State lawmakers return to Lansing next week to resume work during their lame duck session.
There’s a lot on the agenda. But law enforcement groups are concerned lawmakers might try to pass bills to allow corporations and other private groups to hire private police agencies.
Supporters say private police officers could free up public law enforcement agencies to focus more on serious crime. Critics say the legislation would create special police forces for the rich.
“When was it ever supposed to be in the United States that those that are rich get good policing and those that aren’t so rich get whatever's left over?” asks Robert Stevenson, the executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
The bills are awaiting action in the state Senate.
