(1) The department, a prosecuting attorney, or a law enforcement officer of a municipality may:

    (a) Make public or private investigations within or without this state he or she considers necessary to determine if a person violated or is about to violate this act or a rule promulgated or order issued under this act. The department may inspect any premises licensed under this act for violation of this act, the code, or rules promulgated pursuant to this act.

    (b) Require a licensee to file a written statement in response to a complaint of an alleged violation of this act or the rules promulgated under this act received by a local government and forwarded to the licensee. The statement shall state the facts and circumstances concerning the matter raised in the complaint. If the licensee does not make the required statement within 15 days after the licensee receives the letter requiring the written statement, the department, upon its own action or upon petition by the prosecuting attorney or law enforcement officer of the municipality issuing the letter, may issue an order directing a response by the licensee.

    (2) A prosecuting attorney or a law enforcement officer of a municipality shall present any evidence of an alleged violation of this act or rule promulgated under this act to the department. The department may refer the evidence as is available concerning violations of this act to the attorney general or the proper prosecuting attorney who, with or without a reference, may institute appropriate criminal proceedings under this act.

    (3) Before, or simultaneous with, the commencement of a criminal proceeding or a proceeding in which injunctive relief is sought by the local government, that local government shall serve copies of all pleadings in the matter upon the department.

    (4) The department shall render assistance to a local government or state agency. The department may use all investigative powers conferred upon it to assist a local government.