LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) — A proposal in the Michigan Senate that would allow Hospitals, malls, universities and housing complexes to hire ready-made Police Departments from private contractors was roundly criticized by a number of established police agencies who testified in Lansing Tuesday.
The two bill package sponsored by Senate Leader Arlen Meekhof would give the private police agencies regular police powers, but opponents claim they would not be accountable.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Rick Fuller was just one of the police officials testifying against the bills. Several other major law enforcement organizations and the ACLU also testified against the bills.
One opponent said it could lead to the creation of small mercenary armies, a contention that Meekhof immediately rejected.
The committee took no action on the legislation yesterday.
Meekhof says the law enforcers were misinterpreting the proposals, and plans more hearings.
