Almost four years ago I outlined my primary goals, and I am proud to announce that we have hit 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.
During my first term, staff numbers were improved for both the Law Enforcement and the Corrections Division. Our goal was to see that our community was served professionally, with a focus on community needs and customer service. Even with an increase (7.44%) 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.
- 20.51% reduction in residential breaking and entering complaints.
- 15.40% reduction in larcenies.
- 66.67% reduction in Negligent Homicide.
- 68.73% increase in residential property checks.
Though we experienced no change in the percentage of Aggravated/Felonious Assaults, we did see a 6.99% increase in the solve-ability rate of those investigations as well as a 6.56% increase in the solve-ability rate for Sexual Assaults. This increase (solve-ability rate) speaks volumes of the professional work and direct focus of assisting our community and obtaining results for the victims of crime.
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.
- Total grants approved during first term (2017-2020) - $1,400,146.00
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 we have implemented mental health screenings as well as addressing appropriate mental health needs to all persons received by the Muskegon County Jail.
The addition of marine safety initiatives will 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.
