Michigan State Police Leaders Face Resignation Pressure After Troopers' No-Confidence Votes

Over 98% of Michigan State Police troopers have expressed no confidence in the agency's top leaders, Col. James F. Grady II and Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe, according to a survey conducted by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association and the Michigan State Police Command Officers Association. The overwhelming no-confidence vote has sparked calls from Republican lawmakers, including State Rep. Mike Mueller and Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, for the immediate resignation of Grady and Brimacombe, citing allegations of self-awarded bonuses, mistreatment of employees, and a toxic leadership culture that impacts morale and the department's integrity. Despite this, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has publicly expressed full confidence in Grady's leadership, who she appointed in 2023, with Brimacombe promoted shortly thereafter. Mueller, who chairs the Appropriations Michigan State Police Subcommittee, highlighted ongoing investigations and difficulties in obtaining transparent information from leadership, emphasizing that only new leadership can restore morale and trust among troopers. The situation has raised significant concern about the future direction of the Michigan State Police and calls for gubernatorial intervention to restore integrity and support for frontline officers.