Civilian officers get attention of state agency

DETROIT (AP) — A state agency that certifies police officers says it will study the large number of civilian officers who operate with no oversight.

The Detroit Free Press says a three-member committee has been formed by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, weeks after the newspaper reported that the state hasn’t created training requirements for civilian officers.

Michael Wendling, chairman of the commission, says the issue will be a priority in 2019. He says reserve officers have a legitimate role in law enforcement.

The officers’ responsibilities range from directing traffic to serving as partners of licensed officers and assisting with patrols, raids and arrests.

The Free Press estimates that Michigan has at least 3,000 civilian officers, although not all agencies provided the information when the newspaper filed public records requests.