LANSING, Mich.(WZMQ) – Members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus gathered at the Capitol Tuesday to voice support for Michigan State Police Director Col. James Grady II, following a reported vote of no confidence by members of the state’s law enforcement agency.
Flanked by civil rights leaders, including Michigan NAACP President Yvonne White, lawmakers framed the criticism of Grady’s leadership as politically motivated and potentially rooted in racial bias.
“We’re not here because Colonel Grady is Black — although we know race plays a role in this, make no mistake,” White said. “We’re here because he’s a highly skilled public servant who has led with integrity and professionalism.”
Grady has served in the department for nearly three decades. Supporters point to his efforts to build stronger community relations, diversify recruitment, and modernize policing practices.
In recent weeks, however, internal tensions have escalated. A group of troopers with the Michigan State Police Troopers Association reportedly issued a vote of no confidence in Grady’s leadership. While the details of the vote have not been made public by the association, lawmakers at Tuesday’s press conference said they had not seen similar actions taken against prior directors.
“It’s hard to turn a battleship when you grab the wheel,” said state Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), a former law enforcement officer who previously supervised Grady at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. “This vote tells us more about the culture inside the department than about the colonel’s leadership.”
Lawmakers said funding for the state police has faced resistance in the Legislature over the past two years, which coincides with Grady’s tenure as director. They argue that withholding resources and now calling for his removal sends a troubling message.
State Rep. Donovan McKinney (D-Detroit) said the oversight of MSP should remain consistent regardless of who is leading the department.
Col. Grady has not issued a public response to the vote of no confidence. During the press conference, lawmakers confirmed that their support extends to Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe, Grady’s second-in-command, who has also been the subject of internal criticism.
The Michigan State Police has not released a formal statement about the internal vote. Questions remain about the next steps and whether any legislative hearings or leadership changes are forthcoming.
Lawmakers said they plan to continue monitoring the situation and defend what they view as efforts to modernize and reform the state’s largest law enforcement agency.