Most Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers expressed a lack of confidence in the department’s leadership in a recent internal poll of membership, prompting calls for the leadership to resign from Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, a Porter Township Republican who is running for governor.
In a one-question survey conducted by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association between June 2 and June 6, 98% (1,167 members) expressed no confidence in the leadership of Col. James Grady and Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe.
The union reported that approximately 75% of its more than 1,500 members responded to the survey.
“It’s time for him to go,” said Nesbitt in a one-on-one interview with Local 4 on June 9 in downtown Detroit. “It’s time for new leadership. It’s time to improve the morale of the state police. It’s time to actually get back to what they’re doing—protecting the life and property of the citizens of Michigan.”
Nesbitt went further: “When 98% of your employees say that you are doing an ineffective and poor job, something needs to change. The leadership needs to change. And if the governor’s not willing to change it, that’s why I’ve called on him to resign.”
“Day one,” Nesbitt said. “Somebody that can lead the police officers that actually has the backing of the blue — that professionalizes and makes sure we have the most professional state police officers in the nation.”
The MSP Command Officers Association also conducted a similar internal vote, and 90% of its members reported no confidence in the department’s current leadership.
Governor’s office, MSP push back
In response to the report, both the governor’s office and MSP defended Col. Grady’s leadership.
A spokesperson for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement, saying in part:
“Thanks to the work of Colonel Grady, Michigan has seen major drops in violent crime. He’s also had troopers’ backs by fighting for pay raises.”
The Michigan State Police issued a more detailed statement defending Grady’s tenure, citing investments in personnel, equipment, and training.
“It has been a priority for Colonel Grady to conduct in-person visits to MSP worksites to listen to member feedback. During these visits, he’s engaged in meaningful conversations, including seeking input from the membership about morale and opportunities for areas of improvement.
Under Colonel Grady’s leadership, the department has continued to invest in better training and professional development opportunities, updated equipment, and improved technology. Further, dozens of new troopers joined the ranks last month, and this year’s proposed budget includes pay raises for troopers and sergeants.”
Michigan State Police
The department said Col. Grady remains committed to moving the department forward and supporting the men and women of the Michigan State Police.