Following the fatal shooting of an Oakland County deputy, Sheriff Michael Bouchard strongly opposes proposed legislation that seeks to alter Michigan's bail regulations. As reported by CBS News Detroit, the sheriff, joined by the widow of Deputy Brad Reckling, expressed concerns about the proposed measures, which would require judges to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bonds and restrict the use of criminal history in those decisions.

Sheriff Bouchard raised the alarm on these bills, suggesting that they could to further jeopardize public safety by prematurely releasing potentially dangerous individuals. According to Detroit Free Press, Bouchard took aim at specific cases where perpetrators of violence were allegedly set free due to judicial discretion around bail bonds. Bouchard specifically criticized Troy District Judge Kirsten Hartig for reducing bonds in a previous case, which he believes laid the groundwork for subsequent violent acts.

The bills, currently being deliberated over in Lansing during a period of political transition, address concerns about equity in the justice system, particularly for those who may be unduly penalized for their financial inability to post bail. Proponents argue that these reforms would create a fairer system and alleviate the burden on populations unable to afford bail for minor offenses. Yet, Bouchard insists that such reforms need careful consideration to safeguard against unintentional consequences, highlighting the incident that forcefully emphasized his stance—the killing of Deputy Reckling on June 22.

Meanwhile, Jacqueline Reckling, widow of the slain officer, echoed Bouchard's sentiments. "Had some of these decisions been different, had his bond not been reduced, maybe Brad would have still been here, and I would have still had my husband and my kids would still have their dad," she told FOX 2 Detroit. The accused killer, 18-year-old Raymone Debose, was previously released on bond related to a different violent case, sparking the sheriff's critique on how judges weigh the gravity of criminal histories when setting bail.