Michigan State Police leaders asked to resign

(The Center Square) – Leaders at the Michigan State Police are drawing fire after more than 98% of members report they do not have confidence in them.

The poll, released by The Michigan State Police Troopers Association, surveyed 1,185 of its members June 2-6.

“Our members responded with a clear message,” the association and the Michigan State Police Command Officers Association said in a joint statement.

Over 75% of its members voted in the survey and 98.48% said they did not have confidence in Col. James F. Grady II, the Department of State Police director, and Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe, the department’s chief deputy director.

“The combined results confirm an overwhelming majority of enlisted members have no confidence in your ability to lead the Michigan State Police,” the statement said. “Clearly, you have lost the support of your essential employees. Our members have spoken. In line with their directive, our associations believe the only appropriate course of action is for you to resign from your positions.”

Many state politicians, especially Republicans, have come forward to join the associations in calling for Grady and Brimacombe to resign.

“Michigan State Police troopers are fed up with the top brass,” said State Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford. “I’ve heard personally from many officers on the force. They’re frustrated that the director and other leadership seem to be looking out for themselves rather than supporting the men and women on the front lines. Col. Grady and Lt. Col Brimacombe have failed the troopers and the people they protect and serve. It’s time for the governor to intervene and restore integrity and purpose to the Michigan State Police.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, appointed Grady in 2023, and Grady promoted Brimacombe as his second in command three months later.

Following the announcement of the no confidence vote, Whitmer’s office stated that she has “full confidence” in Grady’s leadership.

State Rep. Mike Mueller, R-Linden, has called on Whitmer to reverse this stance.

“If the governor supports our police, then she should admit her mistake here and ask for resignations,” Mueller said. “It’s a slap in the face to every man and woman proudly serving in the Michigan State Police when her administration neglects their needs and openly supports the leadership that persecutes them.”

Mueller is chairman of the Michigan State Police Subcommittee on Appropriations and has made it his mission to dig into the many controversies that have plagued Grady and Brimacombe’s leadership.

“It’s important that we are fiscally responsible with our state’s tax dollars and make funding decisions wisely,” Mueller said. “How am I supposed to set an appropriate budget and make line-by-line decisions when the leadership of the institution I’m overseeing refuses to work with me or address my concerns of how they are treating their troopers?”