The diamond drill., 1920-11-06
STATE POLICE
HAVE BIG YEAR
ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS STATE
TROOPERS HAVE PERFORMED
VARIED SERVICES IN EN-
FORCING LAW.
WORK HAS GROWN GREATLY

A revelation OF the great scope Of
the work OF the Michigan State Police
is given In the report recently made
by Major Robert Z. Marsh. command
ant, to Governor Sleeper. This shows
that the troopers on patrol and special
assignments have travelled an agEre-
gate OF 597.974 miles during the
twelve months and visited more than
1000 towns and villages.
That the money expended for the
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 x3o.-
476.50 and In the federal courts the
fines were s75.500. Altogether. 4b6S
persons were required to take out IL
censes OF various kinds. stolen goods
OF a value OF $4,000 were recovered.
In monetary way. however. the
greatest accomplishments OF the
force we're of a preventative nature.
Putting out forest fires. preventing de-
struction of property. breaking up jn-
and other business establishments in
the smaller cities and villages. guard
ing orchards from raiders and similar
services bulk large In potential saw
ing OF loss.
During the year 1.046 arrests wore
made for almost every crime from
murder down. or those arrested B52
were convicted during the year, Sb
cases were pending. 90 prisoners had
been turned over to other officers and
only 10 were discharged This prQyes
that the state Police were exceeding
ly careful In the arrests made.
whisky Trss,c Fought :
A constant attempt was made to,
stop bootlegging and moonahining.
Liquor amounting TO 1856 gallons.
Of an estimated value OF t6l6.000. 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 distilfinG
after II was proved by analyses that
most OF the homemade whisky is pol
sonous In nature and likely 20 Cause
death II 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 speedera
has also protected the macadam and
gravel roads which are torn up by
reckless drivers.
n-~s.~sl.. ..vaa awfoaIaa 40
Der OF towns which had been the sur
ferers from gangs of criminals who
used motor cars In their raids and
these raids were effectualiy 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
attorney general and other state Of
ficers. Assistance was given to storm
swept districts and many citizens
were also given aid 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
ibie 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.
T. conctvufoo Mator Aar.h ~a0,~&..