ACTAR
Post Office Box 5436
Hudson Florida 34674-5436
800 - 809 - 3818
Email ACTAR

MICHIGAN STATE POLICE

The Michigan Department of State Police began as a temporary wartime emergency force for the purpose of domestic security during World War I. On April 19, 1917, Governor Albert Sleeper created the Michigan State Troops Permanent force (also known as the Michigan State Constabulary). With Colonel Roy C. Vandercook as the first commanding officer, this new force consisted of five troops of mounted, dismounted and motorized units totaling 300 men. On March 26, 1919, Public Act 26 reorganized the Constabulary as the permanent, peace time Michigan State Police.

The State Police merged into the new Department of Public Safety under Public Act 123 of 1921. Led by a Commissioner, departmental duties continued to expand over the years. In 1935, Public Act 59 reorganized the Michigan State Police as an independent agency.

Michigan adopted a new Constitution in 1963, authorizing up to 20 state departments. Public Act 380 of 1965 reorganized the Michigan Department of State Police as one of these departments. The Director holds the rank of Colonel and is appointed by the Governor.

At present, the Department comprises seven District Headquarters, 63 Posts, several detachment, team and resident trooper installations, seven Scientific Laboratories, specialized Divisional Offices such as Fire Marshall, Special Operations, Criminal Investigation, Motor Carrier and Emergency Management, as well as the Office of Highway Safety Planning, Criminal Justice Data Center and Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council. The department continues to progress without pause to increase its protection to the people, to develop new capabilities and to be faithful to the trust of the people it serves.

>> Goto MSP Home Page

<< Return to Organizations