The year 2024 marked the first time two Detroiters with Hispanic heritage served on the 11-member Board of Police Commissioners: Eva Garza-Dewaelsche and Jesus Hernandez.
Commissioner Dewaelsche recently returned as a Board member and joined with Commissioner Hernandez to create the special milestone in civilian oversight for Detroit.
“Detroit residents created the Board of Police Commissioners in 1974 because people of color were routinely profiled and harassed by police officers,” said Commissioner Hernandez, a Ford Motor Co. executive who joined the Board in May 2020 during the pandemic. “It’s an honor and very humbling to be part the history and to be part of the current generation ensuring equity and fairness through community-led oversight of the Police Department.”
“Our City has been a national leader since Mayor Coleman Young appointed the first five Board members, who each reflected the diversity and values of Detroit residents,” said Commissioner Garza Dewaelsche. “The Board has a very strong and proud tradition of reflecting the community and being the voice of the community for constitutional law enforcement and public safety.”
Both joined the Board after appointments by Mayor Mike Duggan and confirmation by the City Council.
“We are delighted to share this special moment in Detroit history, and very happy to serve the entire community in the important role of Police Commissioner,” they added.
For Garza Dewaelsche, the longtime president and CEO of SER-Metro Detroit Jobs for Progress, returning to the Board of Police Commissioners also marked an unprecedented third mayoral appointment. Mayor Dennis Archer appointed her to serve from 1998-2002 when the Board still had five members, all appointed by the mayor. In 2012, the new Charter expanded the Board to 11 members, with seven elected in districts and four appointed; Mayor Duggan then appointed her to the reconfigured Board. Her current appointment began in late summer and ends in October 2028.
Coincidentally, Commissioner Hernandez filled the open Board seat after Commissioner Garza Dewaelsche’s second appointment ended in 2020. They both also grew up in Southwest Detroit.
All Police Commissioners serve as unpaid volunteers.
The Board of Police Commissioners meets weekly on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Detroit Public Safety Headquarters except on the second Thursday when the Board holds a monthly community meeting at 6:30 p.m. at various locations. The Board may also hold committee meetings. For meeting schedules and other information, visit www.detroitmi.gov/BOPC.
Editor’s Note: Eva Garza Dewaelsche is also the Owner and Publisher of EL CENTRAL. We are equally proud of her community service!
