The Melvindale Police Department is facing serious accusations, as Corporal Hassan Hammoud has filed a lawsuit alleging racial and religious discrimination within the force. According to The Detroit News, Hammoud has experienced derogatory comments from colleagues and expressed that no action was taken by officials, despite his efforts to address the harassment.
Following the suit, Melvindale City Council has voted to bring in a private investigator to thoroughly examine these claims. While the council's move may signal a step toward addressing these concerns, Hammoud's attorneys at the Marko Law Group have stressed that the investigation "must be more than just optics and must result in palpable changes," ClickOnDetroit reported. Hammoud, a Muslim officer who immigrated from Lebanon thirty years ago, detailed instances of receiving anti-Muslim items in his locker and a lack of administrative support.
The decision to hire an investigator also comes amidst other legal troubles for the department, with previous allegations including assault and battery, as well as false arrest by a lieutenant, WXYZ reported. These issues have raised concerns among the council members and prompted the call for an external review.
Amidst these proceedings, rumors had circulated about Police Chief Robert Kennaley's potential termination during the recent council meeting, but these claims were unfounded. Kennaley, who became chief in March 2024 and is currently battling cancer, continues to receive support from segments of the community. "Overall, with the investigation. If there’s any wrongdoing, we have no problem with it, but the community overall. I know they do stand with the chief," local business owner Simon Saleh told ClickOnDetroit. The mayor's office and Chief Kennaley have not yet commented on the council's decision to hire the private investigator.
