Township police part of statewide recruit funding

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township police will receive $24,000 per new recruit to pay for training, part of $30 million in total program funding the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) received for grants to law enforcement agencies for basic law enforcement academy scholarships and salaries for employed recruits.

According to Bloomfield Township Police Captain Dan Brown, they had heard about the MCOLES $30 million grant, and wanted to be part of the training program.

“It will pay $24,000 per recruit by paying for the police academy, as well as paying for uniforms and any related gear,” Brown said. “The rest of the money is put towards salary.”

According to MCOLES, the Public Safety Academy Assistance Program is available to qualified departments, with funding available until September 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Agencies may receive up to 25 scholarships for recruits over the course of the program.

All scholarships are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Local departments are required to review all recruit hiring and background checks, including employment history and all licensing. Individuals must then be screened by MCOLES and employment standards in accordance with the MCOLES Act and Michigan administrative rules.