Shelby Review

Regardless of the idea that union contracts are protecting bad police officers, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has so far failed to address the issue.

In a time of escalated controversy over police reform, three police chiefs, including former Ann Arbor Police Chief Dan Oates and former Detroit Police Chief Isaiah McKinnon, went public with statements regarding union contracts and how they protect problem police officers, reported Michigan Capitol Confidential.  

In August, the national association released a report targeting police unions as a roadblock to reform. The U.S. Conference of Mayors report stated that this roadblock prevents the removal of bad officers. The three police chiefs agreed on unions being a major obstacle in removing the bad officers. 

With all the statements identifying the problem in police reform, Whitmer has continued to remain silent on the issue.

Since George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, Michigan Capitol Confidential has analyzed the public statements Whitmer has made.

Whitmer’s first press release was on June 3, which highlighted four actions she was pursuing in regards to police reforms, including not one mention of police union contracts. On June 29, Whitmer issued a press release highlighting eight policy reforms and five actions, including no mention of police union contracts. On August 14, Whitmer issued a press release in regards to appointments with an entity that oversees licensure and training for officers, again including no mention of police union contracts.

Whitmer has discussed proposals that include mandatory training on implicit bias, de-escalation, the restriction of no-knock warrants and placing limits on vehicle pursuits. She also has been endorsed for re-election by the Michigan Association of Police Organizations, the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police and the Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Michigan, according to her campaign website.