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State commission releases report on fostering public trust in law enforcement

A Michigan State Police file photo.
Michigan State Police
Report recommends ways to foster trust in law enforcement

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards has released its report with recommendations to improve trust in law enforcement in Michigan.

The report states recruits, and police officers, should have more one-on-one interactions with people of different backgrounds - and they should receive more training on mental health issues, de-escalating conflicts, and being aware of unconscious bias.

The report notes that's especially important in certain communities in Michigan where trust has broken down between minorities and the police.

The report also calls for more funding to pay for recruits to attend police academies.  That would likely encourage more minorities to apply, which could increase diversity in the ranks of the police.

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.