The
Michigan State Police (MSP) today announced a series of new investments recommended by
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, including a 20% pay raise for MSP troopers and sergeants. Investing in the police workforce not only enhances public safety but attracts and retains top talent who keep communities safe. Alongside proposed pay increases, the outlined budget allocates more funding for victim support services and enhances collaboration and investigative resources for local, state, federal and tribal agencies, and continues funding for hiring and training new troopers.
“Michigan’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “This budget ensures we can strengthen our law enforcement workforce by hiring more than 100 new troopers and providing competitive pay, while also expanding critical victim advocacy programs and investigative support. Retaining experienced officers and attracting new talent dedicated to public service is essential to keeping Michigan communities safe.”
Through contract negotiations, MSP troopers and sergeants will receive a 20% pay increase, or a total of nearly $60 million, funded within the recommended budget. This investment benefits not only current members but also new recruits, reinforcing Michigan’s ability to attract and retain skilled law enforcement professionals. The department will also hire and train 120 new troopers in the next fiscal year to make sure the state’s law enforcement ranks remain robust and equipped to handle public safety challenges. Competitive salaries help recruit new officers, retain experienced personnel and ensure Michigan communities continue to receive high-quality law enforcement services.
“Every Michigander deserves to feel safe, whether on the road or in their neighborhoods,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “By investing in law enforcement, we can ensure our response to crime is both smarter and more impactful — strengthening our entire public safety system. Funding these programs will positively impact Michigan’s communities.”
A key investment of Gov. Whitmer’s proposed budget is additional funding for victim services to support more than 200,000 victims of crime statewide. Of that, the MSP will receive $1.3 million to expand its
Victim Support Program — an initiative designed to provide assistance and resources to victims of domestic and sexual violence as soon as a crime is reported — adding eight new advocates. Advocates provide critical support and build stronger community partnerships. The impact is already being felt statewide. Last year, 10 new advocates served more than 700 people in the first six months. With eight more advocate positions to be funded from the proposed budget, thousands more Michiganders will gain access to life-saving services.
Other public safety investments in the proposed MSP budget include $1 million to add seven analyst positions within the MSP Michigan Intelligence Operations Center to provide additional analytical and investigative support to all Michigan law enforcement agencies.
Overall, the governor’s budget recommends a 4.2% increase to the MSP’s general fund appropriations, reinforcing Michigan’s commitment to public safety and crime prevention. These investments are designed to support law enforcement in its mission to keep communities safe while ensuring that victims receive the advocacy and care they deserve.
