Michigan State Police celebrate 96th anniversary

LANSING (AP) -- Gov. Rick Snyder has declared this week Michigan State Police History Week to honor the department's 96th anniversary. Michigan State Police started as a temporary, wartime emergency force during World War I. On April 19, 1917, Gov. Albert Sleeper established the Michigan State Troops Permanent Force or Michigan State Constabulary. On March 26, 1919, the Constabulary became a permanent, peace-time force. Under Michigan's 1963 Constitution, the Michigan State Police became one of the 20 authorized state departments. Today, the department includes about 2,500 enforcement and civilian members. State Police Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue says in a statement that the week is a time to reflect on the organization's history and "to recommit to serving the public with excellence, integrity and courtesy." Published: Wed, Apr 17, 2013