June 17, 2005

Lansing - The halls and classrooms of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Training Academy will once again be filled with men and women hoping to become MSP motor carrier officers when 25 new recruits report to the 15^th Motor Carrier Recruit School on Sunday. 

During the 20-week school, recruits will receive training in criminal law, commercial vehicle safety, patrol tactics, problem solving, interpersonal relations, communication skills, physical fitness and first aid.  They will also receive firearms, defensive tactics and precision driving instruction. 

Motor carrier officers have full police powers for the purpose of commercial vehicle enforcement.  They perform a full range of enforcement duties including the detection and apprehension of individuals who use commercial vehicles for criminal activities.  They are trained experts at detecting unsafe or defective vehicles and perform thousands of comprehensive equipment and driver inspections annually.

The 15th Motor Carrier Recruit School consists of seven recruits with prior military service, three with prior law enforcement experience and 10 college graduates.  The recruits will graduate on November 4, 2005.

The recruits are:

MEDIA INVITATION: Special arrangements have been made for media representatives to visit the school to witness the activities and sacrifices recruits go through to become MSP motor carrier officers.

You are invited to be a guest of the Training Division for several hours or an entire day to experience “first hand” the challenges of a recruit school. (In order to get the true flavor of what it is like to be a recruit, we suggest you arrive the night before and begin your day with the recruits at 5:30 a.m.)

The Training Division will provide meals and lodging, as well as a personal interview with the recruit from your area.  If you would like to be our guest at the 15th Motor Carrier Recruit School, please call Mrs. Nancy Shaffer at (517) 322-6319.