The Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) is aware of the recent announcement from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office regarding criminal charges filed against Melvindale Police Officer Matthew Furman.
POAM President Jim Tignanelli emphasized in his interview on Fox 2 that Officer Furman is not a member of POAM.
“The conduct alleged in these charges is unacceptable and has no place in law enforcement,” said Tignanelli. “But more importantly, when concerns about an officer’s actions surface, addressing them should start at the local department level. Allowing misconduct to go unaddressed until it escalates into multiple criminal charges over years serves neither the public nor the profession.”
Tignanelli noted that law enforcement agencies across Michigan are already facing unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified officers. The presence of even a small number of bad actors damages public trust and makes it even harder to attract the dedicated professionals communities need.
“It’s been challenging enough in recent years to recruit and keep good officers,” Tignanelli said. “With fewer qualified candidates, some departments may be forced to lower hiring standards or take chances on applicants who might not have otherwise made the cut — and that can create problems down the road. Taking swifter action on a local level to remove bad apples is far better than allowing problems to grow until they make headlines. Doing so protects the public, safeguards the reputation of the profession, and supports the officers who are out there doing the job the right way every day.”
The charges against Officer Furman include multiple counts of misconduct in office, felonious assault, and assault and battery stemming from three separate incidents between July 2021 and July 2024.
POAM reaffirms that while every officer is entitled to due process, law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to act swiftly and transparently when credible allegations arise.
“POAM members serve with integrity and are committed to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of all people,” Tignanelli added. “We expect all law enforcement agencies—whether their officers are POAM members or not—to uphold these standards without exception.”
About POAM
The Police Officers Association of Michigan is the state’s largest professional police union, representing law enforcement officers across Michigan. POAM is dedicated to protecting the rights of officers while promoting professional standards, accountability, and strong relationships between police and the communities they serve.