Peter Letzmann Associates

A presentation of the Act, potential penalties to you and the governmental entity for violations of the Act, what public bodies are subject to the act, the notice requirements for a meeting, places to conduct meetings, keeping minutes, and when a public body may go into a closed meeting. Recent court cases are also discussed.

An overview of the types of liabilities facing public officials and governmental entities. This presentation reviews federal civil rights, state civil, federal criminal, state criminal, and administrative law cases, the immunities and defenses. How to prevent or minimize such claims, and how to "fight back" are parts of this presentation.

Specific versions of this presentation are available for elected officials, law enforcement personnel, fire fighters, sheriff departments, health departments, building officials, public works employees, court personnel, and other government units.

An introduction to telecommunication issues. Includes the applicable Constitutional provisions, the Michigan Telecommunications Act and other statutes, the federal Telecommunications act, cellular tower issues, cable issues, franchise and franchise fees.

The genesis of local units of government, the constitutional and statutory authorities, the separation of powers, the checks and balances, the inter-relationships between the various governments.

A discussion of the penalties for violation of the Act; what is a public record, a writing, and public body; time limits to respond, fees that may be charged, person to make the decisions, exempt records, notice requirement after denials. Current cases dealing with the FOIA are also included.

A primer for clerks and others responsible for retaining public records. Review the statutes and other authorities dealing with records and record retention, the record schedule promulgated by the Secretary of State's office, and some practical suggestions.

Examines the liability and other negative consequences of the use and possession of alcohol in the work place, the on-duty and off-duty considerations, the policy to be established, the standards to be applied, and methods of enforcement.

An in depth discussion of the function to be accomplished by the law enforcement agency, a look at the forest as well as the trees, the sources of duties and limitations by law of law enforcement officials and officers, including the constitutions and Michigan statutes, court decisions.

A review of the major areas of criminal law facing law enforcement officers today, including arrest, search and seizure, interrogation and confession, and other current topics. Emphasis on recent court decisions and changes in the law.