Professional Services
Tuition-free college available for residents 25 and up
Michigan residents ages 25 and up can qualify to attend their in-district community college to earn an associate degree tuition-free under the new Michigan Reconnect program.
The program is open to residents who have not yet completed an associate or bachelor's degree. Michigan Reconnect also provides free tuition for those ages 25 and up seeking a Pell-eligible skill certificate.
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, applicants must also have lived in Michigan a year or longer and have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, visit Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore to get started.
If you attend a college in a district where you don’t live, Michigan Reconnect only pays the in-district part of the tuition and the student will need to pay the remaining balance.
Click here for more information and to apply for Michigan Reconnect.
MAP connects with members through Facebook
Facebook users, stay in the know! Like and Follow MAP’s Facebook page for more information on local units and other
law enforcement news.
If you would like to share news with MAP's Facebook site, please click on "Send Message" on the MAP Facebook page to send an Instant Message through Messenger or email MAP Labor Relations Specialist Jerald James at
Exercise caution when posting, texting & chatting online
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
While some people are concerned about what they post, text and otherwise share online, just as many view this as their First Amendment right to freedom of speech. No matter your view on the subject, legal advisors for MAP are urging members to think twice before posting or texting anything sexual, racial or even political.
“You have a First Amendment right to say whatever you want to, but you don’t have a constitutional right to your job,” said MAP Legal Counsel Catherine Farrell.
Public Employees should understand specific restrictions detailed in their contracts. “Look to the CBA to make sure you don’t violate it,” said Farmington Hills Attorney Arthur J. Weiss, who joined Farrell in a Social Media discussion with Union members during the MAP Annual Open House in December.
Read more: Exercise caution when posting, texting & chatting online
MAP members encouraged to download MAPO app, register for Members Only resources
MAP members are encouraged to visit the Michigan Association of Police Organizations (MAPO) website to register for Members Only alerts and access to resources available only to 
members. MAP members are also encouraged to download the MAPO App for Iphones and Androids. The App will provide members with easy to use mobile access to the MAPO website and Members Only resources to keep registered users up to date on issues affecting them.
Click on the links below to for more information:
Register for MAPO Members Only resources and notifications.
MAPO App for iPhones.
MAPO App for Androids.
Understanding Garrity rights
Officers can protect themselves by knowing what not to say
By Jennifer Foley, MAP Editor
Understanding Garrity rights following an officer involved shooting, accident or any other incident where an officer is being questioned about their on the job actions can make the difference between remaining on the force or facing potential criminal charges. This is especially true due to mounting accusations of excessive use of force by police nationwide.
“Today we’re under fire from everybody,” said Michigan Association of Police (MAP) legal counsel John Goldpaugh of Goldpaugh & Associates, P.C. “You have to be careful.”
MAP Labor Relations Specialists Jim Steffes could not agree more. “Our society is getting a lot more violent,” Steffes said. “Some people don’t obey the police officer when he gives them an order and things can escalate if the person is assaulting the officer or disobeying their commands.”
Officers involved in shootings are often unable to think clearly immediately following the shooting. In fact, there are many questions they simply should not respond to until they have been advised by their MAP representative and MAP legal counsel, Goldpaugh said at a breakout legal session for MAP Executive Board Members and attendees in December 2015.
“You’ve got to get to your officer and tell him to keep his mouth shut,” Goldpaugh told Labor Relations Specialists. “We don’t want anybody to make any statement to anyone until: 1. He has had an opportunity to speak to his union steward and 2. To make sure he doesn’t start talking to people and, thereby not protecting his hard fought Garrity rights.”
