Improving the trust and cooperation between the public and members of law enforcement is the goal of a new executive directive signed Oct. 4 by Gov. Rick Snyder.
"We can all do our part to ensure that those risking their lives in law enforcement and the public they are serving can return home safely every night," Snyder said. "Given recent national events that have strained relationships, it is more important than ever to focus on the people's trust of public safety officers in our state and their cooperation with law enforcement. We must take steps to build and promote faith in law enforcement in Michigan."
Executive Directive 2016-2 tasks the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to produce a public report addressing the topic of fostering public trust in law enforcement.
MCOLES is responsible for promoting public safety in Michigan by setting standards for selection, employment, licensing, and funding in law enforcement and criminal justice, for the public and private sectors.
As part of the Executive Directive, the Governor has directed MCOLES to:
- Consider the status of community relationships and what factors can impact the public's trust;
- Consider law enforcement training requirements that can help improve community relationships, including implicit bias training, training on de-escalation techniques, and training on police interactions with those who have mental health issues;
- Address how law enforcement agencies can improve communications with the public; and
- Recommend additional improvements that can be considered by the state Legislature.
MCOLES must complete its study and produce a report within 120 days.
In addition to the Executive Directive, Snyder signed a 17-bill package updating requirements for law enforcement in Michigan and responsibilities related to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
Senate Bills 92-94, sponsored by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker:
- Clarify that law enforcement officers require licenses instead of certificates,
- Add a representative of the deputy sheriffs to MCOLES,
- Modernizes specifications related to the Michigan Justice Training Fund, and
- Provides MCOLES access to controlled substance records in appropriate circumstances.
SBs 95-96, sponsored by state Sen. Margaret O'Brien; SBs 866-867, sponsored by Schuitmaker; SBs 868-869, sponsored by state Sen. Rick Jones; House Bill 5494, sponsored by state Rep. Vanessa Guerra; HB 5495, sponsored by state Rep. Stephanie Chang; HB 5496, sponsored by state Rep. Peter Lucido; HBs 5497-5498, sponsored by state Rep. Klint Kesto; HB 5499, sponsored by Rep. Triston Cole; HB 5500, sponsored by Rep. Jim Tedder; and HB 5501, sponsored by state Rep. Kathy Crawford all update areas of state law to reflect changes made in SBs 92-94.
The bills are now Public Acts 289-305 of 2016.
For more information on this and other legislation visit legislature.mi.gov.
Gov. Snyder today also announced appointments and reappointments to MCOLES:
Appointments:
Timothy Donnellon is the St. Clair County Sheriff and vice president of the Michigan Sheriff's Association Board. He will represent the Michigan Sheriff's Association and replaces James Bosscher.
David Hiller is the Executive Director of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police. He will represent the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police and replaces John Buczek.
Nathan Johnson is the president of the Michigan State Troopers Association and served as a trooper for nearly 20 years. He will represent the Michigan State Police Troopers Association and replaces Christopher Michael Luty.
David Molloy is the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police for the city of Novi. He will represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and replaces Doreen Ensign Olko.
Leslie (Douglas) Wright is the Gratiot County Sheriff and previously served in various roles for the Michigan State Police. He will represent the Michigan Sheriff's Association and replaces Leo Mioduszewski.
Thomas Zulch is a senior attorney for the Police Officers Labor Council and a former police officer, firefighter, and medical first responder for the city of Berkley. He will represent the Michigan Police Officers Labor Council and replaces Richard Raymond Weiler.
Reappointments:
Ronald Bretz is an emeritus professor at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He will continue to represent the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan.
Donald Mawer is Chief of Police for the Frankenmuth Police Department. He will continue to represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
Michael Wendling is a prosecuting attorney for St. Clair County. He will continue to represent the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.
Wright will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring Nov. 1, 2016. Hiller, Johnson, and Mawer will serve the remainder of four-year terms expiring Nov. 1, 2017. Donnellon, Molloy, Zulch, Bretz, and Wendling will serve the remainder of four-year terms expiring Nov. 1, 2018. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
When the bills take effect in 90 days, any additional appointments required will be made.
Published: Thu, Oct 13, 2016
