The Yale expositor., 1920-09-02
STATE POLICE ~
HAVE Big YEAR
ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS STATE
TROOPERS HAVE PERFORMED
VARIED SERVICES IN EN-
FORCING LAW.
WORK HAS GROWN GREATLi

A revelation of the great scope OF
the work of the Michigan State Police
is given in the report recently made
by Major Robert +. Marsh, command
ant, to Governor. Sleeper. This shows
that the troopers on patrol and special
assignments have travelled an aggre-
gate Of 597,974 miles during the
twelve months and visited more than
1000 towns and villages.
That the money expended for tho
maintenance Of this force is not en-
tirely net outgo is evidenced by the
fact that the fines collected in state
and county courts In cases brought
by the State Police amounted to $780,
476.50 and In the federal courts the
fines were s75,5O0. Altogether, 4,56S
persons were required to take out IL
censes of various kinds. Stolen goods
OF value OF $57 1000 were recovered.
In "a monetary way, however. the
greatest accomplishments OF the
force were of preventative nature.
Putting out forest fires, preventing de.
struction OF property. breaking up in
0pieut race riots. protecting banks
and OSher business establishments N
the smaller cities and villages, guard
ing orchards from raiders and similar
services bulk large IA potential saw
ing OF loss.
During the year 1,046 arrests were
made for almost every crime from
murder down. OF those arrested $50
were convicted during the year IS
cases were pending, 80 prisoners had
been turned over to other officers and
only 10 were discharged. This proves
that the State Police were exceeding
ly careful In the arrests made.
Whisky Traffic Fought.
A constant attempt was made to
stop bootlegging and moonshining
Liquor amounting to 22,595 gallons,
of an estimated value of $515,0 was
seized and SO stills were destroyed.
Two members OF the force were seri-
ously injured in battles with liquor
runners. Particular activity was dis
played in breaking up Illicit distilling
after II was proved by analyses that
most of the homemade whisky is poi
sonous in nature and likely to cause
death IL taken in any quantity.
Much has been done by the troop
ers to make the highways of the state
more safe and the arrest of speeders
has also protected the macadam and
gravel roads which are torn up by
reckless drivers.
Protection was extended 10 a num-
Der Of towns which had been the suf-
ferers from gangs of criminals who
used motor cars in their raids and
these raids we're effectually stopped.
Many gambling resorts were raided
By the State Police and the crooked
gamblers forced to close up, while
their apparatus was seized and de-
stroyed.
Police Made investigations.
Investigations were made for the
encouragement and other state of.
fcers. Assistance was given to storm.
swept districts and many citizens
were also given ala when they were
found Ill or injured on the highways |
by the troopers.
State Police are forbidden to dis |
cuss religion or politics, are told to |
give warning rather than to use fore
ible measures wherever law violation |
appears to be due to ignorance or
heedlessness and are instructed to |
render every aid possible at all times |
to women, children and persons in
distress.
Larger Force Needed.