December 2009

We are living in turbulent times in Michigan with law enforcement agencies suffering from shrinking budgets and ever increasing crime. The landscape of law enforcement will be decidedly different within the next couple of years. During times like this it is even more important to have an association like the MACP. Collectively we can adapt to ever changing conditions and maintain our role as protectors of the citizens of our Great Lake State.

Our Mid-Winter Training Conference (February 10-12, 2010, Grand Rapids, MI.) will help you prepare for the upcoming challenges for law enforcement. As always there will be MACP committee meetings, regional police association meetings, Michigan Sheriffs Association meetings and over 125 exhibit booths offering the latest in law enforcement equipment, technology and services. The MACP Training committee has selected a diverse array of topics for training, including: Medical Marijuana Update; Transient Criminal Groups; Forming a Police Chaplain Corp.; Human Trafficking; Social Security Update; Open Carry Update; The Future of the Police Car (GM, Ford and Chrysler); Mi-Dex; Legal Update and a vast array of traffic safety presentations (Friday am.) to name just a few. Perhaps the most important aspect of our mid-winter conference is the peer-to-peer interaction that each conference participant experiences. This sharing helps us adapt to our changing law enforcement situation.

As many of you know I started my MACP Presidency rather unceremoniously by falling off a ladder while cleaning my eave troughs on Labor Day weekend. I managed to break two ribs and both of my arms plus assorted scratches and bruises. In the course of my recovery it was discovered that I had a tumor on my right kidney. I have surgery scheduled for December 1^st to remove all or part of the kidney. Recovery will be 6-8 weeks. I look forward to resuming my Presidency at our Mid-Winter Conference and hosting our Opening General Session on Wednesday, February 10^th with the candidates for Governor of the State of Michigan. I may even offer some tips on safe and effective eave trough cleaning.

I wish each and every one of you and Merry Christmas and a Joyous Holiday Season.

President Larry R. Hrinik