New Detroit police unit to focus on communicating with crime victims and their families

Zoom in: Nearly two months after a deadly block party shooting on July 7, victims' families expressed frustration with the department's lack of communication.

• "I had to reach out personally to even get any information on anything," Phillip Arnold Sr., whose son was shot and killed at the gathering, told WXYZ.
• In July, the Free Press wrote about Mothers Keeping Boots on the Ground, an organization started by local mothers who bonded over cold cases and what they described as poor communication from Detroit detectives.

State of play: The Family Advocate and Manager Liaison for Engagement (FAMLE) Unit will be staffed by both sworn and civilian police department members, the department announced Monday.

• Its mission is to provide "compassionate advocacy, guidance and resources to families impacted by violent crime," according to the department.

Between the lines: Chief James White recently met with the family members of the block party victims and acknowledged the department's ineffective communication with them.

What they're saying: "Their whole day will consist of coming into work and making contact with families and keeping you updated on the things that you need to know about your case. That's their job," White told the families, per WXYZ.

FAMLE can be reached at 313-596-2260.