Detroit officials are demanding answers from the police department over extreme heat conditions inside the city’s detention center, where internal temperature records reportedly show holding areas reaching the mid-90s during a severe summer heat wave.
City council members, police commissioners, and community advocates are calling for immediate improvements, additional documentation, and a clear timeline for permanent repairs after concerns were raised about the safety and comfort of people being held inside the facility.
Temperature Logs Reveal Dangerous Heat Inside Holding Areas
Documents reviewed during a Detroit Police Commission meeting showed that the Detroit Detention Center has been tracking indoor temperatures through an hourly Smartsheet dashboard.
According to the records discussed during the meeting, temperatures inside some holding areas reached extremely high levels, including a reported 94 degrees Fahrenheit on July 4 and a 95-degree reading on July 14.
The high temperatures raised concerns among officials who said detainees could face serious health risks when confined in hot and poorly ventilated spaces.
Detroit Police Capt. Shelly Eggers told commissioners that the detention center typically houses between 80 and 130 people, although the facility has an official capacity of approximately 200 individuals.
Council Members Request Full Temperature Records
Following the reported temperature spikes, Councilmember Denzel Anton McCampbell sent a memo requesting the complete hour-by-hour temperature logs from the detention center.
McCampbell and other officials said they want a clearer understanding of how long detainees were exposed to excessive heat and what steps are being taken to prevent similar conditions in the future.
The request comes as Detroit experiences periods of intense summer heat, increasing concerns about conditions in public facilities where people may have limited ability to escape high temperatures.
Police Department Points to Temporary Cooling Measures
The Detroit Police Department said it has taken steps to provide relief while working toward longer-term improvements.
In a statement, the department said it is using portable air coolers, distributing water and bags of ice, and increasing air circulation inside the facility.
First Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes told the Police Commission that windows have been closed and portable cooling units are operating to help improve conditions.
The department also said it has no record of heat-related illnesses among detainees connected to the elevated temperatures.
However, advocates and attorneys who have represented people held at the facility said complaints about conditions inside the detention center have existed for years.
Some attorneys described the environment as uncomfortable and potentially unsafe, arguing that continued exposure to extreme temperatures could create serious health concerns, particularly for vulnerable detainees.
Heat Wave Raises Broader Concerns Across Detroit
The controversy surrounding the detention center comes as Detroit responds to a broader heat emergency affecting the city.
Mayor Mary Sheffield issued an executive order earlier in July directing city departments to take additional steps to protect residents during periods of dangerous heat.
The order focused on helping vulnerable populations, expanding access to cooling centers, and speeding up temperature-related repairs at city-owned facilities.
Officials said the heat response efforts have increased attention on conditions in places like the detention center, where maintaining safe indoor temperatures is especially important.
Advocates Call for Permanent Solution
While temporary cooling measures have been implemented, critics say the facility needs a long-term solution rather than short-term fixes.
Advocates argue that portable fans, coolers, and ice distribution may provide temporary relief but do not address underlying issues involving ventilation and building infrastructure.
They are calling for improvements that ensure the detention center remains safe even during future heat waves.
Oversight Officials Await Cooling Plan
Councilmember McCampbell and members of the Detroit Police Commission have requested additional records, including the complete temperature data and a formal cooling plan outlining future improvements.
Oversight officials said they intend to continue pressing the police department for documentation, repairs, and accountability.
Community advocates said the information gathered from the temperature records could influence future policy decisions or possible legal action if officials determine that long-term problems are not addressed.
As Detroit continues facing extreme summer temperatures, city leaders say ensuring safe conditions inside the detention center remains a priority, with pressure increasing on the police department to provide both immediate relief and lasting solutions.
