Michigan park rangers patrol unarmed
BELLE ISLE MI July 10 2018 The President of the Michigan State Employees Association which represents Park Rangers, says they should be allowed to carry guns, mace or tasers to protect themselves and the public.
As of right now, park rangers are unarmed.
He says 322 Park Rangers work in the state’s 104 parks including Belle Isle in Detroit. Four Park Rangers work with 13 support staff and Michigan State Police on the island.
Over the weekend a female Park Ranger had an incident with a man as she was locking up a restroom on the east side of the island.
According to State Police the man was upset he could not use the restroom, called the Ranger names, pushed her and said she was “white privileged” before walking away.
MSEA President Ken Moore tells 7 Action News the problems his Rangers face are statewide, “Drug activity, inner-city activity in other words gang activity, abuse of alcohol.” He adds, “I’ve had officers who have been held at gunpoint and robbed.”
Union officials are calling for rangers to be trained and armed with guns or tasers and given body armor and proper communication tools.
“The department needs to take notice and take immediate action in my mind,” said Moore.
It’s important to note that state police and conservation officers also patrol the island.
The union says park rangers are generally equipped with handcuffs, pepper spray and a baton. They say it’s up to the DNR to approve and fund training, including better equipment, like guns.
