Bills Would Authorize Certain DHHS Workers to Make Arrests and Carry Guns

Certain Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) workers would be authorized to make arrests and carry firearms, under bills advancing through the state legislature.

Senate Republican, Peter MacGregor, is sponsoring the legislation that would give the powers to agents of the DHHS’ Office of Inspector General.

He says the agents investigate trafficking and misuse of bridge cards and they need the authority to make arrests when they find a crime has been committed.

But Democratic Senator Colman Young II doesn’t think it’s a good idea because the agents aren’t properly trained.

He says the change will likely lead to tragedy and only police should have the authority to make arrests and use guns.

The bills passed the Senate and now head to the House.