October 25, 1984 Devil's Night Press Conference, Tape 2

2015.008.291
detroithistorical.pastperfecto...
U-Matic S tape containing the second half of a recording of the October 25, 1984 press conference regarding preparations to curb Devil's Night arson, featuring Mayor Coleman A. Young, Detroit Police Department's Executive Deputy Chief Jim Bannon, Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Arthur Jefferson, and Detroit Fire Department Commissioner Mel Jefferson. The recording is continued from tape 2015.008.290.
The recording is continued from tape 2015.008.290, and begins with Detroit Police Department's Executive Deputy Chief Jim Bannon's address. He mentions an alternative emergency number, the use of five police helicopters plus an additional helicopter on loan from Stroh's. He also discusses the mobilization of police reservists, volunteers, and junior police cadets, as well as Halloween safety outreach programs for schools. Additionally, he explains that the Police Athletic League will be hosting parties, and the utility companies' Eyes and Ears program will be employed.
Mayor Young then returns to the microphone. He explains that a curfew will be in effect over the two night period. He calls for parents to get involved in keeping their children from participating in arson.
Young then entertains questions from the crowd. He explains that he cannot explain why Devil's Night has gotten out of hand. As for his message to young people, he explains that he wants to reach out to people of all ages, including parents, and other adults to volunteer. He also states that while it is unclear how many fires are started by young people or by professional adult arsonists, his plans to combat the fires will still apply. He also refutes that the city's response will somehow stoke the problem. In asked to compare the 1984 effort to previous years, he states that cooperation with citizens is a bigger focus, as is the curfew. He refuses to give exact numbers or plans for deployment. He also discusses the need for a task force meeting about gun violence among young people. When asked about a new Congressional study that named Detroit as being second worse in quality of life, Young says he hasn't seen the report but asks what it says about the city's problem of unemployment. When asked about banning trick or treating, Young jokes that he could also shoot Santa Claus, and explains that the curfew was design to allow for reasonable time for the tradition.
A reporter begins to ask Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Arthur Jefferson a question about metal detectors in schools; however the bulk of his answer is cut, after he returns to the podium.
A reporter then asks for clarification about the published statistics for fires. The camera pans over to Detroit Fire Department Commissioner Mel Jefferson, who answers from off microphone.
Finally, Young is asked about collecting on his World Series bet of wine and steak from the mayors of Kansas City and San Diego. Young jokes that he's not planning on invading either city, and that they might they might poison him.
The recording is on a 3M MBU-18 U-Matic S tape with a handwritten 3M label on its top. The tape is housed in a black plastic latching case with a matching label on its cover.