Independent Report Revealed East Lansing Police Disparities
A study found significant racial bias in the East Lansing Police Department during 2025 use-of-force incidents.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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An independent analysis of 2025 data showed that non-white subjects in East Lansing were 265% more likely to experience severe force from police than white subjects. The report prompted the NAACP Lansing Branch to call for the resignation of Police Chief Jennifer Brown.
Why it matters
The findings highlight ongoing concerns regarding police accountability and transparency in East Lansing, especially given the 66% rise in force incidents between 2024 and 2025. These disparities remain a central point of contention for local civil rights advocates and the municipal oversight board.
In 2025, the East Lansing Police Department recorded 198 force incidents involving 274 subjects and 774 total applications of force. The Oversight Commission is scheduled to review these findings regarding the department's use of force practices.
The players
Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown is the Police Chief of the East Lansing Police Department who is facing calls for resignation from the NAACP.
NAACP Lansing Branch
The NAACP Lansing Branch is a civil rights organization that has formally demanded the termination or resignation of the local police chief.
The details
Researchers reviewed response-to-resistance data, controlling for variables like crime type and resistance level, to identify the reported disparities. The study also noted that 113 subjects were subjected to force without being arrested or charged, while four individuals were charged with resisting and obstructing despite offering no resistance.
Timeline
2024: Professor Heraux conducted a previous analysis of force data.
2025: The East Lansing Police Department recorded the force data included in the report.
September 24, 2026: The formal report is scheduled for presentation to the Oversight Commission.
Legal Context
This analysis builds upon a 2024 study by Professor Heraux to track the trajectory of departmental conduct over consecutive years. By documenting a 66% increase in force incidents, the findings provide a stark contrast to previous reporting periods and fuel ongoing demands for reform.
The report highlights the specific experiences of individuals interacting with police, raising questions about safety for residents regardless of arrest status. The upcoming presentation to the Oversight Commission will likely lead to public discussions regarding new security and accountability measures.
The takeaway
The sharp rise in force applications despite controlled variables underscores the necessity for rigorous oversight of local police tactics. Community members concerned with municipal accountability may look toward upcoming Oversight Commission hearings to gauge potential policy shifts.
Further reading
For additional context on departmental oversight, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLNS 6 Lansing.
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