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(Detroit Free Press) Detroit Police Department precincts and districts will no longer be open to the public 24 hours a day.   Beginning Monday, the department’s precincts and districts will close to the public from 4 p.m. until 8 a.m., officials said.

According to a department document obtained by the Free Press, several job assignments — including report clerk, desk clerk, law enforcement information network operator, security officer, timekeeper, and vehicle and building maintenance officers — will be eliminated.

The purpose of the plan, officials said, is to get more officers from behind a desk and onto the street.

“I think it’s going to work,” Detroit police Cmdr. Steve Dolunt said. “I think it’ll get the officers more involved” with citizens.

According to the administrative message, dated Dec. 28, organizational changes will occur as the department moves forward in the development of so-called virtual precincts.

During the hours the precincts and districts are closed to the public, they will each remain staffed by a supervisor and another person, as well as those handling prisoners, Dolunt said.  (read more)