President's Message

May 2012

MACP Members,

Summer is almost here and with it comes our annual conference.  This year we will be at the Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs from June 24th through the 27th.  We have worked very hard to revitalize the summer conference format and content to bring you extraordinary training and value such as:

• How to Run and Pass a Public Safety Millage;
• The renowned speaker Stephen Gower who will present What Do They See When They See You Coming?
• Introductions of Sheriff and Municipal Memorial Assistance Response Team (SMMART) and Chief’s Mentoring Program;
• The first ever Michigan Police Vehicle Show:
• Legal Updates Concerning Fireworks, K2 Spice, Helmet laws, Liquor Laws, Tasers and other current legal issues.

I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president for the past year.  It has been a busy one.  It began with the retirement of Executive Director Tom Hendrickson and the selection of our new Executive Director, Bob Stevenson.  Frankly, it was difficult to select from so many well-qualified professionals, many of whom are also valued colleagues and friends.  Bob’s performance has proven we made an excellent selection.

The MACP, through the hard work of many of our members, made substantial progress on several fronts this year.  Some of those areas include:

1. Improving the content and value of our conferences.  We received many favorable comments about the mid-winter conference.  The format, content and energy were well received, highlighted by the first gubernatorial address to the MACP in well over a decade.  Perhaps even more important, Governor Snyder personally answered our member’s questions on a number of issues.
 
2. Improving the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of our legislative committee.  Led by Past President and Legislative Chair Chief George Basar, a plan was approved by your Board of Directors to overhaul this important committee.  These improvements will help ensure we have a strong voice during these rapidly changing times in the Legislature.

3. Revitalizing our relationships with the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Sheriff’s Association.  Colonel Etue and her staff as well as MSA President Sheriff Mike Oltersdorf and his association have been excellent partners in this regard.  We look forward to continuing to strengthen these relationships for our mutual benefit and for the benefit of the citizens we serve.

In addition the MACP has revitalized our public safety committee, joined forces with the MSA to expand their highly successful SMAART program, initiated a chief’s mentoring program and revamped our Police Executive and New Chiefs School.  These accomplishments were only possible through the hard work of our staff, the Board of Directors, our committees and our membership.  While there were additional achievements as well, hopefully this list provides some insight as to the progress we have made over the course of just one year.  I believe the last year gave us a glimpse of just how much we can accomplish with unity and hard work.  It is exciting to think of the future possibilities.  Likewise, we are reminded if we allow law enforcement leadership to become splintered by self-interest, we will all surely lose.

I look forward to the leadership of Chief Brian Hill as he becomes our president.  I know you will join me in supporting him as he guides us into the future.  I thank you again for the confidence you placed in me and the strong support you have given me throughout this past year.

Sincerely,

Tim Bourgeois
Kalamazoo Township PD

President, MACP