Michigan residents have another way to access information on how Michigan State Police operates.
The new transparency and accountability webpage is designed to provide easy access to data on what troopers are doing, their training requirements, when force is used, traffic stops, and more. Colonel Joe Gasper, Michigan State Police Director says a lot of that information was already available, but will now be grouped on a single page.
“We know that accountability and transparency are necessary components for building community trust and support, which is the goal of this new webpage," said Gasper.
The Colonel noted that since 2017 the department has seen a rising percentage of traffic stops involve African American drivers. An outside research firm is being sought out to study if troopers are treating black drivers differently. Gasper says the information from that study will be made public.
Current MSP policy already prohibits troopers from stopping anyone based on their race or ethnicity.
“The members of the Michigan State Police hold ourselves to the highest standards of professional conduct and we remain committed to performing our jobs with excellence, integrity and courtesy, treating all people with dignity and respect,” Gasper added. “If we find we can improve upon our practices to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all people, you have my commitment that we will make the necessary changes.”
MSP is also forming a citizen advisory council to help update and create policies that directly impact how troopers interact with the public. The 10-person board is made of volunteers and called "Bridges to BLUE."
