Whitmer adding more civilians to law enforcement commission

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A state commission that sets certain standards for police will be expanded with three seats for people outside law enforcement plus the director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Friday.

After the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, states have been looking at ways to prevent racial bias and address police brutality. Whitmer expanded the 19-member Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to 23 with an executive order.

The commission provides leadership and standards for the training and licensing of law enforcement. Most of the current commissioners are affiliated with police agencies, police officer unions or police advocacy groups. No civil rights group is represented.

The director of the state police, Col. Joe Gasper, offered his support, saying he welcomes input from the new people who will be appointed to the commission. They have not yet been named.

“The insight of these new members will provide a necessary outside perspective and also serve to add another layer of transparency and accountability to policing in Michigan,” said Gasper, who is a commission member.

A  bill recently passed by the Senate would require officers to undergo regular training in how to de-escalate violence, as well as bias training.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, the first African American to serve in his position in Michigan, said the state has a responsibility to bring a greater diversity of voices to law enforcement.

“When we bring more full and complete community representation to the policy-making table, our policies begin to look like, feel like, and be more responsive to the people we serve,” Gilchrist said.