The Owosso times., 1921-01-07
LAWMAKERS TO
DISCUSS STATE
CONSTABULARY
MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS AND OHIO
WILL CONSIDER ENTIRE
QUESTION.
Other States Likely To Increase Pay
of Their State Police Forces.

The State Police system will be a
live legislative topic in at Least three
states at the present legislative ses-
sion. These are Michigan, Illinois and
Ohio. In other states the constabulary
will be considered also but in a diff
ferent way.
Michigan, which has had a State
Police since the need for such force
became imperative during the war, has
before 1t the question of increasing
the numbers Of the troopers and CIV
Ing them broader duties. There has
been strong and growing sentiment
In favor Of such measure as means
towards better and more economical
administration of state affairs.
This program of more centralized
administration has been discussed In
the State Journal. of Lansing. and in
other newspapers of the state. Un-
doubtedly this plan will find form in
bill to be presented to the Legisla-
ture whereby duties and powers now
scattered among a number OF COM
missions and bureaus will be centered
under the control of the State Police.
It is argued that this plan will save
the state very large sum Of money
annually and also give more efficiency.
Inasmuch as this plan would abol-
ish a large number Of appointive po-
sitions in the state government. 1t Is
to be expected that there will be
strenuous opposition but most Of the
10 nd cI RI
the idea of economy strongly in their
minds. It has been demonstrated by
the citizens who have given study to
the taxation problems of the state
that the abolition of the State Police
and the continuance Of the other or
ganizations would cost the state more
money and give less in the way OF
results.
Sentiment Is Favorable.
During the past two months there
has been a widespread expression of
sentiment throughout the state with
regard to the State Police. Four of
the more important agricultural asso-
Citations, the Michigan State Grange.
Association of Farmers Clubs, Mich
igan State Horticultural Society and
the directors of the State Farm Bu-
reau, have passed resolutions favoring
the continuance of the State Police
and the widening of their duties. In
each case there was full discussion
before these resolutions were passed.
In great many cities Of the state
similar resolutions have been passed
by chambers of commerce and other
commercial and civic bodies. Such
resolutions have ben approved in
Grand Rapids, Jackson, Flint,
Pontiac, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek,
Benton Harbor, Ionia, Saginaw, Bay
City, Manistee and other cities. While
these resolutions have varied in char
acter, they have been of the same
nature, all recognizing the need of a
State Police.
Among the statewide organizations
which have expressed themselves In
a similar manner are the Anti-Saloon
League, the Association Of mutual au-
tomobile insurance companies and
the bankers of the southwestern part
of the state.
Opposition to the State Police,
which seemed for a time to be very
and strong, has been
less apparent recently. In three coun-
ties where resolutions adverse to the
State Police were adopted by the
boards of supervisors, these resolu
tions have since been rescinded.
In other States.
In Illinois and Ohio, where there is
no State Police force at present, the
will be asked to provide
for such force. In Illinois the cham
bers of commerce of the state, with
three exceptions, have asked for such
action and the bankers also have pass
ed resolutions asking for State
Police. In Ohio the movement for the
force is statewide and depends large
ly upon the agricultural interests
which have found that good roads op-
ened highways for criminals as we'll |
rs for law-abiding citizens.
In Pennsylvania, where the constab- |
ulary has been a success for many
years, an increase Of pay Is asked for |
the officers and men of the force. In |
New York It Is probable that similar |
action will be asked. California and |
Massach chusetts, which have adopted |
the State Police system in part. will |
consider expanding their forces.