September 26, 2006

Lansing - The halls and classrooms of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Training Academy are once again filled with men and women hoping to become MSP motor carrier officers as 16 new recruits reported to the 16th Motor Carrier Recruit School on Sunday.

During the 21-week school, recruits will receive training in criminal law, commercial vehicle safety inspections, 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 they perform thousands of comprehensive equipment and driver inspections annually.

The 16th Motor Carrier Recruit School consists of two recruits with prior military service, one with prior law enforcement experience and nine college graduates. The recruits will graduate on Feb. 16, 2007.

The recruits are:

MEDIA INVITATION Special arrangements have been made for media representatives to visit the 16th Motor Carrier Recruit School to witness the activities and sacrifices recruits go through to become MSP motor carrier officers. The media is invited to be a guest of the MSP 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, it is recommended you arrive the night before and begin your day with the recruits at 5:30 a.m. The MSP Training Division will provide meals and lodging, as well as arrange an interview with a recruit from your area. To make arrangements, please call Mrs. Nancy Shaffer at (517) 322-6319.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.