Groveland Twp.-Since 1996 the Michigan State Police have been established in the township.
This fall that’s set to change.
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 emphasizes enhanced technology and data-driven policing without laying off a single trooper. Implementation of this plan will help the department meet the $20.7 million general fund reduction in the FY12 Executive Budget.
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.
However, MSP spokesperson Tiffany Brown said the township post is set to close despite the rent free status..
‘We understand that many communities, like Groveland, Rose and Holly townships depend on the state police for their law enforcement,? said Brown. ‘We are working through details and we will not leave the area. However, right now the (Groveland) post will not become a detachment be occupied by troopers.?
Detachments are not open for regular business hours. Resident troopers are assigned to rural areas of the state and work directly from their home. Brown said the township post will remain until the program is implemented in October. After that time the closest MSP posts to the township will be Metro North 14350 10 Mile Road Oak Park, Lapeer 975 South Main St. Lapeer and Flint Post 4481 Corunna Road.
However on the eve of the closures none of the three affected townships have a plan for police protection for the nearly 15,000 residents who live within each of the 36 mile square townships. While public safety departments, contracts with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and other plans have been discussed it’s just a wait and see attitude said at least on township official.
‘There will be no change in service for Groveland Township,? said Bob DePalma, township supervisor. ‘There will be the same troopers as before, the biggest change will be if residents need to go file a police report. In that case they’ll have to go to the Flint Post located at Corunna and Linden roads.?
DePalma said he can see no reason to close the post which is also a fire station for Groveland Township.
‘The structure is free for the Michigan State Police to use,? he said. ‘Why should they not want it??
According to the MSP Troopers will be deployed throughout the state from posts, detachments and as resident troopers. Posts will remain fully operational and open to the public while detachments will serve as buildings where troopers can start and end their shifts, accomplish administrative tasks, and meet with the public by appointment
Under the regional policing plan, the MSP will reduce the number of posts from 62 to 29. Twenty-nine posts will remain fully operational, 12 posts will become detachments, and 21 posts are slated for closure, according to the MSP.