Michigan State Police – Wakefield Post Releases 2009 Activity & Calls for Service

WAKEFIELD, MI - Thursday, January 14, 2010 - The Michigan State Police, Wakefield Post responded to over twelve hundred calls for service in 2009. A significant number of drug and alcohol investigations resulted in over two hundred felony and misdemeanor arrests throughout the year.

In 2009, troopers at the Wakefield Post continued to provide the highest quality of public safety and service to Gogebic and Ontonagon County resulting in 93 patrol arrests and 152 investigative counts. Troopers issued 1664 traffic citations including 208 seatbelt citations and over two thousand verbal warnings. 31 fugitives were arrested and 45 warrants were cleared.

Troopers policed over two hundred traffic related crashes with 34 being closed by hazardous action. Sixty-one car vs. deer/animal crashes were reported to the Wakefield Post.

Troopers assisted other law enforcement agencies providing traffic accident investigators, evidence technicians, K-9 troopers, laboratory services, bomb squad assistance and emergency response team request for felons and felony warrant service. Two multi-jurisdictional drug teams comprised of state, county, and local officers also provide critical assistance to the counties of the Upper Peninsula.

The Michigan State Police coordinated sex offender sweeps in the 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula and maintains a public SOR website at www.michigan.gov. The website also provides information on carrying concealed weapon laws.

The Wakefield Post provides 20 to 24 hour patrol coverage and enjoys the cooperation of the Ontonagon and Gogebic County Sheriff Departments, local and tribal agencies.

2009 was a trying year for law enforcement services due to budgetary constraints. The recall of 8 troopers from lay off increased the number of Upper Peninsula troopers to 135.

The Michigan State Police, Wakefield Post, administrative hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Post can be reached by calling 906/224-9691. Troopers are available 24 hours a day by contacting 911 or Negaunee Regional Dispatch at 906/475-9922.