In the wake of Aiyana Jones' death, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has banned camera crews from filming police raids
When the Detroit Police Department's SWAT team lobbed a flash grenade and forced entry into Aiyana Stanley-Jones' home in search of a murder suspect earlier this month, they had company: A reality television crew was filming the raid for A&E's "The First 48."
Detroit police are featured regularly the program, which tracks murder investigations during the first two days after a slaying.
But Aiyana's death — she was accidentally shot by an officer — has raised questions about the appropriateness of TV crews working with the police department, as critics wonder whether the bright lights and cameras affect officers' actions.
Mayor Dave Bing on Monday told The Detroit News he has banned reality TV crews from accompanying police units and criticized Police Chief Warren Evans for not informing him of the practice.
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While he told The News he believes Evans still is "part of the solution," pointing out his "aggressive" approach has led to fewer homicides and nonfatal shootings, he also said Evans is reporting directly to Deputy Mayor Saul Green, who "is reigning him in." That's not exactly a ringing endorsement.