Downstate sheriff wants volunteers to help solve crimes
OAKLAND COUNTY (AP) -- OAKLAND COUNTY'S SHERIFF IS RECRUITING RETIRED DETECTIVES AND VOLUNTEERS AT LEAST 55 YEARS OLD TO HELP SOLVE CASES AND PERFORM OTHER JOBS AS HE CUTS BUDGETS.
SHERIFF MIKE BOUCHARD WANTS TO MAKE THE RETIRED DETECTIVES SPECIAL DEPUTIES TO HELP WITH COLD CASES. BOUCHARD ALSO SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN SENIORS IN POLICING, IN WHICH THEY WOULD PERFORM ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES AND GREET THE PUBLIC.
BOUCHARD HAS CUT $3.5 MILLION FROM THIS YEAR'S BUDGET AND MUST CUT ANOTHER $10 MILLION FROM NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET BECAUSE OF DECLINING PROPERTY TAX REVENUES. A UNION OFFICIAL SAYS VOLUNTEERS WON'T TAKE WORK AWAY FROM DEPUTIES.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS IDEA - SHOULD LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN TRY THIS APPROACH?
Leave your comments below...
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
