Separation From the College
After World War II, Michigan State College separated its police force from ELPD. ELPD Chief Art Brandstatter resigned and was appointed as the chief of the Michigan State College Police Force. Lt. Charles F. Pegg was then appointed as the ELPD police chief, a position which he held from 1946 until 1972.
Growth During the 1950's
The City of East Lansing continued to grow at a rapid pace, especially during the 1950's when Michigan State College became Michigan State University and the student population grew significantly. ELPD had to grow to meet the public safety needs of a thriving city and expanding college population.
Chief Pegg expanded his small police force of four officers into a force of more than 50 officers by the time that he retired in 1972. His successors, Chiefs Steve Naert, Bob Foster, Tom Hendricks, Lawton Connelly, Louis Muhn, Tom Wibert, Juli Liebler and Jeff Murphy all have made significant contributions in progressively improving the organization of the East Lansing Police Department.
East Lansing Police Chiefs
- Rev. John G. Biery
- Chief John Hackett
- Chief Castle W. Pratt
- Chief Richard Rodgers
- Chief Harold Haun
- Chief Arthur Brandstatter
- Chief Charles Pegg
- Chief Steven Naert
- Chief Robert Foster
- Chief Thomas Hendricks
- Chief Lawton Connelly
- Chief Louis Muhn
- Chief Thomas Wibert
- Chief Juli Liebler
- Chief Jeff Murphy
- Chief Larry Sparkes