LANSING — The Michigan State Police (MSP) celebrates its 95th anniversary this month.
To honor this milestone, Gov. Rick Snyder declared April as Michigan State Police History Month.
Citizens can show their support for the MSP and join the celebration by taking part in an online birthday party on April 19 via the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/michiganstatepolice.
Throughout the day, historical tidbits, photographs and video about the department will be shared.
“What started as a cavalry of men has evolved into a complex, professional law enforcement agency responsible for not only general police investigative services and traffic patrol, but also forensic science services, statewide criminal justice records management and state homeland security and emergency management,” Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, said.
“This month as we mark our 95th anniversary, it is a time for us to reflect on our rich history and traditions and remember the dedication and sacrifice of those who served before us.”
MSP’s roots date back to World War I when the department began as a temporary, wartime emergency force for the purpose of domestic security.
On April 19, 1917, Gov. Albert Sleeper created the Michigan State Troops Permanent Force, also known as the Michigan State Constabulary. With Col. Roy C. Vandercook as the first commanding officer, this new force consisted of five troops of mounted, dismounted and motorized units.
On March 26, 1919, Public Act 26 reorganized the Constabulary as the permanent, peacetime Michigan State Police.
When Michigan adopted a new Constitution in 1963, authorizing up to 20 departments, Public Act 380 of 1965 reorganized the MSP as one of these departments. The director of the MSP holds the rank of colonel and is appointed by the governor. MSP consists of 2,340 enforcement and civilian members.