February 5, 2003

East Lansing - Citing a vision for the Michigan State Police (MSP) as "a leader and a partner in providing public safety and law enforcement services for Michigan’s citizens," Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant took over the reins this week as director of the Michigan Department of State Police.

Appointed by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, and approved by the Senate, Sturdivant replaces retiring director Colonel Stephen D. Madden, making him the fifteenth director in the 86-year history of the Michigan State Police.

According to Sturdivant, "I am looking forward to working with our department members, and other public safety leaders from across the state in developing creative solutions to meet the challenges that lie ahead. It is an honor and privilege to lead this organization."

As director, Sturdivant will oversee the operations of the department’s more than 2,800 enlisted and civilian employees. He will also serve as director of emergency management for the state, as Michigan’s homeland security director and as the state’s fire marshal.

According to Sturdivant, "Our emphasis is going to be on continued building of partnerships and responding to the needs of our citizens. We will work closely with our partners at the local, county and federal level in protecting families from crime and homeland security threats, apprehending dangerous fugitives, pursuing additional resources for expanded use of DNA and other technology, and maintaining basic police services for our communities. We will also redouble our efforts in traffic safety to make our roadways safer for the traveling public."

"Protecting families is the main mission of the Michigan State Police," Sturdivant added. "Whether it be responding to a accident scene or managing the state’s emergency response, the Michigan State Police will continue their watchful duty of protecting our citizens at all levels."

Since March 2002, Sturdivant has served as commander of the Michigan State Police Uniform Services Bureau, serving as a deputy director for the department until his appointment by Gov. Granholm. As commander of the Uniform Services Bureau, he provided executive direction and leadership to more than 2,000 enlisted and civilian employees assigned to the bureau’s 64 field worksites, the Special Operations Division and the Motor Carrier Division.

Sturdivant joined the department in September 1978. He was initially assigned to the Ypsilanti Post and had subsequent assignments at the New Baltimore, Flat Rock, Romeo and Jackson posts, as well as at the Training Division and the Second District Headquarters in Northville. During his 24-year career, Sturdivant has held the ranks of trooper, sergeant, lieutenant, first lieutenant, inspector, captain, lieutenant colonel and colonel.

Sturdivant is a graduate of Wayne State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s Police Staff and Command School. A native of Detroit, Sturdivant lives in Plymouth with his wife who is a middle school principal. They have two daughters.