A tenure marked by controversy.

Brimacombe’s time in MSP leadership has drawn scrutiny in recent years, including internal reviews related to vehicle use and broader concerns raised about management practices within the agency. While no criminal charges have resulted, the issues have fueled criticism from lawmakers and added to growing conversations about accountability at the top levels of MSP, including her boss, MSP Director James Grady.

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Members of the MSP Troopers Association and Command Officers Association delivered a 98% no-confidence vote for both Director Grady and Brimacombe back in June – an emphatic message straight from the folks in the field.

Pressure on leadership.

Brimacombe’s retirement also comes after legislators publicly questioned the direction of MSP leadership in October of last year when Michigan Senate Republicans formally urged Governor Whitmer to remove MSP Director Grady and Deputy Director Brimacombe, sending the governor a letter demanding their resignations or dismissal amid ongoing controversies.

Mueller days MSP needs more than a retirement to fix leadership and morale.

State Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Linden) released a statement on Thursday about Brimacombe’s retirement. After thanking her for her service and wishing her well, he said, “This moment should prompt a broader conversation about the direction of the department’s leadership overall, because one retirement alone will not fix systemic problems. Whoever is chosen to step into this role must be a proven law enforcement professional who puts troopers first and is committed to restoring confidence, accountability, and professionalism throughout the department.”

Oversight probe intensifies.

House Oversight Committee Chair Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Twp.) also released a statement saying that Brimacombe’s pending retirement comes as the committee continues its investigation into alleged misconduct within MSP leadership. Beginning in June, the committee used depositions to question nine current or former MSP employees and continued its work despite what it says were efforts by top MSP officials to undermine the investigation by leaking the identities of officers who came forward.

The probe examined allegations including favoritism in promotions, inappropriate salary bonuses, and restrictive policies that hindered troopers’ work, with DeBoyer saying a final report is imminent. “In the coming days, our House Oversight Committee’s final report on our MSP investigation will specifically detail instances of instability and failed leadership, including from Lt. Col. Brimacombe, and how those failures have both impacted trooper morale and grossly abused taxpayer dollars.”