Community Policing Division

The mission of the Community Services unit is to provide a proactive approach to law enforcement. This is accomplished by working with community groups to mutually identify and resolve community problems. Community Service Officers are able to commit the necessary amount of time needed to alleviate the long-term problems that affect the community. This frees up the Sheriff Department Road Patrol by eliminating return calls for service.

The Community Services Officers educate the public on a multitude of topics. Neighborhood Watch, Child Watch, Recreational Safety, Personal Safety and D.A.R.E are a few of the many programs that are presented on a regular basis to groups of all ages. Communication and taking ownership is the key to building partnerships within the community.

The Community Services Unit is comprised of 4 Community Police Officers, 5 School Resource Officers, two Full time D.A.R.E. and one Full time Marine Officer who supervises our seasonal Marine Officers.

Four new School Resource Officer (SRO) positions were added to the Community Service Unit in 2003 at Forest Hills Central, Forest Hills Northern, Northview, and Kent City. These positions are partially funded by a four year Decreasing Federal Grant, with the School District picking up an increasing percentage of the cost per year for the first three years, and paying the total cost for the officer in the 4th year of the contract. According to the school administrators these (SROS) are an invaluable resource that have a positive impact, not only in the school but also in the community. The future expansion of the School Resource Officer program into other school districts is highly anticipated.

The Community Services Unit also coordinates volunteer programs such as “H.E.P.” Handicap Enforcement & Education Program, Front Receptionist/Greeter, and Trail Patrol. The Sheriff’s Department volunteer trail patrol is a three year old program that evolved from fifteen volunteers to sixty-eight volunteers in 2003. The trail volunteer’s patrol the White Pine, South Kent, and the East trail system, providing assistance to the trail users, they also report any problems that need immediate attention. Because of their dedicated efforts and several hundred hours of patrol, there were no incidents of crimes against people! Our trail patrol program is now a model for other Departments throughout the State.

We are also proud to have received the “Outstanding Unit Award” at the 2003 (CPAM) Crime Prevention Association of Michigan Conference.

Sergeant Steve Dabkowski (steve.dabkowski@kentcountymi.gov)
Community Services Unit Supervisor
(616) 632-6220

Sandi Jones (sandi.jones@kentcountymi.gov)
Administrative Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator
(616) 632-6220