Legislative Update – Michigan law enforcement funding 2025 budget
Matt Sowash, M.L.C. & Kenneth E Garbowski, POAM
The State of Michigan has finalized its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, concluding on of the most debated and contentious budget negotiations in recent years. While much of the public discussion in Lansing is centered on infrastructure investments and road funding, there were several notable provisions within the budget that directly support public safety and the state’s law enforcement community.
Recognizing the vital role police officers and first responders play in keeping Michigan communities safe, lawmakers targeted investments to strengthen local law enforcement agencies, enhance officer training, and expand community safety resources.
Key law Enforcement Funding Highlights
$75 million for public safety and violence revenue sharing payments – This new funding provides a significant boost to governments to help address violent crime and support proactive safety initiatives. Of this amount, $68.6 million will be distributed directly to local units of government, with allocations determined based on local violent crime data. The goal is to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed to make measurable improvements in community safety outcomes.
$13.3 million for in-service training statewide – Administered through Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), this investment supports continuing education and professional development opportunities for officers across Michigan. The training funds will help departments strengthen skills in critical areas such as de-escalation techniques, crisis response, mental health awareness, and community engagement – ensuring Michigan’s officers are well prepared to meet the evolving challenges of modern policing.
While infrastructure and economic development dominated much of the conversation in Lansing this year, these law enforcement funding measures represent meaningful progress for officers, departments, and the residents they serve and were strongly advocated for by POAM.