Michigan is a sportsman’s dream with its woodlands, lakes, and rivers and naturalists flock to the state enjoying a wonderful mix of geological and biological features. Local emergency agencies are called every year to look for lost hunters and hikers, often exhausting their resources. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Dispatch Centers are called when this happens.

MSP dispatchers have unique capabilities such as, but not limited to, K-9 units, air support, bomb squad, forensic labs, and fire marshals. The urban sections of the state also rely on MSP dispatch centers to visually monitor traffic on the major highways. Tens of thousands of people drive in southeast Michigan and MSP dispatch tells emergency responders exactly where to go and the most efficient route due to an intricate video camera system that allows the dispatchers immediate visual access of the accident scene.

MSP dispatch centers provide vital information to troopers in the field such as criminal background checks, personal protection orders and driving records; they also take 9-1-1 cell phone calls. Large events like the NCAA Final Four and major professional teams depend on MSP dispatch to help coordinate the police and emergency services and organize the multiple agencies involved in these events.MSP has four dispatch centers that are open 24-hours a day seven days a week. They are Gaylord Regional Dispatch in lower northern Michigan, Second District Regional Dispatch in south east Michigan, Rockford Regional Dispatch in west Michigan and Negaunee Regional Dispatch in the U.P.

It would be a tragic mistake if the legislature believes they can help cut the 1.5 billion dollar 2010-11 budget deficit by closing or consolidating any of the four MSP dispatch centers and it would have huge economic consequences.

That’s why five MSP dispatchers traveled to Lansing on January 13, 2010 to testify before the Senate Appropriations (State Police and Military Affairs Subcommittee). Meetings were also held with State Senators Valde Garcia, Michael Prusi and State Rep. Fred Durhal.The legislature learned that MSP dispatch performs tasks and duties that no local unit of government/private contractor can match. The MSP dispatchers are the only people who can deploy state assets and back up counties during large scale situations by patching different talk groups to a common communication link.

MSP dispatch works with police, fire EMS, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Motor Carriers and federal agencies like the FBI, Marshalls, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and National Weather Service. They also work with Local news and media to put out emergency broadcasts. The four regional dispatch centers are the point of contact for county, city and municipalities. Each center has unique capabilities that keep Michigan residents safe and businesses running smoothly. Because MSP dispatch salary is one percent (1%) of the entire MSP budget $7,444,133.00 out of $521,312,700.00 it make no sense to close or consolidate any of the centers. In fact, the Second District Regional Dispatch Center in south east Michigan is located in a building the MSP retains rent-free.MSP dispatchers have the experience and training to maintain the competence and expertise required in today’s world of emergency responders. Many of the dispatcher bring with them experience as EMTs, police, and fire back grounds.

UAW Local 6000 would like to thank MSP dispatchers Jeff Polny, Carolyn Kowalik, Corinne Lapierre, Kellie Brown, and Charlie Gardner for coming to Lansing on January 13, 2010. Also special thanks to Todd Self, Trevor Carlsen and Diane Haworth for back ground information and support.

Michigan citizens can help the MSP dispatchers by contacting Senator Valdes Garcia This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Senator Alan Cropsey at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Senator Jim Barcia at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and State Rep. Richard LeBlanc at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tell them not to close or consolidate the four MSP dispatch centers because the consequences could be both costly and tragic.

Ray Holman, Legislative Liaison