I've been pulled over by the OSP probably a dozen times in my life. Most of those times I was issued a ticket... and justifiably so.
I wouldn't have any particular problem if the OSP turned into state police (like West Virginia). I wouldn't have a problem if they don't either.
I will say this -- Steubenville (a stone's throw from me) has had their police force downsized thanks to what I perceive as the city's inability to manage finances and do what is necessary to take advantage of local opportunities. And all of this happens as the city of Steubenville sees ever-increasing amounts of drug-related crime -- shootings, strong arm robberies, assaults, shots fired, etc. Lot's of Chicago activity in Steub these days.
In the past many months (perhaps six months), there has been an increasing number of OSP units not only in Jefferson Co but around Steubenville specifically. They often assist the local police these days. I don't know if that is a customary thing statewide, but around these parts it was rare that the OSP got involved in local law enforcement activities, at least not without some agency specifically requesting their assistance.
I welcome the fact that they have [apparently] "branched out" to help local law enforcement in a more direct way. Their increased presence in/around Steubenville and their assistance is invaluable in my opinion. Many of the local OSP units have direct access to our county 911 system now without having to be patched in [thanks to them having additional radios installed in vehicles specifically to communicate with our county]. When distant OSP units are around, they get patched in when needed. They don't necessarily wait for their assistance to be requested. If they hear something going down around here, they go and assist or at least ask the local agencies or 911 if their assistance is needed.
In a nutshell, I consider their increased presence around here a good thing. I'm not seeing any indication of abuse or overzealous troopers pulling over people for no reason or ticketing people for every little traffic infraction.
Mike