2 days ago
Republicans call on Michigan State Police leadership to resign following no confidence vote
Michigan State Police | Susan J. Demas
Several Republicans in the Michigan House and Senate on Wednesday called for the director and chief deputy director of the Department of State Police to resign.
The call for State Police Director James Grady and Chief Deputy Director Aimee Brimacombe to step down followed a weekend announcement from the Michigan State Police Troopers Association and the Michigan State Police Command Officers Association that said the two groups took a nearly unanimous no-confidence vote against the agency's leadership.
Calls for their resignations came from Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), who is a Republican candidate for governor, state Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), who is the chair of the Michigan Republican Party, and state Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Linden).
Department spokesperson Shanon Banner in a statement defended Grady and his leadership team, whom she said 'provide unwavering support to department members and are proud of the public safety services delivered every day to the public and our law enforcement partners across the state.'
The no confidence vote follows a year's worth of discontent between the troopers' association and their leadership. Troopers filed an ethics complaint against Grady and Brimacombe in January. A handful of troopers also filed lawsuits against Brimacombe questioning her leadership, as well.
Grady was appointed as director of the department following the departure of former director Joseph Gasper.
Nesbitt said the vote of no confidence was a damning indictment on the agency's current administration.
'It is undeniable that this is the absolute worst leadership our state police has ever seen and completely unacceptable for the troopers and public they serve,' Nesbitt said in a statement released Monday. 'There needs to be a change at the top and that change needs to happen immediately. Col. Grady must step down or the governor must relieve him of his duties.'
Runestad questioned how Grady and Brimacombe could continue in their roles after more than 1,000 troopers voted against their leadership.
'It has become alarmingly clear that Col. Grady and Lt. Col. Brimacombe's failed leadership has disparaged the reputation of the Michigan State Police,' Runestad said in a statement. 'I demand they step down immediately and urge the governor to relieve them of their duties if they do not resign voluntarily.'
Mueller, a former law enforcement officer who has been investigating issues with State Police's leadership and other controversies at the individual post level, said troopers spoke loudly this weekend.
'They have no confidence in the current leadership. It is corrupt, dishonest, and doesn't keep the best interest of its own troopers in mind,' Mueller said in a scathing statement. 'If they have any shame, Grady and Brimacombe should resign right now.'
In response, Banner said it has been a priority for Grady to conduct in-person visits to department worksites to listen to member feedback.
'During these visits, he's engaged in meaningful conversations, including seeking input from the membership about morale and opportunities for areas of improvement,' Banner said. 'Under Colonel Grady's leadership, the department has continued to invest in better training and professional development opportunities, updated equipment and improved technology. Further, dozens of new troopers joined the ranks last month and this year's proposed budget includes pay raises for troopers and sergeants.'
Banner added that Grady remains committed to the department and 'is focused on moving the department forward while maintaining the department's proud tradition of service through excellence, integrity and courtesy.'
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