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APRIL 24, 2024 • Vol. 36, No. 9
Trustees air concerns about Flock cameras, approve installation
‘WHAT AN ICON HE WAS’
COMMUNITY REMEMBERS FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST WERNER SPITZ BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
F
BY NICK POWERS
npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Board of Trustees, at its April 15 meeting, OK’d the reallocation of funds from vehicle purchases to the purchase of eight traffic cameras for the Police Department’s special investigations unit to use. The cameras, manufactured by Flock Safety, would help law enforcement locate vehicles based on license plates or other identifying markers like bumper stickers. The cost of the cameras would be $34,000. The police would also utilize CLEAR, a data collection database by Thomson Reuters, with license plate readers for $16,632. In a letter to the township ways and means committee, Sergeant Robert Nielsen stated that CLEAR would be an improvement over the current system Accurint in scope. “By harnessing a broader spectrum of data sources, CLEAR enhances the depth and accuracy of information available to investigators and will provide more data and ensure its accuracy,” Nielsen said in the letter. “CLEAR is the superior choice, and sole source, which
Dr. Werner Spitz was for many years the chief medical examiner in both Wayne and Macomb counties. He died April 14 at the age of 97. Photo provided by Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
rom testifying at the O.J. Simpson civil case in 1996 to offering his perspective in the Chappaquiddick incident that involved Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969, Werner Spitz was widely known for providing his expertise on the witness stand. The prominent forensic pathologist was sought after in the court system for his knowledge in forensic evidence and his testimony regarding many high-profile murders that drew public interest and media attention. The longtime chief medical examiner — who performed or supervised more than 60,000 autopsies during his career — died April 14 at the age of 97. He was a resident of Grosse Pointe Shores. Many in the community are remembering the well-known forensic expert. Warren City Council member Mindy Moore felt “very sad” when she learned Spitz died. Moore, a freelance court reporter, has known Spitz since the late 1970s when he was the chief Wayne County medical examiner. She was present for many depositions he provided over the years. “What an icon he was. He was quite brilliant and so effective,” she said. “He had a way about him. His whole career was fascinating. When he spoke, all eyes were on him. You knew what he would say would be impactful and very imporSee SPITZ on page 8A
See CAMERAS on page 14A
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