Michigan Attorney General: Put Surplus State Money Into Hiring More Cops

LANSING (WWJ) - A portion of the state's budget surplus is reportedly going to be used to hire 1,000 police officers in the state.

WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick said Michigan attorney general Bill Schuette cannot spend the money.

Instead, Schuette is trying to get legislative approval that will call for using $100 million of the state's $500 million dollar surplus to hire additional officers.

Skubick said Detroit may be a winner in this process, and Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee is scheduled to be in Lansing Wednesday morning for the announcement.

The Governor has not signed off on this proposal and there is some question as to the direction these funds will go - some speculating that it will go into the 'rainy day' fund to pay down Michigan's debt.