Grand Haven - An e-mail hoax has the Michigan State Police asking for help from the public. According to MSP officials in Grand Haven the e-mail is being circulated around the internet.
The letter says that State Police are on a month long ticket writing campaign. It also claims that they have purchased new patrol cars and that they are using unmarked patrol units to apprehend anyone going a few miles over the speed limit.
The letter also claims that the campaign is being used to raise $9 million in traffic fines to fund the State Police.
The e-mail is being referred to as an ?urban myth? and police warn it is an e-mail that has been used and shown up in other states.
The Grand Haven Post has received numerous calls about the false campaign.
In a statement Grand Haven officials assure the public this is a hoax, ?The Michigan State police do not have part time employees, has not purchased more patrol cars, and does not use unmarked cars for patrol work. All vehicles used for traffic patrol by the State Police are recognizable as police vehicles through official State Police markings. Fines associated with traffic tickets are set by the Courts, paid to the Courts and the money does not go to the State Police.? Police warn however that, ?There will be increased shifts during super bowl weekend using grant money, to watch for people who have been drinking and choose to drive. The State Police ask that you do not call the post with questions about the information contained in the e-mail. If you want to check the authenticity of an e-mail there are several sites to verify information, one such site, snopes.com .
John BumgardnerIn your voice
