Almost eight years ago I outlined my primary goals, and I am proud to announce that we are still maintaining each one! 

  • Bring Integrity and Accountability back to the Office of Sheriff.
  • Ensure the safety of our community, as well as those in the public safety sector.​
  • Repair public safety relationships with area police and fire municipalities.
  • See that all Command Staff are qualified for work assignments.
  • Complete the County wide Safe Schools Initiative.
  • Repair working relations with all labor units.
  • To work within the operating budget, and eliminate wasteful spending while capturing new funding sources.
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​During my first two terms as Sheriff, staff numbers have improved for both the Law Enforcement and the Corrections Division.  It will always be our goal to see that our community is served professionally, with a focus on community needs and customer service.  Even with an increase (23.06%) of calls for service handled by deputies and investigators of the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to directly impact our community in a positive way. 
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  • 113.43% reduction in residential breaking and entering complaints
  • 81.75% reduction in larcenies
  • 87.45% increase in residential property checks
  • 9.07% reduction in Aggravated/Felonious Assaults

Investigators continue to increase solve-ability rates, which speaks volumes of the professional work and direct focus of assisting our community and obtaining results for the victims of crime.          
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Through federal funding the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office has received new in-car-video cameras and for the first time, individual body worn cameras for all (LE/Corrections) uniformed staff.  The value of cameras cannot be underestimated.  Their application increases the safety of the public and staff and improves law enforcement accountability while protecting deputies from false accusations and misconduct.

The Sheriff's Office continues to support inmate programming with both male and female programs.  These programs assist with behavior,  as well as the reduction of inmate recidivism.  Through a collaborative initiative with Health West the Sheriff's Office has implemented mental health screenings as well as addressing appropriate mental health needs to all persons received by the Muskegon County Jail.  Sheriff Poulin has served as a leader for the Muskegon County Diversion Council and the build of Muskegon's Crisis Intervention Team for many years.  Sheriff Poulin has helped lead an initiative that calls the community to action.  He has supported innovative efforts in addressing those experiencing a Behavioral Health Crisis including the Victim Services Program, the partnership with HealthWest supporting the In Jail Treatment Team, and on-going efforts to ensure specialized training to both operations and corrections staff through 20-hour Behavioral Health and Partnership training and 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team Training.  Sheriff Poulin has  remained steadfast in his leadership to offer best practice interventions and resources to those in need.  He supported building one of the first MOUD programs implemented in a county jail offering Medicated Assisted Treatment.  An initiative to save lives understanding the high risk of overdose for those leaving jail without inventions in place.  
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The Sheriff's Office continues to increase marine safety initiatives, which allow for more coverage of personnel on our lakes and rivers with no additional cost to the Sheriff's budget.   In 2017 Sheriff Poulin introduced a collaboration between our local fire stations and the Sheriff's Office Marine Safety program.  This collaboration allows for trained fire personnel from neighboring waterfront communities to utilize the Sheriff's Office boats for water emergencies.      





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