Candidates endorsed by the Deputy Sheriff's Association of Michigan won in 79% of the races run in the latest primary election.

A great showing from DSAM's candidates and great showing from DSAM members showing their active support of those that stand up for them in the legislature.

Click the "Read More" button below to see the list of DSAM supported candidates that won their races.

Click here to learn how to become endorsed by DSAM.

A week ago a hearing was held in front of Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James Giddings in regards to a motion DSAM filed. As you are aware, in May 2010, DSAM filed a lawsuit alleging that the Sheriffs' Coordinating and Training Council (SCTC), which is dominated by Sheriffs who are apointed by the Michigan Sheriffs' Association Educational Services, were involved in inappropriately funding private entities to conduct training programs, which have yet to be identified. DSAM specifically alleged that at its January 28, 2010 meeting of the SCTC, that the Council, based upon a recommendation of its' Executive Secretary, Mr. James Reed, appropriate $40,000.00 to be divided up among (5-6) different entities, for the purpose of developing some unspecified training programs for Local Corrections Officers.

DSAM also filed a complaint requesting a Writ of Mandamus which would require the SCTC to comply with the applicable provisions of the Local Corrections Officer Training Act (P.A. 125 of 2003). DSAM specifically alleged that the SCTC was usurping the prerogatives and statutory dutes vested in the Local Corrections Officers Advisory Board; which, pursuant to P.A. 125 of 2003, had the responsibility of recommending standards and training programs, along with all facilities that the Board approves for providing training to Local Corrections Officers under the Act, to the SCTC. The Council, in its' attempt to award $40,000.00 in contracts for unspecified services to (5-6) different organizations, had completely bypassed the Advisory Board, and was developing contracts for training which were in violation of the Local Corrections Officers Training Act.

The Deputy Sheriff's Association of Michigan's 2010 Legislative Survey is now available to all candidates for office in Michigan. Click below to download the survey and return it to GCSI Services care of Theresa Lark at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Today the Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Michigan (DSAM) announced that on Monday, May 17,2010 it filed a third lawsuit seeking to force the Sheriffs' Coordinating and Training Council (SCTC) and several individual county sheriffs who serve on the Council to comply with prior court orders against the misuse of local corrections officer training funds.  The Michigan Sheriffs' Association is also named as a defendant in this action.

"Our complaint once again seeks to compel the sheriffs tosimply follow the law," said Jamil (Jim) Akhtar, DSAM attorney.  "This complaint addresses the misconduct ofthe Sheriffs' Council from destruction of audio tapes requested under the Freedom of Information Act, appropriating public training monies via the internet in violation of the Open Meetings Act, and violating a court injunction against misuse of training funds."

Hit the "Read More" link for more on this action by DSAM, our complaint with the court and our exhibits of evidence.

The Kent Area Narcotics Enfocement Team (KANET) recently ended an investigation into a multi-state drug ring which resulted in the seizure of over $240,000.00 in cash, two houses, 35 firearms and several vehicles including a 2008 Honda Ridgeline, a 2009 Honda Ridgeline and a 1999 Harley Davidson Fatboy were seized.

According to this press release from KANET, this criminal organization was responsible for distributing over 3000 pounds of marijuana since 2008. The value of the marijuana is at least $3,600,000.00 and was being sold in pound quantities in the greater Kent County area and Leroy, MI. The marijuana was purchased in Albuquerque, NM and smuggled in cars and trucks to Grand Rapids MI, Belding MI and Leroy MI. The investigation culminated in January 2009 with the arrest of the Rene Jimenez-Saenz, the Albuquerque, NM marijuana source of supply.

The pictures below show some of the seized drugs, money and guns. You can also download the full press release here or read the story from the Grand Rapids Press.

Governor Granholm on Thursday, February 11, 2010, unveiled her executive budget proposal for the State of Michigan’s 2011 fiscal year, which is slated to begin on October 1, 2010 and end on September 30, 2011.

The General Fund spending plan calls for roughly $8.9 billion worth of state spending that would be supported with about $7.8 billion in state revenue. The $1.1 billion difference would be closed with an about $570 million worth of program cuts and reforms and about $514 million in anticipated federal stimulus money.

The School Aid Fund spending prescribes about $12.9 billion worth of state spending on Michigan K-12 school districts that would be supported with $12.5 billion in taxpayer dollars, with the difference being made up with revenue adjustments and reforms. 

For Highlights of the Granholm proposal hit the "Read More" link

GCSI last week sat down with Senate Republican Bill Hardiman who is the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee Chair to talk about who the state is set to fall $84 million short on the match dollars it needs to bring down some  $475  million  in  federal  road  funds.

GCSI, this week, also talked to U.S. Congressional Republican, and Gubernatorial candidate, Pete Hoekstra about his run for Governor.

This article comes from Attorney Mark A. Porter of Map-Law.com

Greetings to All,

Below are 3-articles about the indictment and trial outcome of aSergeant in the Highland Park PD.

On January 31, 2008, I received a phone call at the office from an HPPD officer who was calling to talk about the fact that all uniforms, weapons, and other equipment had to be personally purchased by each officer. At the end, he said, "Oh by the way -- the FBI came to my house the other day and interviewed me about an investigation into one of my sergeants for punching a prisoner. They said there may be a grand jury and I may be called to testify -- is there anything I should know about that?"

Hit the "Read More" link for the rest of the article

Last week the Michigan senate passed a bill making texting while driving illegal as a secondary offense. This bill must be reconciled against a competing house bill, but the legislation does appear to be headed to the Governor's desk eventually.

Senator Kahn address his support for the bill in his latest podcast.

Click below to listen to Senator Kahn's podcast

William Cook, 23, of Battle Creek, held a stolen .45-caliber handgun to his head and pulled the trigger at the end of a two-minute standoff with the deputy, according to Capt. Matt Saxton of the Calhoun County Sheriff Department.

Cook was stopped by a Calhoun county Deputy who then smelled marijuana in the vehicle and was told by Cook that he did not have a license. When the Deputy asked Cook to step out of the vehicle, Cook pulled a stolen .45 pistol out and held the Deputy there before putting the gun to his own head and pulling the trigger.

Hit the "Read More" link for the dash cam video of the encounter