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JUNE | 2017
Ottawa County Recognized National Police Week & National Correctional Officers' Week
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National
Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. The day and week pay special recognition to those law
enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and for those who work for the
safety and protection of others. In 1984, President Reagan signed Proclamation 5187, creating National Correctional Officers’ Week. This week is for commemorating the contributions of correctional officers and personnel who work in jails, prisons and community corrections across the country.
An Honor Guard Ceremony took place at the Ottawa County Sheriff's Headquarters located in West Olive. A wreath was placed at the Protector Monument as Sheriff Kempker said, "May we never add another name to this stone." The bronze sculpture and memory stones are outside the office and the public always welcome to view, visit and reflect in the garden.
Photo Credit: Police Unity Tour Team West Michigan Facebook Page
In addition, several members of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office took part in the Police Unity Tour, which is a 300+ mile bicycle ride spanning four days starting in Florham Park, NJ and ending in Washington DC to honor police officers who have died in the line of duty.
Why are there inmates working in my neighborhood?
Are you
wondering what the crew dressed in orange is doing among the ornamental grasses
on the boulevard? Meet the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office SWAP crew. SWAP is short for Sentenced Work
Abatement Program. Residents who see these crews working in their
communities can rest assured that these workers are not a threat to safety.
Inmates participating in SWAP must meet a list of criteria. Participants:
- must be non-violent offenders
- may not have outstanding warrants with other jurisdictions
- may not have criminal sexual conduct convictions
- may not have any history of escape or walk away attempts
- will be removed from SWAP if their conduct is unsatisfactory or inappropriate
SWAP benefits the community by offering a low-cost labor to local governments and non-profit organizations.
SWAP crews of five to eight inmates are supervised
by corrections deputies. The SWAP crew is sent to complete various tasks for
cities and townships including:
- Lawn care and basic landscaping
- Public restroom maintenance
- Litter and trash pick-up
- Snow removal
- Heavy lifting for community events and festivals
In return for their work on the SWAP crews, inmates receive discounted rates for room and board and may receive reduced sentences. SWAP also gives inmates a sense of purpose while keeping them active.
 Deputy Anderson and Deputy Brouwer donate a "ride-to-school" day to
several area schools, who auction them off for fundraisers.
Pictured are Neal and Ben Jacobsen on
the morning they had their Ottawa County Sheriff's Office ride to Lamont Christian School.
Once at school, the officers give the riders stickers, tattoos and pencils and other Ottawa County Sheriff trinkets to hand out to their friends and classmates.
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Citizen Police Academy
 The Citizen Police Academy is a 12-session program offered annually, giving an inside look at law enforcement to 25 citizens.
Topics include:
- Road Patrol
- Correctional Facility
- 911 Central Dispatch
- Undercover Investigations & Narcotics
- Marine Patrol & Dive Team
- K9 Patrol
- E-Unit
- Crime Scene Investigation & Scientific Support
- Use of force Explanation & Demonstrations
- Firearms, Range & Simulator
- Special Ops
- Legal System
- Accident Investigations
- Community Policing
Congratulations to our 2017 graduates. Details on the 2018 course, including application information will be posted here when it is available, so check back often or subscribe to updates.
Members of
the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office took a moment to participate in the “Red
Nose Day” event at the Riley-US31 Walgreens in May. Red Nose Day is a
nationwide program to raise awareness and funds to help end child poverty.
Firework Safety & Laws
 In 2012 Michigan law allowed consumer grade fireworks to be sold and discharged. The law also allowed local jurisdictions to regulate the days and hours which these fireworks can be set off in their communities.
Please check with your cities and townships to see if there are any restrictions pertaining to the discharge of fireworks. The most common allowed dates are the day before, day of and day after the ten major federal holidays. The most common allowed hours are 8AM-1AM. Remember, local ordinances vary.
Follow your local law and use these tips to make your fireworks
safe and enjoyable.
- Do not use alcohol while using fireworks. Alcohol and fireworks DO NOT MIX!
- Only
responsible adults should handle and light fireworks.
- Light
fireworks outside and clear of any structures or vehicles.
- Have a water
source nearby if needed to extinguish any “dud” fireworks.
For more information visit fireworksafety.org.
Photo of Grand Haven fireworks © Ed Post.
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 Grand Haven Community Policing Deputies attended the annual "Cops & Cones" at Skoops Ice Cream in Grand Haven. Several families attended the event and had a great time with the deputies.
The Marine Unit of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office was equipped with a new patrol boat, replacing an
older unit that was taken out of service. This boat will be used in the
Spring Lake and Grand Haven areas.
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