MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WZMQ) — As the Mackinac Policy Conference continues at the Grand Hotel, Michigan State Police Director Col. James Grady shared his department’s summer priorities in a one-on-one interview with Michigan Capitol Correspondent Sophia Murphy.
From school safety to recruitment, Grady emphasized that community connection remains central to the department’s mission.
“You have to be one with the people that you serve,” Grady said. “Those partnerships are very important.”
Grady said MSP is strengthening its outreach efforts across the state, encouraging local leaders to invite troopers to community events and increasing visibility through town halls, youth organizations, and programs like “Troopers on Tour.”
This summer, MSP will host “Basketball with Cops” in Marquette — an event aimed at connecting families with local officers in a relaxed, community setting.
“We love being able to partner with the people that we serve,” Grady said. “That way we can learn from them and they can learn from us. I think the education can go both ways.”
Youth engagement is also top of mind. Grady said the department is promoting Community Service Troopers in schools, organizing school safety academies, and leading youth violence prevention summits.
“They need to have a seat at the table,” Grady said. “Many years ago, when I was in school, we had tornado and fire drills, but we never had an active shooter drill. So you can see the change.”
As the department looks to the future, Grady said recruitment remains a major focus. MSP is working to attract troopers from all regions of Michigan and highlight diverse career paths within the agency.
“Of course, the bread and butter of our agency is the trooper in the patrol car,” he said. “But you can later become an aviator and fly our helicopters, work on our dive or narcotics teams, join Intel, or go work in the lab.”
Grady said building long-term trust and transparency will require ongoing community input.
“Continued engagement is how we move forward together,” he said.