Police Services

• Community Policing & Patrol
• Criminal Investigations Section
• Marine Safety Section
• Special Threat Response
• K-9 Team
• Police Reserve Unit

Community Policing & Patrol

Of all the units of the Sheriff's Office, Road Patrol is the one most often seen by county residents. Road Patrol is charged with the responsibility for the protection of life and property, the prevention of crime, and the promotion of public peace.  Road Patrol Deputies conduct field investigations, including traffic accidents, and criminal investigation, arrests persons charged with a crime or violation, and render assistance to disabled motorists, and to the sick or injured.

Criminal Investigations Section

Deputies assigned to Criminal Investigations or Detective Bureau (DB) are trained in the gathering and collating of crime related information, interview of crime suspects and witnesses to crimes, and the physical investigation and processing of crime scenes for the purpose of detecting, collecting and preserving various forms of physical evidence.  Additionally, one Sergeant is responsible for authorizing and arranging the polygraph interviews.

Two deputies are assigned to narcotics investigations and work with the Michigan State Police Criminal Investigation Division. One deputy is assigned to the Major Task Force Unit and works with the Michigan State Police Criminal Investigations Division.

Marine Safety Section

The Boating / Marine Safety Section is supervised by Deputy Keith DeZwaan.  It is staffed by part-time Boating  / Marine Safety Officers from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pursuant to Michigan Public Act 303, the Marine Safety Act of 1967, the County Sheriff has jurisdiction on waters in the county. This section performs certain functions to insure the safe operation of watercraft on county waterways.  Marine Safety personnel inspect and license boat liveries, conduct classes in boating safety, enforce safe boating laws on county waterways and function as support personnel to the Water Rescue and Recovery Team. Read more on the Marine Safety Section

Special Threats Response

The STRU (Special Threats Response) is made up of deputies who have been specially trained in the use of special weapons and tactics (SWAT) and deputies and mental health specialists specially trained to negotiate during crisis situations (Crisis Negotiation Team - CNT). Utilization of STRU may include anti-sniper tactics, anti-terrorist tactics, barricaded subjects, apprehension of armed and/or dangerous persons, execution of search warrants in hazardous situation, crisis situations and hostage rescue operations, dignitary protection, and any other situation which would require the expertise of a well-trained team.

K-9 Team

The Canine Team is comprised of two deputies and specially trained dogs (K-9s).   Sergeant Steve Armstrong and Carlo, and Deputy Gerrod Visel and his dog make up these teams.  The K-9's assist with searching buildings for hidden suspects, tracking/apprehending suspects that flee from scenes, searching for lost or missing persons, evidence searches, narcotic and explosives detection.  Local Departments commonly request the Sheriff's K-9 teams for assistance. For more information about K-9 service, please visit United States Police Canine Association (USPCA).

Police Reserve Unit

The Washtenaw County Sheriff Reserves Deputy Unit consists of approximately 20 highly trained volunteers that are used to supplement the department's personnel resources in all divisions.  The unit can be utilized in emergency circumstances as well as during normal operational activities when additional personnel are necessary to augment the department's response to an event. 

If you are interested in joining the Reserve unit or would like further information, please contact Dep. Keith DeZwaan or call (734) 973-4713.  Inquiring individuals will need to meet essential requirements.  Current minimum requirments are 21 years of age, have applied for a CCW at the time of oral board, a clear criminal history and a good driving record. Applications can be picked up at the Sheriff's Office, 2001 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor. The application is reviewed and an interview is set up with the Reserve Executive Board.  Once accepted, the applicant must attend a 15 week Reserve Police Academy.