Eight more Michigan State Police Troopers are heading to Flint next week. MLive says a spokesman for Gov. Snyder said the number of troopers will increase from 46 to 54.

The move comes as Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Early announced plans to cut as many as 36 positions from the Flint Police Department in the next city budget set to begin July 1st.

The additional troopers coming - graduates from the 126th Trooper Recruit School - won't go on patrol immediately. They will have to complete two phases of additional training expected to be done by this fall.

Snyder spokesman Dave Murray also told MLive that "it is imperative the city of Flint jail remains open." Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and others had previously suggested shifting some of the $2.5 million in state funds that have been earmarked for operating the city lockup as a way to retain some police officers.

 

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