Groveland Twp.- On March 24, the Michigan State Police (MSP) announced the adoption of a regional policing model designed to provide increased services while relying less upon traditional ‘bricks and mortar? post buildings.
The plan, which included closing several MSP posts statewide including the facility in the township on Dixie Highway near Grange Hall Road, took aim at enhanced technology and data-driven policing without laying off troopers. Implementation of this plan will help the department meet the $20.7 million general fund reduction in the FY12 Executive Budget according to MSP officials.
However, since that announcement, the MSP have made some adjustments to the plan.
MSP District Commander, Capt. Daniel Atkinson, said last week that the township facility will remain a part of the network of posts.
‘The same number of troopers are gong to be working out of the Groveland Post,? said Atkinson. ‘There will be a change by transferring the post commander to the Flint Post. All the troopers will be on the road as some point during the week.?
About eight troopers from the township post patrol in Groveland, Holly, and Rose townships, in addition to the I-75 corridor. The MSP shares the facilities with the township fire department. There is no charge to the MSP for the building.
‘The other change will be a limit to the number of days the post will be open for walk-in assistance’I would suggest one day a week,? he said. ‘We’ve had a good relationship with Groveland Township. It makes no sense to make other changes there right now.?
Since 1996, the Michigan State Police have been established in the township.
Atkinson said that Richmond Post, Bad Axe Post and Corunna Post in Shiawassee County, along with the Gladwin post, are expected to close due to the budget cuts in October. After that time the MSP posts Metro North, 14350 10 Mile Road, Oak Park, Lapeer, 975 South Main St., Lapeer and Flint Post, 4481 Corunna Road, will be the nearest to Groveland.
Township Supervisor Bob DePalma was pleased with the decision.
‘At this point in time there’s very little functional change at the Groveland Post’basically it’s the same troopers in the same area performing the same duties,? he said. ‘In addition there was a potential for a new Michigan State Police and fire station building. We have and will continue to put that on the table for the state police.?
Groveland, Rose and Holly townships, along with the Village of Holly, have been discussing combined services.
‘Right now, all but Rose Township have expressed interest in sharing services. Those discussions will continue.?