Michigan State Police Morale ‘Collapsed’ Under Whitmer’s Watch, Lawmaker Warns
Rep. Mike Mueller says troopers no longer feel supported and fear retaliation for doing their jobs.
LANSING, Mich. — State Rep. Mike Mueller, a former law enforcement officer, issued a stern statement this week warning of a sharp decline in morale within the Michigan State Police, blaming state leadership for fostering a hostile and unsupportive work environment.
Mueller, R-Linden, cited recent testimony from Col. James Grady II, the newly appointed director of the department, in which he described Michigan State Police troopers as being “afraid to do their jobs.” Grady attributed much of that fear to policies implemented under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.
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“Law enforcement officers are leaving their jobs at record rates because they no longer feel supported by the state,” Mueller said. “They are handcuffed by policies that prioritize political optics over public safety.”’
Watch Rep. Mueller entire testimony here:
The representative criticized what he called a "demonization of law enforcement" from certain political circles, arguing that the failure to back troopers in high-pressure situations has left many afraid to act decisively for fear of political or professional fallout.
Below is a poll from members of the union representing the Michigan State Police Troopers:
Mueller said lawmakers must take responsibility and work to rebuild trust and support within the department, warning that continued inaction could jeopardize public safety across Michigan.
According to the Detroit Free Press—— Shanon Banner, a spokeswoman for the MSP, released a statement that commented on some of the survey results and said Grady and his leadership team are proud of the work its members do every day and "are committed to maintaining the department's proud tradition of service through excellence, integrity and courtesy."
“Our state’s residents deserve a strong and confident police force. That’s impossible to achieve when troopers are afraid their careers will be destroyed for doing their jobs,” he said.
Mueller said he plans to push for reforms that prioritize officer support, transparency, and restoring morale among the ranks of Michigan’s law enforcement community.
Mueller's statement is vague. What exactly are troopers afraid to do? What is hampering them from doing the job they were hired to do? What exactly is the issue. Let's not point fingers if we don't have something specific. Are James Grady and Aimee Brimacomb political appointees or have they worked their way to the top? Many times low morale is a top down thing. People at the top (Admins) are disgruntled about their jobs and those in the rank and file get the brunt of that. Which makes them leary of the "Who's Next" sydrome. Who will they fire or lay-off. It makes morale very low and negative. When you see one person singled out, you wonder what will happen to you if they quit or get fired. I worked in an negative energy job for 22 years. It's draining to go to a job you used to love with all the negativism coming off others.