Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


A local lawmaker is taking on leadership at Michigan State Police – calling them the captains of a “sinking ship”.

Republican State Representative Mike Mueller of Linden testified this week before the House Oversight Committee in regard to the “current leadership crisis and decline of morale within the Michigan State Police”. He’s calling for the retirement of MSP Director Colonel James Grady and Chief Deputy Director Lt. Colonel Aimee Brimacombe, citing poor leadership and low morale.

Mueller chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Michigan State Police and brings a 19-year-background in law enforcement, including as a Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Mueller testified before the committee that his goal for doing this was to “improve MSP morale, recruitment and retention, and bring integrity back to the department”.

Concerns raised during the testimony centered on several controversial actions involving MSP leadership.
Among the allegations: promotion scandals, budget irregularities, retaliation and rule bending, failure to maintain training, mis-use of department vehicles, career professionals demoted or forced out, and policy being rewritten after violations to benefit leadership among others. It was stated that Troopers have reported broken trust, fear, burnout, and zero support.

Mueller said 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 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, Mueller stated that unions representing both troopers and command officers have taken the “extraordinary step of issuing a status of no-confidence in his leadership”.

Mueller said 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, which he said further fueled concerns about “ethical conduct and decision-making at the highest levels of the department”.

Mueller said “I want to stick up for the Michigan State Police and the dedicated troopers who keep our state. 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.”

Mueller stated that Grady is a good person but not qualified - saying he’s a nice man, friendly, and engaging but that doesn’t make a good leader.


Michigan State Police maintains that it is “committed to service with excellence, integrity, and courtesy” and the harsh reality is that law enforcement agencies across the nation have experienced steady declines in morale and retention.

The full statement provided to WHMI is below:

“Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. James F. Grady II and his leadership team are proud of the work our department members accomplish every day across the state of Michigan. That’s why leadership provides unwavering support to the dedicated, hardworking men and women of the MSP, who deliver top-tier public safety services to the public and our law enforcement partners and are committed to maintaining the department’s proud tradition of service through excellence, integrity and courtesy. The department’s most recent employee satisfaction survey shows positive improvements when compared to previous years, due to leadership’s investment in better training and professional development opportunities, updated equipment and improved technology. The harsh reality is that law enforcement agencies across the nation have experienced steady declines in morale and retention. The MSP welcomes the support of the Legislature as the department continues its critical work to strengthen morale, recruitment, retention and more to provide exceptional public safety services to residents and law enforcement partners in every corner of the state”.

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 in the provided link.