Michigan State Police seeking volunteers for roleplay training

Volunteers will help MSP trooper recruits experience “realistic interactions.”

Nobody enjoys being pulled over. If it happens, though, it’s safe to say you’d want the officer to be well-trained and know what they’re doing. But the unpredictable human interactions police officers often deal with aren’t something you can really teach in a classroom.

To that end, this month the Michigan State Police is asking members of the public to sign up as volunteer role players in scenario-based training for its upcoming Trooper Recruit School.

The exercises are set to be held at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing on several dates between Feb. 12 to May 8, and at the Fort Custer Training Center in Battle Creek on May 21 and 22.

MSP wants volunteers for the following scenarios:

• Traffic stops and/or arrests
•  Domestic violence
• Civil disputes
• Larceny
• Retail fraud 

“We have had great success with our Civilian Actor Program in previous trooper recruit schools,” MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II said in a release. “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.” 

Interested? Applicants 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. People who have applied previously don’t need to apply again. If you’re selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email with additional instructions.