In early 2026, Lieutenant Matthew Furman of the Melvindale Police Department was fired following years of controversy and criminal charges, including three counts of misconduct in office, three counts of assault or assault and battery, and two counts of felonious assault. These charges stem from incidents in July 2021, April 2024, and July 2024, involving allegations of excessive force, such as multiple kicks and improper Taser deployments during traffic stops.
Representation
While the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) provided insight into the legal process, they do not represent Melvindale officers. Calls to the Melvendales policing union by Fox2Detroit went unanswered at the time of the broadcast.
Jim Tignanelli, President of the POAM, provided the following statement regarding the likely next steps:
“He’d be represented by a collective bargaining agreement between some union; we don’t represent them, they’re not part of POAM. But that has a grievance procedure in it… that if you are unable to resolve it at the earlier steps… that would go to arbitration, an independent arbitrator. And the arbitrator would be able to rule, and their argument, or their award is, you know, indisputable, whatever they say means it.”
Protecting the Protectors: The POAM Advantage
Founded in 1969, POAM has spent over 50 years as Michigan’s largest and most influential law enforcement union, earning a reputation for unwavering dedication to those who serve. Unlike other organizations, POAM maintains a full-time legal staff of experienced attorneys at its headquarters in Redford and Gaylord, ensuring members have access to expert counsel in times of need.
To protect its members from the devastating economic consequences of allegations, POAM created the Extended Legal Representation Plan:
- Affordable Peace of Mind: For only $5 per month ($60 annually)—approximately one-third the cost of comparable programs—members receive comprehensive coverage.
- On and Off-Duty Coverage: The plan provides a strong defense against criminal charges arising anywhere in Michigan, whether the conduct occurred on or off-duty.
- Full Post-Indictment Support: Representation includes all critical stages, from investigatory interviews and arraignments to bond hearings and full trials.
- Civil “Of Counsel” Protection: Members named as defendants in civil suits receive “of counsel” oversight at no additional charge to ensure their primary defense is handled properly.
This plan was designed to ensure that law enforcement professionals can execute their duties with confidence, knowing they have the backing of a premier legal team that specializes in protecting the protectors.
Pending Civil Lawsuits Against Melvindale
The City of Melvindale faces significant civil litigation related to the conduct of Lieutenant Furman:
- $1 Million Taser Settlement: The city previously settled a $1 million lawsuit linked to a Taser incident involving Furman.
- Four Civil Lawsuits in 24 Months: As of early 2026, four separate civil lawsuits have been filed against the department in a two-year span, alleging systemic misconduct.
- Private Investigation: Due to the surge in lawsuits, the city council recently hired a private investigator to examine the department’s internal accountability.