Dearborn Police: We're Prepared for Terry Jones

Reponding to concerns of residents, the Dearborn Police Department released a message on Friday to the community regarding an upcoming planned protest by anti-Islam activist Terry Jones.

The Florida pastor, known for his demonstrations against Dearborn's Muslim community, has announced that he will return on Wednesday, Oct. 10, to stage a protest against "Muslim youth bullying" in front of Edsel Ford High School.

More: Dearborn Parent on Terry Jones Visit: ‘Is It Safe to Send My Kid to School?’

Here's Dearborn Chief of Police Ronald Haddad's message in full:

In response to several inquiries from concerned parents, community leaders and the media, Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad wants to reassure the community that his department is fully prepared to facilitate the peaceful and safe visit of Terry Jones to the Dearborn area while providing seamless public safety services to the 98,153 residents of Dearborn.

It is anticipated that Mr. Jones and a group of followers may engage in an event on public property near Edsel Ford High School between the hours of 1 p.m. - 4 p.m on Oct. 10.  As has been done in the past, the Dearborn Police Department has coordinated a unified response with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners, and has been engaged with school, civic, and faith-based leaders in Dearborn

As of this time, it is anticipated that all Dearborn public and private schools will proceed with their normally scheduled educational activities and hours of operation on Wednesday, Oct. 10. These activities include the previously scheduled Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) testing of all grades 3-9 students enrolled in Dearborn Public Schools. 

Despite the challenges presented by Mr. Jones’ previous visits, the Dearborn Police Department’s primary mission is to ensure that the 22,300 children attending Dearborn schools experience an uneventful, safe, and productive school day.

It is also important that those students previously scheduled to participate in the very important MEAP testing are able to do so without disruption.

The Dearborn Police Department is committed to providing outstanding public safety services to the City’s 200,000 daily visitors, 98,153 residents, and 22,300 students, as well as our responsibility that includes the protection of civil liberties and the United States Constitution.