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With technology woven into nearly every part of daily life, cybercriminals are finding more creative ways to target residents and businesses nationwide.
In 2024, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, Michigan residents and businesses lost more than $16.6 billion to cybercriminal activities, with an average victim loss of $19,374.
You can protect yourself from cybercriminals by following everyday steps toward online safety:
- Create a different and unique password for each online activity. It is recommended to use at least a 16-character password that contains a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.
- Selling or renting a car? Clear all vehicle device history any time you rent or sell your car. Syncing devices to a vehicle leaves precious personal information on the vehicles infotainment system.
- Be cautious before clicking links, answering calls, scanning codes or sending money. Criminals use emails, texts, calls, fake relationships and even QR codes to trick you into giving up personal or financial information.
- Set all social media accounts from “public” to “private,” so only those you trust can view your profile.
- Use Multi Factor Authentication to add an additional layer of security to your passwords. Nearly all hacking incidents could be avoided with an extra layer of security. This includes authenticator apps, SMS codes or codes sent by email.
Learn more about how to protect yourself from cybercriminals.
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 The Michigan State Police women’s softball team recently took the field at Grand Valley State University for an alumni game against the Lakers. The event brought together law enforcement officers and former GVSU athletes for a day of friendly competition, teamwork and community connection.
Although MSP came up short in a 12–9 game, the team showed plenty of spirit and sportsmanship throughout the day. The event served as a great opportunity to build relationships between law enforcement and student-athletes, while also encouraging future careers in public service.
Players and fans also took part in an obstacle course challenge, offering a hands-on look at the physical and mental skills that go into athletics and police work.
This annual tradition continues to strengthen the partnership between GVSU and Michigan’s law enforcement community.
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Save the date! Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, October 25. All MSP posts will be open and serving as collection sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring your expired, unused or unwanted medications from your home and dispose of them at your local post. Please note patches, syringes, liquids or inhalers are not accepted.
If you can’t make it on Drug Take Back Day, all MSP posts accept unwanted pills weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays). To find a collection site near you, visit Michigan.gov/MSPPosts.
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October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Michigan State Police is urging drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian dies every 72 minutes and one is injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes. In 2023, an estimated 68,244 pedestrians were injured and 7,314 were killed in the United States.
At some point during the day, everyone is a pedestrian. To help protect those walking along Michigan roadways, drivers are urged to follow these safety tips:
- Use extra caution when driving in low visibility conditions. In 2023, 77% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark.
- Follow the speed limit, especially near schools, neighborhoods and areas with foot traffic.
- Always drive sober. Alcohol use was reported in nearly half of all fatal pedestrian crashes.
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
- Stay alert for pedestrians everywhere and take time to check for blind spots.
By slowing down and staying alert, drivers can help make Michigan’s roads safer for everyone.
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Earlier this year, the Michigan State Police (MSP) was awarded Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), an independent non-profit organization that was created in 1979 by leading law enforcement executive associations. CALEA sets foundational standards based on best practices that law enforcement agencies must meet to achieve and maintain accreditation.
Accredited agencies are assessed annually to ensure compliance, with public feedback playing a key role in determining accreditation. The MSP invites the public to provide constructive input on the department’s service quality via the CALEA Public Comment Portal.
CALEA is not an investigatory body, and the portal should not be used to report crimes or MSP employee misconduct. Relevant information will be considered in relation to CALEA standards and accreditation.
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Kick off the new year with us! Thanks to your votes, our cruiser is featured as January’s photo of the month in the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) Best Looking Cruiser 2026 calendar.
Calendars are now available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the AAST Foundation.
Grab yours today!
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 On Friday, Oct. 10, Sgt. Brent Haag was presented with the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Purple Heart Medal and the USMS 2024 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award at the USMS Director’s Honorary Award Ceremony in Bay City.
On December 13, 2023, Tpr. Brent Haag was shot twice in the torso while attempting to arrest a wanted felon while working on the Third District Fugitive Team. Trooper Haag suffered critical injuries, but survived and returned to duty months later. He has since been promoted to the rank of sergeant and is currently assigned to the MSP Tri-City Post.
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Oct. 16: Boots for Kids Fundraiser, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Gaylord
Oct. 16: Recruiting Webinar, 6 p.m.
Oct. 18: 4th Annual Faith and Blue Community Event – Lansing, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 24: Port Huron Tailgate Party - Faith and Blue, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 24: Trunk or Treat, 5 to 7 p.m., Negaunee
Oct. 24: Trunk or Treat, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Alpena
Oct. 23: Halloween Drop-In, 6 to 8 p.m., Sault Ste Marie
Oct. 30: MSP Hiring Event – Detroit, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nov. 10: CVED Open House and Recruiting Event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., New Buffalo
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