State Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Linden) yesterday testified before the House Oversight Committee on the current leadership crisis and decline of morale within the Michigan State Police. Mueller urged the retirement of Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. James Grady and Chief Deputy Director Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe, citing poor leadership and low morale.

“My goal for doing this was to improve MSP morale, recruitment and retention, and integrity back to the department,” Mueller testified before the committee. Concerns raised during the testimony centered on several controversial actions involving MSP leadership. Brimacombe’s promotion to the second-highest position in the agency came under scrutiny, as she was elevated over more senior officers despite having a disciplinary record.

Mueller also testified that Col. James Grady, who appointed Brimacombe, also faced criticism for requesting performance bonuses for both himself and Brimacombe—decisions viewed as inappropriate given ongoing issues within the agency. Additionally, unions representing both troopers and command officers have taken the extraordinary step of issuing a status of no-confidence in his leadership. Another troubling matter involved Brimacombe’s role in approving a $999,999 legal settlement following a complaint shared with her via Facebook by a personal contact, further fueling concerns about ethical conduct and decision-making at the highest levels of the department.

“I want to stick up for the Michigan State Police and the dedicated troopers who keep our state safe,” Mueller said after the committee. “We back the blue when we stick up for them against unethical leadership. We have their backs when we protect them from anyone who doesn’t have their best interest at heart, even amongst their own ranks.”

Rep. Mueller’s office can be reached by phone at (517) 373-0840 or by email at MikeMueller@house.mi.gov. The full recorded testimony from the committee can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/mhsmSUs2-SU?si=BoJ2nwGca6ubaPbM

###