Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren and Detective Indasha Gray recently received the 2020 Domestic Violence Prevention Awards from the Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence for their collective efforts in protecting survivors of domestic violence while raising awareness and providing public education about this issue.

Under Chief Barren’s leadership, the Southfield Police Department developed a comprehensive new plan to address and reduce domestic violence in the city of Southfield, including creation of a community partnership task force, high risk response team and through highly visible public education, outreach and engagement. The City of Southfield, Southfield Police & Fire Departments, 46^th District Court, Haven Oakland, Southfield Domestic Violence Group and the Dr. Martin Luther King Task Force partnered together to host the “2020 Walk to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence” on October 4, 2020. The event kicked-off with a press conference to announce Chief Barren’s new strategy to address and reduce the impact and occurrence of domestic violence.

“We are fully in support of Chief Barren’s efforts to raise awareness about the societal problem of domestic violence and we congratulate him on his initiatives to address this issue locally,” commented Mayor Dr. Kenson Siver.

About Southfield Police Department

The Southfield Police Department provides a full range of quality public safety services which include marked and unmarked patrol units, a well-trained Investigative staff, and outstanding Crime Prevention services. The department has been honored for outstanding service award from the Michigan Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Outstanding Crime Prevention Award by the Michigan Crime Prevention Association, and by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police for its outstanding community policing programs.

Southfield Police Officers are supported by the latest technology and equipment available. Computers are installed in all marked patrol units to provide faster access to vital information about suspects, victims and addresses in and around the city of Southfield. The radio system represents an important improvement in the speed and efficiency of the department’s communication technology. Further, the Police Department  have instituted a FAX Network for local businesses and private police. This system is designated to share crime prevention and other information with the private sector in a timely manner. The department has installed a computerized arrest photo system, fingerprint system, computer aided dispatch and records management system.  The Southfield Police Department is continuously adding new technology and crime-fighting strategies to their existing police concepts to remains a leader in law enforcement and policing.

About the Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence & HAVEN

The Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence was formed to sustain a community response to domestic violence. Members include judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, legislators, social service providers, educators, health care professionals, clergy members, business people and other members of the community.

HAVEN is an Oakland County-based nonprofit organization that offers comprehensive programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and educational programming to almost 30,000 people annually. HAVEN has helped domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their families escape abuse and create safer lives for over 40 years.  The work daily to empower survivors to heal, and engage all individuals and communities to address and prevent sexual assault and intimate partner violence.