Detroit Police officers suspended over sick-out

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee announced Monday that a number of police officers have been suspended over Friday's sick-out.

The announcement came Monday afternoon. It says that a number of officers have been suspended while the sick-out is investigated. However, it does not say exactly how many have been disciplined.

You can read the release sent out by DPD below:

Based on Internal Affairs’ preliminary investigation, seventeen (17) police officers assigned to the Northeastern District did not complete their respective tour of duty on Friday, November 18, 2011, leaving their post between the times of 5:30 PM.and 8:00 PM.

The officers in question are alleged to be in violation of State of Michigan Statute (MCL- 423.202) entitled "Participation in a Strike".

The allegations, if founded, are a breach of the public trust and as such presented a very dangerous situation for citizens of the city of Detroitand members of the Detroit Police Department.

Because of the serious nature of the allegations, and as a result of preliminary investigative findings, a number of the involved officers have been suspended pending the final results of the Internal Affairs investigation.

To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no further comment will be offered prior to completion of the Internal Affairs investigation.

The suspensions come as word emerged that Godbee had posted a YouTube video addressing the current financial situation both the Detroit Police Department and the city are facing.  The 4:13 video was also posted Friday night.

Godbee says he posted the video to address the rumors about layoffs and cutbacks.

You can watch the video in the video player below.