WCSO December 2024 Police Services monthly report
by Marsha Chartrand
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office was out in full force at last Thursday night’s City Council meeting.
Lt. Alan Hunt, Sgt. Joel Gebauer, and Sgt. Gary Lowe (Police Services Commander), were in attendance to make a short presentation on the future of community policing in Manchester and other districts they serve. New Sheriff Alyshia Dyer had planned to attend as well, but had to leave part way through the day due to a sudden illness.
The Police Services Report was also presented. During the month of December, there were 76 calls for service, including traffic stops and medical assists. During this time, 12 traffic stops were made resulting in two citations. Gebauer made reference to the low number of traffic stops and citations, noting that staffing was low in December with vacations, illnesses, etc. Lowe said that the Sheriff is committed to traffic enforcement in the communities they serve,
Noteworthy events in the city of Manchester include:
On Dec, 25, Deputies responded to the 500 block of E Duncan St. sor a report of a suicidal subject. The subject was suffering from a mental health crisis and tried to persuade Deputies into killing him by “suicide by cop.” Deputies were able to deescalate the subject and get them to a hospital for psychiatric assistance. Community Mental Health worked in partnership with the WCSO on this case.
On Dec, 29, Deputies and Michigan State Police Troopers responded to the 500 block of Furnace St. for a suicidal subject. Prior to their arrival, the subject left the area but drove to Saline City Police Department and fired multiple rounds from a handgun to try and persuade an officer into killing him by “suicide by cop.” Multiple Deputies, along with Officers and Troopers from multiple jurisdictions, were able to take the subject into custody without further incident.
Hunt emphasized that in neither incident was there a threat to public safety in Manchester. He also noted that the department is working diligently on recruiting and training new staff to back-fill the recent shortages. “We were 60 deputies down at one point, and things are now starting to improve.” he reported. “We have made a massive commitment to not only recruitment but retention.”
Lowe added that it is a priority for him, in his new position, to fulfill the contractual obligations they have made to Manchester, including filling vacancies, taking pride in their professionalism and training, and that they are also seeking to promote Deputies from within the department as well as outside recruitment.
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