(The Center Square) – Michigan Republicans call for more action after a state House report finds ongoing “leadership and operational” failures within the Michigan State Police.
The report was released by the House Oversight Committee, which has been investigating the MSP since a survey was conducted last June that found 98% of its members do not have confidence in its leadership.
“The findings in this report are serious and troubling,” said State Rep. Mike Mueller, R-Linden, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Michigan State Police. “The evidence shows poor leadership has led to low morale, unnecessary turnover, and staffing challenges across the department. When troopers lose trust in leadership, it affects operations and ultimately the safety of Michigan residents.”
Since June, Republicans have been calling for Col. James F. Grady II, the Department of State Police director, and Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe, the department’s chief deputy director, to resign.
Brimacombe announced her plans to retire earlier this month, which Republicans applauded.
“While I welcome news of Lt. Col. Brimacombe’s expected retirement, she should have stepped away months ago,” said Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township. “It’s appalling that Gov. Whitmer has allowed the department’s failed leaders to remain in their positions, eroding accountability and trust in one of Michigan’s most respected institutions. I encourage Director Grady to follow his lieutenant out the door.”
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 last June, Whitmer’s office stated that she has “full confidence” in Grady’s leadership. Other Democrats have had little to nothing to say regarding this controversy.
Still, Republicans are continuing to push for Grady’s resignation, calling it the “most significant leadership crisis” in the organization’s recent history.
“For over a year now, scandal after scandal has been coming out of the MSP . . . the tenures of Brimacombe and Director Col. James Grady include being caught trying to write themselves bonus checks, misusing department cars, and even giving out a nearly $1 million payout to someone Brimacombe was close to,” said Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake. “One down, one to go. Col. Grady sits at the top of the pyramid, and he must be next.”
The committee’s report detailed a number of allegations against the leadership of the MSP, including:
• Misuse of state property by Brimacombe
• Failing to maintain training records
• Brimacombe filing false harassment complaints
• Demotions and reassignments of MSP’s leadership in an attempt to “diversify the leadership team” racially
Previously, the committee had also heard concerns during hearings that officers might fear “retaliation” from the state.
Republicans hope this report will lead to real change at the MSP.
“For far too long, troopers and command officers have raised serious concerns about leadership culture, morale and retaliation,” said State Rep. Mike Mueller, R-Linden. “This moment should prompt a broader conversation about the direction of the department’s leadership overall, because one retirement alone will not fix systemic problems.”
