The Rossow Group

Basic FOIA - Macomb Criminal Justice Training Center
2025-12-04 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Macomb Criminal Justice Training Center, 21901 Dunham Rd, Clinton Township, MI, 48036, United States
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, the recently retired Manager and FOIA Coordinator for the Transparency and Accountability Division of the Michigan State Police. The course will:

Introduce the students to an overview of the Act.
Define “public record” and “public body”.
Introduce the students to processing of FOIA requests, fees, exemptions, rights of requestors.
Present model response statements, forms, and case studies.
Cover reports, UD10’s, and video requests.

This class is for anyone, sworn or civilian, who needs an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and those who are actually responsible for dealing with and answering the public’s requests under the Freedom of Information Act at your agency.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA in Michigan. She has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing with the ACT and requests under the FOIA. You are sure to take away many practical tools.

Advanced FOIA Training - St Johns
2025-11-20 08:30 - 17:00 | St John Police Department, 409 S. Whitmore St., St. Johns, MI, 48879, United States
This is a workshop style class where attendees will apply their knowledge of Michigan’s FOIA to practical scenarios. After a quick review of the most challenging areas of FOIA, participants will be presented with FOIA requests and they will be required to apply their knowledge to the exercise. Lori will then review the responses, followed by an open discussion. The student will:

Understand and be able to articulate the 13(1)(b) privacy exemption, including both prongs and the significant public interest exception,
Understand the LE privacy exception and how it differs from the general privacy exception.
Understand when and how to apply the Crime Victims’ Rights Act when processing a FOIA request.
Be able to articulate why they applied an exception using appropriate statutory language that would not be considered arbitrary and capricious if appealed by a requester.

This class is for anyone, sworn or civilian, who needs an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and those who are actually responsible for dealing with and answering the public’s requests under the Freedom of Information Act at your agency.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA in Michigan. She has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing with the ACT and requests under the FOIA. You are sure to take away many practical tools.
*Prerequisite: Basic FOIA Course*

Basic Freedom of Information Act Training - St Johns
2025-11-19 08:30 - 17:00 | St. Johns Police, 409 S. Whitmore St., St. Johns, MI, 48879, United States

Basic FOIA - St Joseph County
2025-11-06 08:30 - 16:30 | St Joseph Count Sheriff’s Office Training Center, 602 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI, 49302, United States

Advanced FOIA - Grand Rapids PD
2025-11-05 08:30 - 16:00 | Grand Rapids Police, 1 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
This is a workshop style class where attendees will apply their knowledge of Michigan’s FOIA to practical scenarios. After a quick review of the most challenging areas of FOIA, participants will be presented with FOIA requests and they will be required to apply their knowledge to the exercise. Lori will then review the responses, followed by an open discussion. The student will:

Understand and be able to articulate the 13(1)(b) privacy exemption, including both prongs and the significant public interest exception,
Understand the LE privacy exception and how it differs from the general privacy exception.
Understand when and how to apply the Crime Victims’ Rights Act when processing a FOIA request.
Be able to articulate why they applied an exception using appropriate statutory language that would not be considered arbitrary and capricious if appealed by a requester.

This class is for anyone, sworn or civilian, who needs an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and those who are actually responsible for dealing with and answering the public’s requests under the Freedom of Information Act at your agency.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA in Michigan. She has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing with the ACT and requests under the FOIA. You are sure to take away many practical tools.

Basic FOIA Training - Grand Valley State University
2025-10-22 08:30 - 16:00 | GVSU Alumni House, 11150 North Campus Drive, Allendale, MI, 49410, United States

Basic FOIA - Muskegon
2025-10-09 08:00 - 16:00 | Muskegon County Marquette Campus, 1903 Marquette Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States

Basic FOIA - Reed City
2025-10-02 08:30 - 17:00 | Reed CIty Fire Hall Conference Roos, 523 Morse St, Reed City, MI, 49677, United States

Basic FOIA Training - Oregon Twp
2025-10-01 08:30 - 16:00 | Oregon Township, 2525 Marathon Road, Lapeer, MI, 48446, United States
This is not just another FOIA class.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, the recently retired Manager and FOIA Coordinator for the Transparency and Accountability Division of the Michigan State Police. The course will:

Introduce the students to an overview of the Act.
Define “public record” and “public body”.
Introduce the students to processing of FOIA requests, fees, exemptions, rights of requestors.
Present model response statements, forms, and case studies.
Cover reports, UD10’s, and video requests.

This class is for anyone, sworn or civilian, who needs an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and those who are actually responsible for dealing with and answering the public’s requests under the Freedom of Information Act at your agency.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA in Michigan. She has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing with the ACT and requests under the FOIA. You are sure to take away many practical tools.

Servant Leadership for Law Enforcement - Northville Twp
2025-09-25 08:30 - 16:00 | Northville Township Police Department, 40911 Seven Mile Road, Northville, MI, 48187, United States
The Servant Leadership for Law Enforcement course is designed to empower law enforcement professionals with the essential skills and necessary mindset required to lead effectively, and ethically, in today’s complex and rapidly changing policing environment. This course emphasizes a leadership approach that prioritizes the wellbeing of officers, fosters community trust, and drives organizational excellence.
By the end of this course, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to embody servant leadership principles, fostering a culture of trust, integrity, and community partnership within their law enforcement agencies. Through this transformative learning experience, participants will be better prepared to navigate the challenges of modern policing while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and service.
The course is taught by Deputy Chief Jai Mahabir. He has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement including being a SWAT commander, School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant and Patrol Lieutenant. He has been a football coach for many years and that background with his no nonsense, engaging style will teach the students skills necessary to make them successful leaders.

Becoming a Public Information Officer - Rockwood
2025-09-24 08:30 - 16:00 | Rockwood Police Department, 32409 Fort Street, Rockwood, MI, 48173, United States
In a society where transparency is expected, knowing how to deliver information effectively is a priority. The position of the Public Information Officer is a vital role when fostering a relationship with your community. During this course, you will learn the different methods of how to quickly provide information to your communities in a matter that is easy to understand and adheres to Michigan FOIA.
The student will learn how to put together press releases, conduct in-person press conferences, utilize social media platforms, and how to build rapport with your staff and your community.
The course is taught by Sgt. Renee Yax. She has over 24 years of experience in law enforcement including being the former PIO for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. She has attended numerous media-related training classes and with her no nonsense, engaging style will teach the students skills necessary to make them successful Public Information Officers.

Advanced FOIA - Ferndale
2025-09-18 09:00 - 16:00 | City of Ferndale, 300 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI, 48220, United States
*Prerequisite: Basic FOIA Course*
This is the class you have been asking for:
This is a workshop style class where attendees will apply their knowledge of Michigan’s FOIA to practical scenarios. After a quick review of the most challenging areas of FOIA, participants will be presented with FOIA requests and they will be required to apply their knowledge to the exercise. Lori will then review the responses, followed by an open discussion. The student will

Understand and be able to articulate the 13(1)(b) privacy exemption, including both prongs and the significant public interest exception,
Understand the LE privacy exception and how it differs from the general privacy exception.
Understand when and how to apply the Crime Victims’ Rights Act when processing a FOIA request.
Be able to articulate why they applied an exception using appropriate statutory language that would not be considered arbitrary and capricious if appealed by a requester.

This class is for anyone, sworn or civilian, who needs an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and those who are actually responsible for dealing with and answering the public’s requests under the Freedom of Information Act at your agency.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA in Michigan. She has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing with the ACT and requests under the FOIA. You are sure to take away many practical tools.

Basic Freedom of Information Act Training - Ferndale
2025-09-17 09:00 - 16:00 | City of Ferndale, 300 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI, 48220, United States

Basic FOIA Training Calhoun County June 18, 2025
2025-06-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Marshall Regional Law Enforcement Center, 714 Old Hwy 27 North, Marshall, MI, 49068, United States
Marshall Regional Law Enforcement Center
714 Old Hwy 27 North,
Marshall, MI 49068
Instructor: Lori Hinkley, J.D.
This is not just another FOIA class.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, the recently retired Manager and FOIA Coordinator for the Transparency
and Accountability Division of the Michigan State Police. The course will:
• Introduce the students to an overview of the Act.
• Define “public record” and “public body”.
• Introduce the students to processing of FOIA requests, fees, exemptions, rights of requestors.
• Present model response statements, forms, and case studies.
• Cover reports, UD10’s, and video requests.
This class is for anyone, sworn or civilian, who needs an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and
those who are actually responsible for dealing with and answering the public’s requests under the Freedom of
Information Act at your agency.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA in Michigan. She
has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing with the ACT and requests
under the FOIA. You are sure to take away many practical tools.

Everyone Has a Role in Creating a Successful E911 Center June 13, 2025
2025-06-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Kalamazoo County Dispatch Authority, 7040 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, United States
Everyone Has a Role in Creating a
Successful E911 Center
Leadership, Followership, and Teamwork
Kalamazoo County Dispatch Authority
7040 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Instructor: Chief Neal Rossow (ret.)
(SNC 911 Training Fund Approved)
This is not just another leadership class.
The ENTIRE public safety team relies on the people working in the E911 centers answering the “what’s your
emergency” calls to furnish them with accurate and timely information. The successful outcome of ALL events,
yes I said ALL EVENTS, starts there. Everyone in that center has a role as a leader and a member of that critical
team to make that E911 center as effective as possible, lives depend on it.
This program is designed for communications personnel at all levels.
The course is taught by Chief (ret) Neal Rossow, a 38-year law enforcement professional and a certified
instructor. Chief Rossow has a no-nonsense approach and keeps his classes lively, open and engaging. You are
sure to take away many practical tools and a new perspective on leadership and your role in your organization.

Records Retention and Disposal Thomas Twn. June 11, 2025
2025-06-11 09:00 - 18:00 | Thomas Township Police Department, 8215 Shields Dr.,, Saginaw, MI, 48609, United States
Records Retention and Disposal:
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Thomas Township Police Department
8215 Shields Dr., Saginaw, MI 48609
Instructor: Lori Hinkley, J.D.
(MCOLES 302 and SNC registered)
This is the class you have been asking for:
This class will introduce the attendees to the Michigan laws governing the requirements surrounding the retention and disposal of public records. Topics covered will include what constitutes a public record, the differences between general and specific retention schedules, where to find the appropriate schedule, how to
read and apply the schedules, unique issues that apply to electronic communications (email and text messages), and practical tips for managing records in today’s modern public agencies. The student will:
1. Be able to understand and articulate the legal basis for the retention of public records.
2. Understand the proper methods for the disposal of public records.
3. Understand the process for the creation of a retention schedule and when there may be a need for a
modified schedule.
4. Be able to articulate the difference between a general and a specific retention and disposal schedule.
5. Be able to locate the schedules applicable to their public body and be able to read and apply them as
needed.
6. Be able to define a public record, a purely personal record, and a transitory record and know how to
effectively manage each of them.
7. Leave the session with suggestions for better handling of electronic messages to ensure compliance with
applicable laws.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA and records management in Michigan. She has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing records retention and disposal. You are sure to take away many practical tools.

Every Officer A Leader Western MI. Univ. June 11-12, 2025
2025-06-11 08:00 - 2025-06-12 17:00 | WMU Sangren Hall RM 1750, 2050 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
WMU Sangren Hall, RM 1750
2050 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo , M I 4 9 0 0 8
Instructor: Chief Neal Rossow (ret.)
(MCOLES 302, SMOKE (Called “Everyone is a Leader), and SNC 911 Training Fund Approved)
This is not just another leadership class.
This two-day program will call for personnel at every level to think more critically about their leadership role
within their organization. When someone decides to enter public safety, they have decided they want to be
leaders in their community. The very nature of their profession makes them leaders; they deal with chaos and
bring order and they go out in the community with the intent of making it a better place to work and raise a
family.
This program is designed for police, fire, corrections, and communications personnel at all levels including
public safety leaders, future leaders, FTO’s, future FTO’s, Training Officers, senior officers, newly promoted
supervisors, future supervisors, and up and coming personnel in agencies and organizations.
The course is taught by Chief (ret) Neal Rossow, a 38-year law enforcement professional and a certified
instructor. Chief Rossow has a no-nonsense approach and keeps his classes lively, open and engaging. You are
sure to take away many practical tools and a new perspective on leadership and your role in your organization.

Foundations of Leadership Grand Rapids Comm Coll June 4, 2025
2025-06-04 08:00 - 17:00 | GRCC DeVos Campus, 415 E. Fulton Street Sneden Hall Room 108, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
GRCC DeVos Campus
Sneden Hall, room 108
415 E. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Instructor: Chief Neal Rossow (ret.)
(MCOLES 302 pending)
This is not just another leadership class.
This program will call for personnel at every level to think more critically about their leadership role within their
organization. When someone decides to enter public safety, they have decided they want to be leaders in their
community. The very nature of their profession makes them leaders; they deal with chaos and bring order and they go out
in the community with the intent of making it a better place to work and raise a family.
This program is designed for police, fire, corrections, and communications personnel at all levels including public safety
leaders, future leaders, FTO’s, future FTO’s, Training Officers, senior officers, newly promoted supervisors, future
supervisors, and up and coming personnel in agencies and organizations.
The course is taught by Chief (ret) Neal Rossow, a 38-year law enforcement professional and a certified instructor. Chief
Rossow has a no-nonsense approach and keeps his classes lively, open and engaging. You are sure to take away many
practical tools and a new perspective on leadership and your role in your organization.

Advanced FOIA Training Allegan County May 13, 2025
2025-05-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, 640 River Street, Allegan, MI, 49010, United States
Allegan County Sheriff’s Office640 River Street, Allegan MI 49010Instructor: Lori Hinkley, J.D.(MCOLES 302 and SNC Funds Registered)Prerequisite: Basic FOIA Course
This is the class you have been asking for:This is a workshop style class where attendees will apply their knowledge of Michigan’s FOIA to practical scenarios. After a quick review of the most challenging areas of FOIA, participants will be presented with FOIA requests and they will be required to apply their knowledge to the exercise. Lori will then review the responses, followed by an open discussion. The student will:• Understand and be able to articulate the 13(1)(b) privacy exemption, including both prongs and the significant public interest exception,• Understand the LE privacy exception and how it differs from the general privacy exception.• Understand when and how to apply the Crime Victims’ Rights Act when processing a FOIA request.• Be able to articulate why they applied an exception using appropriate statutory language that would not be considered arbitrary and capricious if appealed by a requester. This class is for anyone, sworn or civilian, who needs an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and those who are actually responsible for dealing with and answering the public’s requests under the Freedom of Information Act at your agency.The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA in Michigan. She has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing with the ACT and requests under the FOIA. You are sure to take away many practical tools.

Advanced FOIA Training Green Oak Twp. May 7, 2025
2025-05-07 09:00 - 18:00 | Green Oak Township Police Department, 9400 Whitmore Lake Rd., Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Green Oak Township Police Department
9400 Whitmore Lake Rd,
Brighton, MI 48116
Instructor: Lori Hinkley, J.D.
Prerequisite: Basic FOIA Course
(MCOLES 302 Fund Registered)
This is the class you have been asking for:
This is a workshop style class where attendees will apply their knowledge of Michigan’s FOIA to practical scenarios. After a quick review of the most challenging areas of FOIA, participants will be presented with FOIA requests and they will be required to apply their knowledge to the exercise. Lori will then review the responses, followed by an open discussion.
The student will:
• Understand and be able to articulate the 13(1)(b) privacy exemption, including both prongs and the significant public interest exception,
• Understand the LE privacy exception and how it differs from the general privacy exception.
• Understand when and how to apply the Crime Victims’ Rights Act when processing a FOIA request.
• Be able to articulate why they applied an exception using appropriate statutory language that would not be considered arbitrary and capricious if appealed by a requester.
This class is for anyone, sworn or civilian, who needs an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and those who are actually responsible for dealing with and answering the public’s requests under the Freedom of Information Act at your agency.
The course is taught by Lori Hinkley, J.D.. Lori is truly THE expert when it comes to FOIA in Michigan. She has taught for many years. She will pass on her many years of experience in dealing with the ACT and requests under the FOIA. You are sure to take away many practical tools.

Sturgis DPS Basic FOIA Class
2025-01-22 08:00 - 17:00
January 22, 2025
Sturgis DPS
For more information contact Eric at 810-320-9517 or eric@therossowgroup.com.

Freedom of Information Act Training
2024-03-02
Attendee Registration
ADVANCED FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT TRAINING
Cost: $185
0900 – 1600
(MCOLES 302 Fund Registered)
Macomb Community College
East Campus – Room 143
21901 Dunham Road, Clinton Township, MI 48036
​To Register: Call Eric at (810) 320-9517 or email: eric@therossowgroup.com

Advanced Freedom of Information Act Training
2024-03-02
ADVANCED FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT TRAINING
Cost: $185
0900 – 1600
(MCOLES 302 Fund Registered Pending)
Port Huron Police Department
100 McMorran Blvd., , MI 49783
To Register: Call Eric at (810) 320-9517 or email: eric@therossowgroup.com

OUR NOBLE PROFESSION, A REFRESHER
2024-03-02
Attendee Registration
OUR NOBLE PROFESSION, A REFRESHER (KEYNOTE TO 4 Hours)
Cost: $185
During these trying times, we need to remember the importance of our membership in a noble
profession. Regardless of what is going on politically and economically, we continue to be courageous, selfless, and pay the ultimate sacrifice for our communities. We fight the good fight, no matter what! At times like this, it is hard to remember that since the beginning of time warriors have performed duringtimes of adversity and hardship. It is the privilege of being in such company with guardians who have protected those who can’t protect themselves for hundreds of years.

FOIA FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
2024-03-02
Attendee Registration
FOIA FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT (1 Day)
Cost: $185
FOIA is not a 4-letter word. This class will teach you the ins and outs of dealing with requests under the Freedom of Information Act. The instructor will discuss the importance of knowing what to release and what not to release. She will also discuss the legal requirements and penalties for non-compliance with the FOIA.

COWBOY ETHICS AND LEADERSHIP
2024-03-02
Attendee Registration
​COWBOY ETHICS AND LEADERSHIP (3-8 hours)
Cost: $185
Rediscover the Inspiration and Passion of the working cowboy of the late 19th century. I am not talking about the gunslingers but the working cowboy who lived a hard life in the saddle and courageously drove cattle hundreds of miles with no comforts and their own set of spoken rules. The work was tough and dangerous and they needed each other to survive. Their code was more to do with Character, Principles and Values than RULES. The course will also discuss how the code can be used for leadership
in public safety.

CUSTOM TRAINING FOR ANY ORGANIZATION
2024-02-27
Attendee Registration
CUSTOM TRAINING FOR ANY ORGANIZATION
Cost: $185
Whether you are holding an executive leadership retreat or need customized training for large numbers of employees, The Rossow Group can help.
We understand that your business needs and training goals are unique to your organization. We put together a customized solution to address the specific objections of each individual client. Starting with a conversation between key members of each organization, The Rossow Group will build a complete strategy to help us achieve your goals in an effective manner. We strive to work hand in hand with you, gaining deep insights that help us deliver custom content that mirrors the voice of your organization.

EVERY OFFICER A LEADER
2024-02-22
Attendee Registration
​EVERY OFFICER A LEADER (1-2 Days)
Cost: $185
This two-day program will call for personnel at every level to think more critically about their leadership role within their organization. When someone decides to enter public safety, they have decided they want to be leaders in their community. The very nature of their profession makes them leaders; they deal with chaos and bring order. They go out in the community with the intent of making it a better place to work and raise a family.
This program is designed for police, fire, corrections, and communications personnel at all levels including future leaders, FTO’s, future FTO’s, Training Officers, senior officers, newly promoted supervisors, future supervisors, public safety leaders, and up and coming personnel in agencies and organizations. Now is the time to start developing your leadership skills! Prepare TODAY!

EVERYONE HAS A ROLE IN CREATING A SUCCESSFUL 911 CENTER
2024-02-18
Attendee Registration
EVERYONE HAS A ROLE IN CREATING A SUCCESSFUL 911 CENTER (1 Day)
Cost: $185
The ENTIRE public safety team relies on the people working in the E911 centers answering the “what’s your emergency” calls to furnish them with accurate and timely information. The successful outcome of ALL events, yes I said ALL EVENTS, starts there. Everyone in that center has a role as a leader and a member of that critical team to make that E911 center as effective as possible, lives depend on it. This program is designed for communications personnel at all levels.

STRATEGIC PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
2024-02-16
Attendee Registration
STRATEGIC PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (2 Days)
Cost: $185
Empower frontline public information officers to successfully navigate media relations through shared professional experiences and advanced media training methods to deliver effective internal and external messaging strategies, policy considerations, and public speaking techniques. Empower frontline public information officers to successfully navigate media relations through shared professional experiences and advanced media training methods to deliver effective internal and external messaging strategies, policy considerations, and public speaking techniques.
