Negative stereotypes behind City Council concerns of ‘Detroit 1-8-7′ television crime drama

City Council fears TV show’s focus on stereotypes

DETROIT — Members of the City Council are concerned the content of an upcoming crime drama will feed negative stereotypes of Detroit’s crime legacy.

The board wants producers of ABC’s “Detroit 1-8-7″ to attend a Tuesday meeting.

Shot in Detroit, the drama set to air in September involves a documentary crew shadowing city homicide investigators.

The “1-8-7″ in the title refers to the commonly known former California police code for homicide.

More than 700 people were murdered in 1974, earning Detroit the nickname “Murder City.” Detroit’s homicide rate still is among the highest in the country.

Michigan tax breaks are luring moviemakers to the state and Detroit.

Mayor Dave Bing’s office says it’s unrealistic for the city to micromanage the creative process of productions being filmed in Detroit.