During a Busy Week for Homicide Detectives, Chief Talks of Cuts to Cops

Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee says his administration must by July 1 cut the police department by 130 positions through attrition and early-retirement incentives or run the risk having to layoff officers.

Godbee called the potential layoffs a worst-case scenario, but said he would be prepared to realign the department to keep as many officers on the street as possible.

Godbee appeared in front of city council to discuss the department's budget for the next fiscal year. His appearance comes as detectives investigates of five homicides this week, including the shooting of an 84-year-old security guard at a west side church Wednesday night.

For a summary of the homicides: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120510/METRO01/205100459/Detroit-endures-deadly-run-violence-5-murders-less-than-week?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

For a report on a proposal of a tax hike to support Detroit police and firefighters: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120510/METRO01/205100455/Detroit-council-members-cautious-proposed-police-millage?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s