Tori Byrne Portfolio

March 19, 2024 9:24 AM

Blinding red and blue lights paint the streets as a signal for hope. The wailing siren resonates through the air, piercing everything surrounding it. A multicolored vehicle weaves through the streets at the speed of light. Arriving at a chaotic and violent scene repels general citizens but draws in highly trained, uniformed soldiers. This is Detective Douglas Mart’s reality as a police officer. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mart experienced the city’s duality of being a general citizen and a police officer. 

Raised in Southwest Detroit, Mart experienced his childhood in the 70’s. When asked about his childhood experiences and where he grew up, he expressed how sociable and united the community was. Having lots of friends and knowing everyone in the neighborhood was normal, due to the absence of technology at the time. “We were active from sun up to sun down,” Mart said. “Opening fire hydrants just to stay cool in the summer and skipping class to meet up with friends, is what we did to pass the time.” 

Attending Detroit public schooling and getting into trouble, caused Mart to become a delinquent. At a young age, he dreamed of becoming a police officer but refrained from the idea because of his behavior and habits. It wasn’t until he had an interaction with the Detroit Police Department that he decided to change his behavior and strive to become a police officer. 

“I walked away from home, late at night, and arrived at a hospital where the Detroit police put me in the front seat of the scout car and they drove me around neighborhoods asking me if I remembered my house,” Mart expressed. “I was excited just to be in the front seat and not the back.”

That was the particular moment Mart knew that he wanted to be a police officer.

Police officers take an oath to protect the city and citizens from danger and each other. The city of Detroit continues to have a bad reputation due to violent tendencies, poverty, and historical events. However, when asked what the city of Detroit means to Mart, he expressed, “it’s a city of opportunities.” He added, “it’s a place that has a fabulous history in musicians, technology, innovation, and automotive. Detroit is currently undergoing a series of reconstructive tasks to improve the outlook of the city. A specific outlook to improve is the stigma against police officers. 

“Morale with policing is very low right now because of society’s views and judgment,” Mart expresses. 

Optimism and pride for his city drives Mart to persevere. 

“Putting the badge on means pride, dignity, and perseverance, but pride is the most important,” said Mart. “I take pride in what I do because it takes a lot to get the job and I was lucky to get the opportunity.”

Diminishing the stigma against police officers is realizing that they are humans too. 

“We all have our own personalities, we are all human and make mistakes,” said Mart. “We are citizens when we come home without the badge.” 

This year marks Mart’s 15th year working for the Detroit Police Department. Being a part of the community for a long time, he expressed that the department depicts a family environment. He continued by stating that families argue, fight, and disagree but will always be there for each other. A colleague and friend, Officer James Pierce, expresses his dependability in Mart by stating, “I always trust him with my life.” 

Perpetuating the idea of family within the department, many first responders united and formed a club to give back to the community. Warthogs Mc is a national group of motorcycle clubs that raises money for first responders who need assistance. 100 chapters spread across the nation to support the cause. Mart participates in his chapter as the treasure. He expressed, “we raise money for first responders that have died in the line of duty, and or are injured to help their families.”

Risking his life every day is at the expense of building a brighter future for the city and the citizens. As community members, it is important to recognize community members who risk their lives to serve and protect us. Consider destroying the negative stigma surrounding police officers, as they are human beings too.