Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards

Summary

MCOLES is Michigan's law-enforcement standards and decertification commission, established by PA 203 of 1965 (MCL 28.601 et seq.). It licenses all sworn officers, sets minimum training and conduct standards, and can revoke licensure — the functional equivalent of decertification. The commission's 15 members are appointed by the Governor and include law-enforcement representatives (MSP Director or designee, sheriffs, chiefs of police) alongside public civilian members, constituting a mixed-cap composition. MCOLES does not independently investigate use-of-force incidents; complaints are referred to the agency or prosecutor. For decertification proceedings it has full access to personnel records, training files, and disciplinary records. MCOLES files an annual report to the Governor (MCL 28.607).