Message From Sheriff Washington
Greetings, and thank you for logging on to SheriffConnect to gain insight into the various departments, programs and personnel of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Raphael Washington
Summer is in full swing and the Sheriff’s Office is busy assisting other jurisdictions in addressing issues that are seriously hampering quality of life in our neighborhoods. You may have seen in recent media stories that our S.C.O.U.T. team is hitting the local streets pretty regularly. S.C.O.U.T. stands for Sheriff’s Community Organized Urban Team. S.C.O.U.T. officers coordinate with community leaders, neighborhood watch groups and other concerned volunteers to tackle things like abandoned cars, boats and other motorized units. They may speak with individuals about crimes that are occurring frequently. And often, officers are aslo on the road conducting patrols to reduce traffic violations and other hazards like street racing.
I believe that community policing in our neighborhoods is vital to public safety. Officers cannot be everywhere at once so we rely on a mutually beneficial interaction with our residents and business owners to keep us informed of potential or ongoing problems. The problems we face in our community can be addressed effectively if we stand together. That is the epitome of S.C.O.U.T. Having an organized team allows us to coordinate on what we can change and collaborate on changes that will positively impact our future.
Finally, we are hiring! The WCSO has to fill some 200 positions asap and we encourage you to reach out to anyone you know who is in need of work, seeking to make a job change or just wants to make a positive impact on the community as a leader in law enforcement. Click on our Recruitment Page for details on the process and to download application materials. I promise you it will be the most rewarding assignment you’ve ever had!
BECOME A WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY
There is no higher calling than to work as a professional deputy with the mission of protecting the lives and property of everyday citizens. It takes a special individual to accept the challenge and responsibility of working as a sheriff’s deputy.
- Competitive Salaries
- Medical Coverage
- Vacation and Sick Time
- Retirement Package
- Promotional Opportunities
- Continued Job Training
- Dental and Optical Coverage
- Tuition Reimbursement
JAIL LOBBY KIOSK NOTICE
TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS, COVID-19, THE WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REQUIRES INMATE ACCOUNT DEPOSITS TO BE MADE BY WAYS OTHER THAN USING THE JAIL LOBBY KIOSK. DEPOSITS CAN BE MADE THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WCSO
WCSO Mourns Passing of Assistant Chief Reserve Operations Unit
Wayne County Sheriff Reserve Operations Assistant Chief Jim Edwards Sr. died in his sleep on September 16, 2021. Edwards served the department and the community for more than 21-years, was among the first members of the Reserve Division and was recently promoted to Assistant Chief, a new position for the operation. In addition to his role as Asst. Chief, Edwards was also a 25th District Court officer in Lincoln Park and a City of Riverview retiree. The law enforcement veteran touched many lives in a very positive and meaningful way–personally and through his involvement with the agency. Edwards is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren.
Investigation Underway in Fatal Shooting of Deputy
An investigation is underway into the fatal shooting of Officer Devante Jones, 23. The officer was gunned down in an east Detroit neighborhood in the early morning hours of September 20, 2021. Jones graduated from Jailers Training in 2019 and was assigned to Division 1. He leaves behind one child and a newborn due next month.
“We offer our condolences and prayers to the family who have lost their loved one in the most tragic way,” said Sheriff Raphael Washington. “This resonates with all of us on the job. We’re going to do all we can find out what happened.”
Downstate search and recovery team trains in Alpena waters
ALPENA — A team of downstate divers took advantage of Alpena’s shipwreck-rich waters last week to practice saving lives.
A search and recovery dive team from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office chose Alpena as the site of its annual deepwater training. The team explored shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and conducted drills near Rockport State Recreation Area, making use of the Sunrise Side’s deep water and underwater resources to hone its skills.
DELICIOUS LUNCHTIME SALUTE FOR WCS PERSONNEL
More than 500 men and women of the WCSO were recently treated during all three shifts to tasty lunches and accolades to show an abundance of appreciation for the essential personnel. The delicious lunches, provided by Sysco and the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry (WCJOM), were packed with delectable goodies and the guests of honor—officers, clerical staff and executives—could not have been more appreciative!
Daniel Pfannes Receives MACP Thomas A. Hendrickson Legislative Advocate-of-the-Year Award 2021
In 2016, the MACP Board of Directors established the Thomas A. Hendrickson Legislative Advocate-of-the-Year Award. This is awarded to an individual that works exceptionally hard on behalf of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police in the legislative process and whose efforts are substantially above and beyond those which would be expected by a typical MACP member.
In February of 2021, the MACP Board of Directors unanimously voted to name Daniel Pfannes the 2020 Thomas A. Hendrickson Legislative Advocate of the Year.
Remembering Fallen Heroes
Honoring all men and women of all branches of the military who dedicated their lives in service to their country. We honor you for your tremendous sacrifice and that of your families as you endeavored to ensure our freedom here in the U.S. and abroad. We pay homage to those who died in the line of duty giving their all to this country. This Memorial Day, and forever, we salute you–our heroes in uniform!
292 PEOPLE WERE KILLED, AND 31,233 INJURED, SINCE HANDS-FREE LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED IN MICHIGAN DURING 2016
TROY, Michigan — Jim Santilli, CEO of the Transportation Improvement Association (TIA), and two victims are encouraging the Michigan Legislature to make distracted driving a top priority and take action on Senate Bill 409. SB 409, which was introduced today by State Senator Ruth Johnson (R-Holly), would make Michigan a hands-free state. There are currently 26 hands-free states in the nation.
