MSP’s VIP Program aims to keep vulnerable, impaired people safe

ESSEXVILLE, Mich. (WNEM) - Michigan State Police held a VIP Program event to protect the Vulnerable or Impaired People in the mid-Michigan area.

On Friday, April 19 troopers were at the Bay Arenac ISD Living and Learning Center in Essexville where its VIP Program was held.

The program allows parents or legal guardians of a person with special needs to enroll in a state register. The program stores that person’s fingerprints, picture, home address, and an emergency contact if they ever become lost.

Michael Ransom, the finger print manager with the state police, said he’s passionate about the program because it hits close to home for him.

“I have a son who is actually now 23. He’s quite a big, large boy, but he’s cognizant too and he’s a non verbal individual. And so, if he were found wandering the streets, he wouldn’t be able to identify himself, tell where he lives, who he is,” said Ransom. “Anything with the special needs community, any way we could help keep them safe, the more vulnerable population, I want to do.”

Staff at the Living and Learning Center said about 40 students took part in Friday’s event.

“This opportunity has allowed our student population to be safe in our community. Again, should they be lost in our community, I think this partnership is important for our families to know that they’ll have that piece of mind,” said Jennifer Ayers, the principal at the Bay Arenac ISD Living and Learning Center.

This is the second time state police brought the program to the mid-Michigan community, a similar event took place in Pinconning. Both events enrolled about 75 students in total.

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