DPD internal investigation: Force used against reporter M.L. Elrick is reasonable and necessary

An investigation conducted by Detroit Police concludes with a finding that a police officer's conduct when dealing with Fox 2 reporter M.L. Elrick was "reasonable and necessary."

On January 28, Elrick attempted to interview Detroit City Council President Pro-Tem George Cushingberry as he was entering a public meeting at the Bethel A.M.E. Church in Detroit.

Cushingberry had made headlines recently after being pulled over with open alcohol and marijuana is his car as well as having his law license suspended for 45-days in a deal made with the Michigan State Attorney Discipline Board.

As Elrick tried to talk to Cushingberry on camera, a Detroit Police Officer, assigned to the City Council Executive Protection, physically moved him out of the way.  The confrontation was recorded and shown on Fox 2 News.

PLAY THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER TO SEE THE REPORT FILED BY ELRICK THE NIGHT OF THE INCIDENT.>>

Detroit Police responded with a investigation into this matter.  Today the department released the results of their investigation which they say included an interview with 11 witnesses.

In their findings police say the Sergeant involved in the matter used force that was "reasonable and necessary."  The officer will return to his post on Monday with no charges filed.

Elrick responded, "This isn't the first time Detroit police have roughed up a reporter, or a citizen, trying to get answers, and I think it's troubling that the chief saw nothing wrong here. We're going to continue to try and hold public officials accountable, and I think it's disappointing that police in a city that don't have enough police are being used to protect public officials who don't want to answer questions."