The North Carolina-based private investigation firm hired by city officials to investigate police Chief Ervin Portis is getting licensed in Michigan.
Jackson City Manager William Ross said he expects Risk Management Association Inc. of Raleigh, N.C., to have a Michigan license within a few days.
Last month, the Michigan Council of Private Investigators questioned whether Risk Management could conduct the probe without being licensed in Michigan, as the law says it must.
Newly retired city police Sgt. Scott Rogers in April met with City Council members to discuss what was called a “hostile work environment” and “abuse of power” by Portis.
Though Portis denied the claims, City Council members voted to have a private firm conduct an investigation.
Officials at Risk Management now say they are filing with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth to receive proper licensing and become a recognized corporation in the state.
“We have to comply accordingly with rules and regulations set forth by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth,” said Michael Longmire, president of the firm. “We are in the process of doing that at this time.”
The company already has registered as a corporation, Longmire said.
“When we submitted the response to the proposal, there was no requirement (of state licensing),” Longmire said.
Ross said he was unaware of any state licensing requirements when the city chose the firm. He said he consulted other local officials who recommended Risk Management.
City Council members set an Aug. 1 deadline for completion of the investigation. The time frame may be re-evaluated, Ross said.
Risk Management was Ross’ top choice because of the company’s experience in similar investigations and its lack of ties to city officials.
“I think that if they file the proper paperwork and obtain a Michigan private investigator license, that’s a good thing,” said Peter Psarouthakis, president of the Michigan Council of Private Investigators. “However, there are over 1,000 private investigator firms available in Michigan.
“I am still concerned about hiring someone outside the state with Jackson residents’ tax money at a time when the Michigan economy is so bad,” Psarouthakis said.
“It is hard to believe they could not find one in the state of Michigan with the criteria needed before having to go to an outside-the-state-based firm.”
