I'm Scotty Boman. I was born and raised in Detroit and have been a resident of the MorningSide community in the 48224 for 15 years. As a child, I lived just across the street from what is now MorningSide on East Outer Drive, and I attended church and Boy Scout meetings at what was then Christ United Methodist Church. I remember viewing feature films at the Alger. I have fond memories of building model boats and cars at the Cannon Recreation Center that was adjoining Finney High School. East English Village Academy is now there.
As a civilian living in Detroit, I have often found the need to seek out assistance from the police. Like many of my neighbors, I have been the victim of break-ins and other crimes. I have also assisted police in their public safety efforts through my local radio patrol, Angels Night patrols, and being eyes and ears on the Detroit River Walk. I have also been on the receiving end when some police officers strayed from their duty to serve and protect. I am a realist who knows that even the best people have bad days, and that no profession is immune to bad actors.
It is in this spirit that I felt inspired to create a podcast about the dynamics of police community relations. The richness of experience people had to share became especially clear to me when I walked door-to-door as a candidate for Police Commissioner. I saw the need for a civilian commissioner who could truly be an advocate for concerned civilians who approach the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners with concerns about how police officers are doing their jobs, while being understanding of the Herculean challenges faced by law enforcement in Detroit.
I have been on the executive board of the MorningSide Neighborhood Association since I was first elected to it in 2013. I am a member of the 5th Precinct Community relations council and I was Vice President of my neighborhood Patrol for a few years. I’m deeply involved in the community and very concerned about the future of this city.
