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 [...]
In addition to our law enforcement mission, this agency prioritizes youth and senior initiatives. Sheriff Washington, along with our dedicated Community Engagement Team are across the county daily supporting multiple events. One close to our heart is Detroit Senior Friendship Day. Held at The Aretha, along the waterfront, it is an all-day free event. Our SWAG was so popular it blew out the door. More than 1000 water bottles, specialty ID holders and other goodies. We loved seeing you all today.
For more than 40 years Metro Detroit Youth Day has been a summer touchstone. Our agency has consistently supported the event financially, as well as with our personnel. We believe youth programs are critical for Wayne County and we’re always proud to be a sponsor and a supporter. Congratulations to Ed Deeb and his entire staff who have poured their love into this event for decades.
The Sheriff and the Marine Unit did a whole day of education for boaters ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. Thanks to CBS Detroit, WDIV, and WJBK for helping us spread the word. The Marine Deputies hate having to ticket boaters. That said, there has been an uptick in boats and personal watercraft like Jet Skis violating wake ordinances. Sheriff Washington and Sgt. Michael Roehrig explained violating those laws creates a real safety issue. In addition, it’s important to remember if you’re on a personal watercraft you must wear a lifejacket. When you’re on a boat you must have an adequate number of lifejackets, and they must be readily accessible. Fox 2’s Charlie Langton and the Sheriff went for a ride on the Detroit River (yes, they let Charlie blow the horn). Have a wonderful summer on the water.
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.
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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
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.
