Oakland County Proposes $10 Million for CLEMIS Modernization

News Summary

Three law enforcement agencies in Oakland County, Michigan, are collaborating to establish a self-governing authority aimed at modernizing the Courts and Law Enforcement Information System (CLEMIS) with a proposed budget of $10 million. This initiative seeks to enhance operational efficiency and inter-agency communication. The new funding model requires local governments to contribute $500 per officer, following an initial investment. Concerns regarding privacy and data security have been raised, but the proposal aims to improve service delivery across the region while addressing recent challenges faced by the existing CLEMIS framework.

Oakland County Proposes $10 Million Authority to Modernize CLEMIS

Oakland County, Michigan – Three law enforcement agencies in Oakland County are seeking to establish a self-governing authority with a proposed budget of $10 million to modernize the Courts and Law Enforcement Information System (CLEMIS). This initiative is driven by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Bloomfield Township Police Department, and White Lake Township Police Department, and aims to transfer oversight away from county commissioners, who currently manage the system.

Currently, CLEMIS facilitates information sharing among approximately 250 governmental agencies across ten Michigan counties, enhancing operational efficiency and inter-agency communication. However, according to a drafted resolution by county commission finance chairwoman Gwen Markham, CLEMIS requires modernization to transform it into an independent, self-sustaining operation.

A recent video presentation highlighted a critical issue: there is no existing funding available to support the modernization of technology for CLEMIS system participants under the current model. The necessity for reform has long been acknowledged, as Sean Carlson, deputy county executive, noted that a meeting was convened with all CLEMIS members 1.5 to 2 years ago to address these shortcomings.

Financial Structure of the Proposed Authority

The funding model for the new CLEMIS authority is designed so that local governments will contribute $500 per officer after an initial startup investment of $10 million. This structure was a point of discussion during a recent vote by the commission finance committee, where a resolution to create the independent authority was approved with a 6-1 majority. The resolution is scheduled to be presented to the full board of commissioners for further consideration.

While the resolution received widespread support, Commissioner Yolanda Smith-Charles expressed concerns regarding privacy and the potential lack of independent oversight related to the new structure. However, she mentioned the possibility of supporting the proposal pending further evaluation.

Ensuring Data Security and Community Trust

In addressing concerns surrounding data security and misuse, Bloomfield Township Police Chief Jim Gallagher underscored the importance of maintaining community trust in the responsible handling of data. Commission chairman Dave Woodward assured that the new model would enhance the authority’s capability to request necessary upgrades from local governments, which could mitigate risks associated with data misuse.

Should the resolution pass, the authority would receive an immediate allocation of $250,000 from the county for initial startup expenses, followed by an additional $9.75 million on February 1. This funding would kickstart the transformation of CLEMIS into a more modernized and independently operated system.

Background Context on CLEMIS and Recent Developments

The push for reorganization follows disciplinary actions taken against four Oakland County employees who violated conflict of interest rules in connection with a vendor partnership. The vendor involved, Zaydlogix, is owned by a county employee and had been awarded a contract worth $450,000 to supply tech workers to CLEMIS. To date, no payments have been made to Zaydlogix, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vendor’s contract is expected to be shared with county commissioners soon.

The establishment of the self-governing authority aims to address these recent challenges while paving the way for a more modern and efficient system that adequately serves law enforcement agencies across Oakland County and beyond.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Detroit News: Oakland County Proposes Independent Authority
• Wikipedia: Oakland County, Michigan
• GovTech: CLEMIS Database Plans National Growth
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
• The Oakland Press: Conflict of Interest in Oakland County Contract
• Google News: CLEMIS Oakland County
• C&G Newspapers: Grosse Pointe Park Approves CLEMIS Usage Agreement
• MLive: Ann Arbor Police Traffic Stop Policy Update