[6] He knew nothing about police work, but reportedly brought "character, courage, and good judgment" to the job.

[7] The Journal of the American Judicature Society wrote that Watkins developed a police force "unequaled in any other large city.

On the night after the creation of the new bank, Watkins went on the radio "to accuse the government of having 'played into the hand of the Wall Streeters.

In November 1931, the Communist candidate for mayor and the Unemployed Councils conducted a large demonstration in downtown Detroit.

When police used clubs and tear gas to move the demonstrators away from City Hall, Watkins came under criticism.

"[1] Watkins also served as president of the Detroit community fund, a coordinating agency for the city's charities, which raised $2 million per year.