cleaning up their dumped debris.
Residents can help
The Improve Detroit app, which lets residents report illegal dumpsites, will let users upload video and images and submit them anonymously to the city. That's welcome news for Jonathan Pommerville, who for years has video recorded illegal dumpers in the act and posted the videos online.
"This is the kind of issue where everyone in the community needs to do their part," Pommerville said. "I’m thrilled that the city now is using hidden cameras to identify the people who dump in our neighborhoods and is following up with criminal investigations."
Where to dump trash
There are several locations in the city where Detroit residents only -- with proper identification -- can take their debris.
Citizen drop-off center locations and hours:
The Davison Yard and Southfield Yard locations accept yard waste only which should consist of leaves, grass clippings and shrubs. These items must be placed in paper biodegradable lawn bags for proper disposal.
Twigs and branches are also accepted and must be less than 4 feet in length or 2 inches in diameter and placed in a biodegradable bag. Anything above the 2 inches in diameter must be tied and placed at the curb in a bundle, which should be no more than 4 feet long and weigh no more than 60 lbs. with no limit on the amount of packaged yard waste that can be collected.
Davison Yard – 7901 W. Davison
Open Tuesday – Saturday
Summer Hours (April 1 – October 31): 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Closed 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Winter Hours (November 1 – March 31): 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
Southfield Yard – 12255 Southfield Rd.
Open Monday – Saturday
Summer Hours (April 1 – October 31): 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Closed 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Winter Hours (November 1 – March 31): 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
The J. Fons Yard accepts leaves, grass clippings, shrubs, twigs, and branches as well as household garbage, remodeling/construction debris, demolition debris, building material, chemical containers, and car or truck parts. The cost to accept construction/automotive debris and chemical containers is $35.00 per ton with a $40.00 minimum.
J. Fons Yard – 6451 E. McNichols
Open Monday – Friday
Summer Hours (April 1 – October 31): 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Saturday
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Winter Hours (November 1 – March 31): 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)