No more MSP ‘policewoman’ if bill passes

LANSING – There would be no more lower-ranked Michigan State Police “policewomen” if a bill in the state Senate passes.

Senate Bill 328, introduced Tuesday by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, would drop the word from the list of MSP grades and duties spelled out in state law. In a statement, Schuitmaker said the grade was “antiquated” and the title “was used at a time when female members of the MSP were paid less than men.”

“Women are serving in the same capacity as men, providing vital services and protections for our communities,” Schuitmaker said in a statement, noting the bill was introduced during Police Appreciation Week and Law Enforcement Appreciation Month. “This will properly recognize their work with the respect and dignity it deserves.”

MSP is led by a woman. Gov. Rick Snyder appointed Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue director of the agency in 2011.

The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by state Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge.