BRANCH COUNTY — As promised, the Branch County Sheriff’s Department began 24-hour road patrol coverage Tuesday, a year later than county commissioners wanted.
“This is a significant step forward for the safety of our community. By reinstating 24-hour patrol coverage, we are ensuring that every resident of Branch County has the protection and peace of mind they deserve, no matter the time of day or night,” Sheriff Fred Blankenship said.
In early 2023, retired Sheriff John Pollack began a campaign after township residents complained about nighttime thefts, prowling, and a lack of officers after dark, especially in rural areas.
In August 2023, the five commissioners agreed unanimously to budget six new sheriff road patrol deputies in 2024 to return to 24-hour patrols.
Resignations and transfers to other departments, along with a statewide shortage of certified officers, have prevented the department from meeting that goal until now.
With recent recruit graduates, Blankenship made good on his campaign promise to bring back the 24-hour patrol as soon as manpower allowed.
Pollack said six new deputies would be the minimum needed to replace 11 laid off in 2013 with budget cuts forced by the 2008-09 recession to bring back 24-hour deputy patrols.
The increased patrol comes at a time when many law enforcement agencies are looking for certified officers.
Michigan State Police District Commander Toby Baker said in February that 40 troopers are needed to properly man the District 5-4 Post, which is headquartered in Marshall and serves Branch, Calhoun, and St. Joseph counties.
There are only 25 troopers for the three counties at present. MSP focused on night coverage in Branch County, with no deputies on duty from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Prior story Sheriff Pollack expands deputy patrol hours, expects 24-hour service in January
Baker said his post planned to shift more officers to daytime patrol with the expanded Branch County coverage. He hopes for more troopers as the state continues hiring with new recruit schools.
Blankenship expressed gratitude for the continued support of the citizens of Branch County and the collaborative partnership with the Michigan State Police.
“This collaboration has made it possible to increase the level of protection we can offer, and we are proud to be able to respond to the needs of our community in this way,” he said.
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The county hoped that full-time officers would help reduce overtime costs for road patrol.
Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Sheriff makes good on 24-hour road patrol promise
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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