Matt Wiese, prosecutor, Marquette County

MARQUETTE — Voices from outside the law enforcement community will be added to the state body that develops the licensing and training standards for police.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer added four seats to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, or MCOLES, on Friday.

The order, according to a press release from the governor’s office, will add the director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights as well as three community members appointed by the governor as the now 19-member commission considers police reforms for the state.

According to Whitmer’s order, the three members appointed by the governor “must not be a law enforcement officer, a Michigan tribal law enforcement officer or be employed by or otherwise affiliated with a law enforcement agency or a law enforcement training academy.”

Whitmer said expanding the MCOLES during national calls to improve community-police relations, which gained renewed momentum after George Floyd died in the custody of Minneapolis police on May 25, is a “proactive step toward strengthening and healing our communities together.”

“While there is more to do, this is a pivotal time. I look forward to working with law enforcement, the community and with everyone else who wants to build a more just, equitable state for all Michiganders,” Whitmer said.

Marquette County Prosecutor Matt Wiese said he supported the announcement.

“In light of recent events in our county, and protests we have witnessed around the United States, the world, and even in Marquette, our home community, it is important that we recognize the need for additional civilian perspectives and input from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights,” he said.

He added the importance of recognizing “that the vast majority of police officers go to work every day and professionally do their job to protect and serve our communities.”

“The expansion of perspectives will hopefully address the concerns raised by recent events, while continuing to support best practices developed through community policing efforts that focus on community oriented approaches to working with our citizens,” Wiese said.

Michigan State Police Director Col. Joe Gasper also expressed his full support for incorporating additional members to the MCOLES Commission.

“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,” Gasper said.

The initial 13-member MCOLES Commission was instituted on Aug. 30, 2001, by former Gov. John Engler. It was composed of representatives of law enforcement, officials involved in criminal prosecution as well as individuals representing those who work in the field of criminal defense.

On Oct. 15, 2008, then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm added two positions to the commission — one from the Police Officers Labor Council as well as a representative from the Michigan Association of Police, according to the organization’s website.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.