Hamtramck official accused of violating charter in naming himself chief

When Hamtramck City Manager Bill Cooper appointed himself as interim police chief after former Chief Marek Kalinowski retired at the end of June, he had little idea it would lead to a lawsuit against him.

The Hamtramck Ranking Officers Association filed a lawsuit and a motion seeking a preliminary injunction against Cooper and the city, alleging he violated the city charter by assuming the duties of the police chief without being certified as a police officer.

Although the motion seeking a preliminary injunction to block Cooper from becoming interim chief was denied Friday by Wayne County Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards, the association still is seeking a judgment that Cooper's appointment violates the charter.

"I have done nothing illegal," Cooper said Tuesday, adding that the self-appointment was prompted by his desire to learn more about the Police Department and help the next chief. "This wasn't going to be long-term."

Cooper said that because the police chief reports to the city manager, it was not a huge stretch for him to oversee the department on a temporary basis.

But Fred Gibson, attorney for the Hamtramck Ranking Officers Association, questions whether Cooper's appointment is valid because there is no record that the City Council voted on it.

According to Chapter 5 of the charter, "all appointed department heads shall be appointed by the city manager, subject to approval by a majority vote of council and mayor-elect."

"How do you adopt what seems to be an illegal act?" Gibson asked Wednesday.

Cooper said he hopes to recommend a candidate for police chief to the council as early as Sept. 13.

"We are required by contract to promote from within," Cooper said.

So far, Cooper said, the candidates have taken a written examination and are expected to complete an oral exam by early next week. Once the test results are in, Cooper will select a person to go before the council.