Granholm names Pickell to state panel

FLUSHING

THE FLUSHING OBSERVER

Sunday, March 12, 2006

COMMUNITY STAFF WRITER

 

Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has appointed Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.

The commission administers law enforcement and criminal justice standards and funding across Michigan. It is charged by statute to prepare, publish and enforce selection, training,employment, licensing and retention standards for all of the state's 22,000-plus law enforcement officers.

The panel also awards grants that fund training programs for Michigan's 83 county prosecutor's offices, district and circuit court personnel, law enforcement, corrections officers and criminal defense attorneys.

Pickell,a Flushing resident,has accumulated more than 35 years of experience in the law enforcement and criminal justice systems. His service includes five years with the CIA, and he has been the successful owner of a small business serving attorneys, business and government agencies.

As sheriff, he has implemented the Sheriff's Consumer Protection Service to protect senior citizens from fraud and deception. More than $2,000,000 has been returned to county residents since the inception of the program.

In relation to serving as a member of the law enforcement standards panel, Pickell said he hopes to help stabilize the commission's current finances, which have been tenuous amid state belt-tightening.

"MCOLES is a guardian of professional law enforcement. I am hopeful we can accomplish the things that will strengthen the organization and its ability to continue in assisting local communities," he said in a staement.

If confirmed by the state Senate, Pickell will serve on the panel through November 2008.

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