History of the Michigan State Police The Michigan Department of State Police began as a temporary, wartime
emergency force for the purpose of domestic security during World War I.
THE FIRST 75 YEARS: PEOPLE AND PLACES 1917 - 1992 Early on, the department's 75th Anniversary Committee planned to compile a small tourist information booklet on the Michigan State Police posts. As with many good ideas, this plan evolved and grew over time. Many active and retired members of the department suggested an expansion of the project to include historical information about the various posts, districts, and divisions. This concise, pictorial history is the result.