Michigan State Police Recruit School is in session, with a record 159 prospective rookie troopers beginning 26 weeks of training. First Lieutenant Mike Shaw told Michigan News Network the department has been actively recruiting new personnel from all walks of life.
“We want all kinds of different people in the department because you want to reflect how the whole state looks,” Shaw said. “You’re looking at former military, you’re looking at college-educated. You’re also looking at gay-straight, it’s another factor that is a big diversity thing in our department.”
Shaw says they are also closing the gap created by a larger number of retirees and lack of personnel during the state’s tougher economic times.
