What to know:

Detroit activists gathered outside the city's Public Safety Headquarters on Tuesday, calling for greater transparency and accountability from city officials and police.

The group, including activist Jahdante Smith, attorney Kama Patel, and organizer Demeeko Williams, is demanding a public apology and the removal of Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison.

Smith drew attention after posting social media photos of Mayor Mary Sheffield with a former partner. He alleged the photos were connected to real estate kickbacks and money exchanges. Sheffield and the city have denied the allegations.

The activists accuse Bettison of overstepping his authority by asking Smith to remove the photos. Smith released a recording of their phone call in August.

DETROIT - Detroit activists gathered outside the city's Public Safety Headquarters on Tuesday, calling for greater transparency and accountability from local officials and police.

The group, including activist Jahdante Smith, his attorney Kama Patel, and organizer Demeeko Williams, is demanding a public apology and the removal of Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison.

Smith has drawn attention after posting photos on social media of Mayor Mary Sheffield with a former partner. He alleged the photos were connected to real estate kickbacks and money exchanges. Sheffield and the city have denied those allegations.

--> We asked Detroit mayor about police chief's call with activist. Here's what she said

The activists say Bettison overstepped his authority by asking Smith to remove the photos from social media. Smith released a recording of the phone call in August.

The group also says a search warrant used to seize Smith's cellphone was retaliatory.

 I'm so glad that I recorded this call with Todd Bettison, because had I not recorded this call, we would not be here,  Smith said.  I might be in jail somewhere. I might have fraudulent trumped-up charges. I'd be fighting for my freedom. 

The Detroit Office of Inspector General and the FBI are conducting separate investigations related to allegations of public corruption and abuse of power.

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