The WCSO runs the largest jail in the state. The reality is many of the people in our custody aren’t going to prison but back to their communities. We want to send them back in a position to succeed. Key to that is basic identification. So many of those housed here don’t have identification. It’s virtually impossible to get housing or a job without an ID. This is why we’re partnering with the Michigan Department of State. The MDOS will be sending its mobile unit to the Wayne County Jail. Inmates that qualify for state IDs or driver’s licenses will be able to get them before they are released. The Sheriff is adamant that he wants to return people in better shape than when they came in. We welcome this collaboration with the MDOS and are hopeful it cuts down on recidivism
It’s hard to say goodbye to your partner. Hogan, or Hoagie as he’s affectionately called, just turned 20. He’s been a Wayne County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit member since 2008. Hogan is the leader of the herd and is ridden by Sgt. Lacey Polderdyke. She’ll tell you he’s patient with children, loves Rice Krispies treats, and never misses an opportunity to play in Newburgh Lake. WXYZ-TV captured the bond between the two, and we appreciate their care in telling Hogan’s story.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE STORY FROM WXYZ DETROIT
It was such a special night. Our latest Academy class of 40 took the oath and received their badges in a beautiful ceremony on the steps of the CJC. Members of Wayne County Executive Warren Evans’ team were on hand to congratulate the graduates. When Sheriff Washington took to the podium, he immediately asked the new deputies, who were all sitting at attention, to relax. He wanted them to really listen as he spoke directly to them. “You are in control of your career here, and it is a career, not just a job,” Washington said. He wanted them to absorb that the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has multiple career paths, and it is up to them to choose their destiny. The joy and love from the graduates’ friends and family was overflowing. So many happy tears and smiles as we all adjourned to the lobby of the new building for pictures and a lovely [...]
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has multiple specialty teams. Our Marine/Dive Team is on call to assist throughout Wayne County and agencies in neighboring counties if they find themselves in need. Our people constantly train, and this winter is no different. Ice Diving requires special certification that new team members needed. So, after taking a chainsaw to the ice on the Detroit River, in they went. One of our deputies geared himself up with a Go-Pro camera and the result is this short film. Enjoy.
42E0DB9E-8092-4EF4-A7A9-70811E988B46″ type=”video/mp4″>
Your browser does not support the video tag.
It was an absolute mess. A 54-inch water main ruptured in Southwest Detroit on February 17th. Icy water engulfed a neighborhood near Beard and Rowan streets. The enormity of the problem became clear as the water levels started rise, engulfing cars and flooding basements. At times, the streets were awash in waist high water. Sheriff Washington activated the Wayne County Marine Unit. Divers, the command post, and boats were sent to help evacuate 200 people. Our people were out there for hours to assist. The Marine Unit is one of the specialty teams here at WCSO that is on call to assist across the county or neighboring agencies in Oakland and Macomb if there is an emergency. WXYZ-TV interviewed Sgt Michael Roehrig about the evacuations. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/detroit/first-responders-rescue-more-than-200-from-southwest-detroit-water-main-break-flooding__;!!KpYDppBGsltJ9Kw!2RS7RKCKfbQvlb5vyS14rNmpI1RE0lFX-59JqbRHCeJvVmd6FHouzP9vIgNr9ygHvSaxNvVj6KgoDhnKF9Bmx2AP7KVt$
The rise of AI means we’re all on the cusp of a new digital world. Already, AI is all over social media platforms and it is becoming harder and harder to recognize real from AI generated photos and content. Some things parents need to be aware of:
- The lack of parental filters and settings in AI can make social media safety harder to navigate. Continue to work with your teen to stay safe.
- Drive home that not everything you see on social media is reality or accurate.
- Privacy is just as important with AI. Review how to clear browser history, cookies and block any suspicious users.
https://www.wxyz.com/news/news-literacy-project/news-literacy-project-how-to-identify-misinformation-amid-the-rise-of-ai-content
Heads Up from the WCSO Director of Tech
How to Spot Credit Card Skimmers and Scammers
WCSO Director of Technology Stephen Yatooma has compiled a comprehensive tip sheet with what you need to know to avoid being victimized by the credit card fraud that’s in the Metro Detroit area right now.
Skimmers- It Takes seconds to install a skimmer
- Devices store the data that can be downloaded or transferred Wireless using Bluetooth
- The Device Collects Cardholder Name, Expiration Date, and Cars Number.
- Make unauthorized purchases online or over the phone
- Sell the data to other scammers for a profit
- Use it for identity theft
- Create counterfeit cards
Credit card skimmers are designed to look like they’re part of the POS system they’re attached to. Some skimmers fit over the original card reader in the machine [...]
Credit card scammers have been making the rounds across Metro Detroit. Our digital forensics guru Sgt. Britton Foreman filled WXYZ-TV in on steps you can take to protect yourself.
1. Always use tap to pay
2. Using something like Apple Pay provides another layer of data encryption
3. Help your older family members stop the habit of swiping or inserting their credit cards
Often times these skimmers are hard to detect, especially if you’re in a rush. It’s why these scammers tend to put skimmers in high traffic areas like gas stations.
It is the law in Michigan when you see emergency vehicles on the side of the road to slow down and move over if possible. This year the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the National Sheriffs’ Association to launch a yearlong social media campaign in Wayne County to remind drivers to move over. You will see the #MoveOverDriveSafe hashtag throughout the year on a variety of platforms. Our media partners at WDIV-TV profiled the start of the effort which now includes 11 other law enforcement agencies including MSP. WDIV-TV did a great job getting the message out and why this issue is personal for Sheriff Washington.
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/12/24/campaign-aims-to-get-michigan-drivers-to-move-over-for-emergency-vehicles/
Each year our volunteers and sponsors outdo themselves in order to bring Christmas to needy children. This year the WCSO was able to gift 200 children a Christmas and give their parents Meijer gift cards for much needed groceries. This is a major undertaking from this office and is always the entire WCSO’s favorite day of the year. This would not be possible without our many sponsors. A special thank you to Meijer, Huntington Bancshares Fund, Barbat Co, LLC, Derek Dickow, Mr.& Mrs. Joe Lentine, Frank Torre, SLIFCO Electric, and Mark Savaya. Our Wayne County Sheriff Youth and Senior Foundation always plays a huge role in this. On behalf of all of us here at the WCSO, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
