Detroit Police are outraged over a proposal by the Emergency Manager that would terminate health insurance for officers who are hurt on the job, go on duty disability and don't return to work.
The proposal calls for the officers to receive $200 a month to help for an insurance policy.
"It's quite a slap in the face," says Mark DIaz, president of the Detroit Police Officers Association. "I think it's preposterous. It's very insulting. The officers are just sickened over the idea."
Officers would still be entitled to disability pay.
Diaz said the proposal would apply to firefighters as well. He said the proposal is not " set in stone" and has yet to be finalized. A person for the city's Benefits Department would only say that it is currently just a proposal.
The proposed cuts are part of the Emergency Manager's efforts to trim costs. As part of that reduction, under an original proposal, city retirees under 65 were to get $125 per month to help pay for insurance. Those 65 and older were to be covered by Medicare.
About a week ago, Sgt. Jevon Johnson, a delegate and member of the negotiation team for The Lieutenants and Sergeants Association, circulated a memo to members that said:
"If you are shot or injured saving a citizen for the City of Detroit and are unable to come back to work, the first thing that will happen after you accept your duty disability is the city will drop your children and spouse from their insurance. They will then drop you too, but they will give you $200."
Johnson said: "You can imagine that people are beyond upset."
He said officers work in the most violent city in America, and there's always a chance of injury while going after a suspect.
Bill Nowling, spokesman for Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr, did not immediately respond for comment.
