Michigan grants helps law enforcement hire new trainees

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department recently hired its first deputy trained through a government-paid incentive.

Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards grant is in its second year and has a pool of more than $20 million to share with qualifying agencies.

MCOLES provides qualifying agencies $24,000 to cover the estimated $15,000 it costs for a new hire to complete police academy. The balance is allocated to the person being trained to ensure a steady paycheck over the four-month training – a luxury not previously afforded trainees, Bingaman said.

Bingaman said the new deputy, Hunter Zinsmaster, is a Mendon native who has worked seasonally for the department’s marine patrol division.