A major report from the House Oversight Committee sharply criticizes the Michigan State Police, pointing the finger at top leaders, Colonel James F. Grady II and Lieutenant Colonel Aimee Brimacombe.
The report blames them for low morale and a breakdown in trust among officers.
This scrutiny follows no-confidence votes last May from two key groups: the Michigan State Police Troopers Association and the Command Officers Association.
Released by the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee, the report includes depositions from nine former or current Michigan State Police employees.
They share stories of longtime leaders being suddenly demoted and of an HR director who said she was shut out when she tried to offer help.
Democratic Representative Jennifer Conlin, a member of the Oversight Committee, said, “No, I don’t know if I feel that it is completely bipartisan, but again, it is oversight, so I want to make sure we’re looking into everything.”
Conlin agrees that those in power need to be held accountable, but notes that Colonel Grady faced extra scrutiny as the third Black director and was appointed by a Democratic governor.
She added, “All that we have had are these sort of accusations, obviously there was the polling, which was troubling, but I’m all about solutions, and we haven’t looked at any solutions.”
This is not the first time the Michigan State Police has been in the spotlight.
In October, former MSP Inspector and Chief Diversity Officer Sarah Krebs filed a federal lawsuit alleging systemic racism, sexism, and harassment throughout her 25-year career at the agency.
Krebs is one of the names mentioned in the report.
When contacted for comment, MSP provided a statement from Colonel James Grady: “As Director of the Michigan State Police, my focus continues to be on doing what’s best for the agency, our members, and the people of Michigan. I remain focused on supporting our dedicated, hardworking members, who work each day to deliver critical public safety services that have contributed to reductions in violent crime.”
Lieutenant Colonel Aimee Brimacombe, who is retiring in the coming months, did not comment on the report. House Republicans also did not respond to requests for comment.
The investigation into these issues is ongoing.