The Michigan State Police (MSP) is seeking members of the public to volunteer as role players in scenario-based training for its upcoming Trooper Recruit School. The goal is to create a diverse pool of volunteers, reflective of Michigan’s population, to best prepare recruits to serve in communities across the state.

The exercises will be held at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing on various dates between Feb. 12 and May 8, and at the Fort Custer Training Center in Battle Creek on May 21 and 22. Deadline to apply is January 15.

Individuals are needed for the following scenarios:
• Traffic stops and/or arrests
• Domestic violence
• Civil disputes
• Larceny
• Retail fraud

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, complete all sections of the application and agree to a criminal background check. Approved applicants will be required to complete a class prior to assisting, consisting of legal instruction, role player responsibilities, role player safety, scenario introduction and scenario practice.

Applications can be completed online through Jan 15. If previously accepted into the program, you do not need to reapply. Those selected will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions for the Civilian Actor Program class registration, to be held in February, and recruit training exercise registration.

“We have had great success with our Civilian Actor Program in previous trooper recruit schools,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “Involving members of the public in recruit training allows the recruits, in a controlled setting, to experience more realistic interactions with the public they will serve. It is a meaningful learning experience for everyone involved.”