Willie Burton
Coverage of Willie Burton in the Nexus archive.
- Detroit police haven’t released body camera footage in months — here’s why
Detroit police cannot release body camera footage of use-of-force incidents due to a court order from a police union lawsuit. A temporary restraining order since January 2025 blocks releases, and activists demand transparency after a recent police shooting. The Detroit City Council’s 2025 ordinance requiring public access to footage within 30 days triggered the lawsuit, which claims the policy violates collective bargaining agreements and endangers officers.
- Activists demand release of bodycam footage after police shooting near fireworks in downtown Detroit
Activists in Detroit demanded the release of body camera footage from a police shooting involving 18-year-old Alonzo Lee-Perkins during the Ford Fireworks. Police claim Lee-Perkins was armed and fled, prompting an officer to shoot him. A temporary restraining order, linked to a lawsuit over a city ordinance requiring timely release of use-of-force footage, currently blocks the Detroit Police Department from disclosing the video.
- What exactly is a police commissioner?
Willie Burton, who served as the District 5 Police Commissioner, is running for State Representative. He discusses his previous role and goals with Charlie Langton.