The Michigan State Police reported over 21,000 people were caught defrauding major retailers in 2014, counting for 8.3% of all criminal arrests in Michigan alone. This has led to retailers boosting prices to make up for the theft. From the beginning of the holiday busy season in October through the start of the new year in January, retail stores see their greatest sales volume of the year, but this particular quarter also accounts for half of all retail shrinkage.
There’s a common misconception among those who “lift” that the big retailers can afford the loss of a candy bar or a pack of smokes since it doesn’t really add up to a hill of beans when compared to the cash flow in the day-to-day business of retailers. However, all the fraud and theft adds up to $44 billion in what the retailers call “shrinkage”.
In Kent county alone, of 629,000 residents, 2,359 arrests were made for ‘the ol’ five finger discount’ or retail fraud, comprising 16% of all criminal arrests in the county.
According to Data Mine, women comprise 53% of shoplifting and fraud arrests, with white women comprising a third of those total arrests. However, you are three times more likely to be arrested for suspicion of shoplifting as a black woman. Likewise, black men are 3.5 times more likely to be arrested.
In addition to the gender disparity, two-thirds of shoplifting involved items priced under $200. This is classified as third-degree shoplifting, with second degree involving items priced between $200 and $1000, and first-degree consisting of items above $1000. Meanwhile, only 91% of the arrests for shoplifting concerned actual theft, while 5% dealt with fraudulent exchanges and 4% with misrepresented, switching price tags for higher priced items.
Those arrested for shoplifting ranged in age from 9 to 92 years old, with four different 9-year-olds, one 90-year old woman, and one 92-year old white man arrested for such offenses. And of all the metropolitan areas and counties in the Mitten, Cadillac has the highest rate of theft and fraud per thousand residents.
West Michigan is known as a great place to raise kids, but every year an average of 2,000 young people run away from home. When you’re a homeless child, streets in West Michigan towns are as dirty and dangerous as any in a big city. As the weather gets colder, somewhere around 200 kids will be looking for food and a warm place to sleep every night. Chances are, wherever they land, safety may be a last consideration.
Fortunately, the non-profit organization Arbor Circle provides counseling and support for up to 21 days for young people ages 10 to 20 years old at the only emergency shelter in the community. Jenell Hill, Arbor Circle Community Engagement Coordinator says, “Many people don’t believe it.” So to spotlight these issues in honor of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Arbor Circle, located at 1115 Ball Ave NE in Grand Rapids, will host the Green Light Project in November:
The Green Light Project, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 – 5:30pm–8pm
Young people who have experienced living as a runaway and homeless who found shelter either at The Bridge or other service programs will host facility tours and share their stories. “Sometimes it’s not only therapeutic for young people but they are also a voice for their peers,” adds Hill. “Maybe other young people won’t have the same struggles.”
Without Arbor Circle, homeless, runaway, and street youth often become victims of abuse and neglect, sexual assault or trafficking, and get involved in substance abuse. They also tend to suffer from both physical and mental health issues, failure in school, and trouble with the law. These are the stories that Hill says are often overlooked when people think about the good life in West Michigan.
Hill stresses that all minor youth tour guides participate with permission of their parents, and those under 18 lead tours accompanied by Arbor Circle staff members. Hill says that budget cuts in Washington, D.C. have affected Arbor Circle resources. “We used to have a 15 seat bus to transport kids, but that broke down and we haven’t been able to replace it,” notes Hill. “We also rely on volunteers to help us cook meals.” Donations and volunteers are always welcome.
For more information on services for homeless or runaway children, contact Arbor Circle / The Bridge.
The American system of justice has at least two basic tenets: a person is innocent until proven guilty, and if found guilty, the punishment should fit the crime. But far too often, even after a person has served time and earned release from prison, the punishment can go on and on.
Recently, the Michigan legislature recognized that people with a prison record are less likely to return to jail if they can get work and reintegrate with society. Eric Givihan, 42, knows only too well the burden an ex-con carries when looking for work. “It’s not just the job,” he says. “Most apartments or housing won’t let you rent. That was hard on my daughter.”
New Michigan law creates a process to grant a “certificate of employability” to some one who leaves prison with a good record of behavior and completion of training or course work. Legislators hope the new law will encourage businesses to give a second chance to those truly reformed by their sentences, a move that could reduce recidivism and save tax dollars.
Givihan was driving when he was arrested in 2000. Police found a pound of marijuana in his car along with an unregistered gun. Four years later, he emerged from Marquette Branch Prison with actual letters of recommendation written by the correction officers there. Unfortunately, that was 11 years before the state’s new legislation. The letters meant nothing in the face of companies with policies that simply do not permit hiring of anyone with a prison record.
A big man, Givihan ended up cage-fighting to support his daughter, who eventually begged him to quit the ring.
Givihan started his own security business a year ago and sells scrap metal to tide him over between jobs. His daughter is now poised to graduate from high school.
“I have to continue to try to make it,” he says. “We took “can’t” out of our vocabulary.”
Now married with a blended family of seven children, Givihan says when times are tough, his family is the only thing that keeps him from making a wrong choice, adding, “They keep me grounded.”
Editors Note: Ex-Felon was changed to Ex-Con in the story. Our previous phrasing gave the impression that all ex-cons were also felons. That is not true. We apologize for any misunderstanding.
The new chip protected credit cards are coming! As of the first of this month, stores were required to have a new credit card reader installed to complete this new and improved credit card system. With this new technology, you can expect improved security and reduced chances of identity theft. That’s because the new chip, or “EMV” cards, make it harder for thieves to counterfeit your card or steal the number for charging up fraudulent purchases.
There are just a couple hitches in the plan – namely most people haven’t received their new chip cards, and it’s certain most stores won’t have the new and improved chip card reader installed any time soon. Even if they did, banks will not require you to use a special pin number every time you use the card, which is the ultimate step to crime fighting credit card fraud. So what’s the big deal?
According to City of Wyoming Police Officer Lt. James Maguffee, the change is slow in coming, but can make a difference when it gets here. Especially in fraud cases he’s been involved with recently like credit card numbers being skimmed from gas pumps in the west Michigan area. “The new chip cards make it harder to get the card number, so skimmers or a server at a restaurant won’t be able to see it.” The chip card will protect the data that is currently easily readable on the magnetic strip, so accounts held by big box stores like Target and Walmart likely will be safer. Walmart already accepts chip-enabled cards at all of its locations thanks to chip card readers installed as of November of last year. But chip embedded credit card are still rare.
In the meantime, even if the store has no chip reader you will still be able to swipe your chip card, when it eventually arrives. But this also means you are still vulnerable to credit card theft. “The new credit card chip will have very little impact on consumers,” says Lt. Maguffee, “because without a pin number requirement, someone can still smash your window and steal your purse. They can still get the card number and use it at a store, even online.”
And by the time you actually have to use a pin number to activate the chip card, Maguffee predicts there will likely be even more sophisticated protections involving biotech systems currently being explored. This reminds us that identity and credit card theft prevention is something we should all be aware of while we wait for the future to arrive. The Wyoming Police make the following suggestions to help keep you from becoming a victim:
Check your accounts as often as you can, looking for unauthorized activity; daily if possible, and report any such activity to your bank immediately.
•Do not write passwords or PINs anywhere on or near your credit or debit cards.
•Protect your passwords and pins by using caution when entering or using them in a public place.
•Do not carry your social security card or number on your person. Memorize it and secure it at home.
•Never leave purses, wallets, ID, credit cards, etc. in your unoccupied vehicle.
•Never give out personal information over the phone to any source you are not absolutely certain is legitimate.
Lt. Maguffee says since the recent big bust of gas pump credit card skimmers in west Michigan, the number of fraud cases may have “dipped just a bit.” So good old fashioned crime fighting doesn’t hurt either.
Schools should be gun-free zones, just like daycare centers, athletic stadiums, bars, casinos, churches and college dormitories. With the exception of armed law enforcement officers, schools should be able to prohibit anyone — students, staff, parents and all others — from carrying a gun on the premises.
If you go to the Michigan State Police website, schools are listed as “pistol free” areas. Unfortunately, a glitch in state law regarding pistol-free areas prohibits gun owners from openly carrying guns in schools unless they have a concealed carry permit. Then they cannot carry a concealed weapon, but they can carry it openly.
Yes, you read that right. Open carry is prohibited in schools. So is concealed carry. But if you have a concealed carry license, you can carry openly. The obvious answer is to just close the loophole so schools — the very first entity listed on the list of pistol free areas — are truly gun-free zones, right?
Wrong. After Columbine, after Sandy Hook, after so many horrible school shootings that there are just too many to remember — if you don’t believe that, check out this list of school shootings — Sen. Mike Green (R-Mayville) believes the best way to close the loophole is to allow anyone with a concealed carry permit to bring their weapons into schools.
SB442 would allow those with a concealed carry permit to bring their guns to parent-teacher conferences, board meetings, daddy-daughter dances, basketball games, any activity in a school.
This is the point in the column where I’m required to cite the data on suicides, homicides and accidental deaths related to the prevalence of guns in our society. There is no shortage of data. I’d encourage readers to visit the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence web page to review the staggering evidence the exaggerated extension of our right to bear arms to virtually every venue is deadly, destructive and costly.
But this is also where the Second Amendment advocates make the claim that an armed society is a polite society. That the presence of guns would have prevented many of the murders, murder-suicides and outright massacres cited in the Wikipedia list of school shootings cited earlier.
Data tortured will confess to anything.
Here’s what I ask of you. If you believe schools should be “pistol-free zones,” as originally intended in state law, and the only people who should carry guns in schools are sworn law enforcement officers, please contact your legislator and your school board member to make your opinion known.
To borrow a famous phrase from the past, I suspect you’re part of the silent majority. There’s no shortage of Second Amendment advocates willing to test their right to carry weapons, but those who believe otherwise would rather avoid the fight. We live in a state where hunting is part of our lore, where the first day of firearm deer season is virtually a state holiday. Suggesting we should limit the right to own and bear arms is almost sacrilegious.
I’m not saying gun owners shouldn’t have the right to own guns, to protect themselves, their families and to use them for recreational purposes. I’m just saying they don’t belong in schools. I suspect most of you agree.
Please contact your legislator to let him or her know how you feel. If you’re from Michigan, click here.
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
It’s time to honor our local law enforcement officers and firefighters!
Join Steve’s Antique Auto Repair and other local businesses on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, for their Second Annual Police & Fire Appreciation Day from 12-3 pm at 1803 Farragut SW, Wyoming, Mich. Area restaurants like Main Street Pub, Tommy Brann’s, and others are providing food and refreshments. Expect a most excellent cake from Marge’s Donut Den.
Lately, the media has focused on the acts of a few bad cops. That gives people a skewed perception and often incites violence against law enforcement officers. Steve’s Antique Auto Repair wants to help change that perception.
“The police are always here for us, and we never take the time to give a big thank-you to them,” says Harriet Sturim, PR Manager of Steve’s Antique Auto Repair.
Husband, Rick, and son, Steve own the business, which repairs cars 1972 and older—before the advent of computers and catalytic converters, back when you could put an ear toward the engine and figure out the problem.
“The police are very involved in our community,” says Sturim. “They come to business meetings and keep us informed about crime in the area or bad checks circulating. They patrol our businesses at night and leave a business card letting us know that all was well at 2:00 a.m. We need the police, and we support them.”
Expect to see some cool cruisers, crime scene vans, EMT rescue ambulances, and big fire trucks. The public is welcome to join in the festivities, but no unescorted kids are allowed. “Parents must keep an eye on their small children at all times,” says Sturim. “This is an active garage, with machinery, tools, and cars.”
Update: Vandalism 44th and Walma Area, City of Kentwood Over the past several days, the Kentwood Police Department has been investigating several vandalism/malicious destruction of property (MDOP) complaints near the 44th and Walma area.
On Thursday 3/26/15, Investigators were able to pursue several leads which lead to the possible identification of the perpetrators.
Thursday night, investigators conducted two search warrants and several interviews. They have identified two suspects and have recovered the weapons involved in the vandalism/MDOP. The weapons involved were CO2 propelled BB Guns that were fashioned to resemble semi-automatic handguns. Our investigation is continuing.
The suspects have not been charged at this time and therefore, cannot be identified. Both suspects are under the age of 18 and reside in the Kent County area. No arrests have been made at this time.
Investigators will meet with the Kent County Prosecutors Office in the near future to discuss charges stemming from these incidents.
by Cindy Stevens, the City of Kentwood Police Department
The Kentwood Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in locating the suspect in an armed robbery. The robbery occurred this morning at 10:49 AM at the West Michigan Jewelry Exchange, 4364 S. Division Ave. The suspect is described as an African American male, light skinned, 20–25 years old with a slim build. The suspect displayed a handgun during the robbery and fled on foot from the business. An undisclosed amount of money was obtained. If anyone should have any information regarding this case, please contact Silent Observer (616) 774-2345 or the Kentwood Police Department at (616) 698-6580.
2014 Civilian of the Year Terra Wesseldyk was honored for her work in the Forensic Support Unit.
by The City of Wyoming
In a ceremony held last Thursday at the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Jason Caster was named Officer of the Year, while Brian Ilbrink was recognized as Firefighter of the Year and Terra Wesseldyk was honored as Civilian of the Year. Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen received the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence. The awards were presented by Public Safety Director James Carmody during the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.
Jason Caster is Wyoming Public Safety Officer of the Year for his work within the community.
Caster has been with the department for 17 years, serving as a patrol officer, detective and community policing officer. He has played a key role in helping to develop several community and business groups within the City of Wyoming.
“Jason fosters and maintains quality working relationships with the various units within this department,” Carmody said. “He is an example of what a law enforcement officer in the 21st Century should look like and is someone we can all be proud to represent us as our Officer of the Year.
In addition to his duties at the Department of Public Safety, Caster is head coach of the Hudsonville High School hockey team.
“If you spend any time talking to him about this, you will see that he is passionate – not only about hockey but also about mentoring the teenage players entrusted to him. He emphasizes integrity and character in every aspect of his life,” Carmody said.
Carmody opened the ceremony by thanking all of the department’s officers, firefighters and civilian employees for their hard work over the past year.
“Our crime rates continue to remain well below the national averages, our arrests and conviction rates are among the highest in the state for agencies of similar size, and individual employee innovation and determination have allowed the Wyoming Department of Public Safety to continue to provide the highest quality of customer service to the residents whom we serve.”
Brian Ilbrink, Wyoming Public Safety Firefighter of the Year has been with the department 26 years.
Ilbrink, an equipment operator, has served on the department for 26 years. In 2014, he took over management of the fire apparatus fleet and in less than one year streamlined the program and optimized the fleet’s capabilities for the fire services’ daily operations.
“Brian’s knowledge of the fleet’s availability and service schedule has greatly assisted the command staff. He has shown his professionalism, dedication and desire to make the apparatus of the City’s fire services the best it can be,” Carmody said.
Wesseldyk, a forensic supervisor, has been with the department for two years. In selecting her as 2015 Civilian of the Year, a peer panel noted that Wesseldyk’s work has transformed the department’s Forensic Support Unit into an even better and more relevant nearly full-service forensics lab.
“She has brought the unit to higher levels of capabilities and professionalism in the area of latent print recovery and identification, and has led the unit in the procurement and implementation of our own drug testing an analysis laboratory,” the peer panel wrote. “Our forensic capabilities are something to be envied by agencies in our region, and she plays a huge role in that effort.”
Zuiderveen, an 18-year veteran of the department, is commander of the Tactical Arrest and Confrontation Team, or TACT. He was recognized for establishing the core concepts behind the department’s Employee Wellness Program, which was implemented last year. In October, 27 police officers attended and completed the department’s inaugural Officer Wellness physical fitness self-assessment.
“Lieutenant Zuiderveen has defined his legacy to this department by creating an environment that will provide tremendous personal benefits for those officers who serve today as well as for those officers yet to come,” Carmody said. “No other effort could have been more meaningful than that of providing the environment for a healthier, happier and more spiritually grounded work force that will last for decades.”
Other employees were recognized during the ceremony, including:
• Brian Kamstra, who was promoted to fire lieutenant
• Tim Pols, who was promoted to police lieutenant
• Mark Easterly, who was promoted to police lieutenant
• Rob Becker, who was sworn in as a police officer
For more information, call the City of Wyoming at 530-7272 or visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov. Follow the City on Twitter @WyomingCityHall and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofWyoming.
West Michigan honors the contributions of African Americans to the rich tapestry of our nation’s history. Organizations including local universities, social clubs, and institutions such as public libraries will feature special displays, exhibits, and events dedicated to recognizing the unique stories and achievements of Black Americans.
GVSU Office of Multicultural Affairs Events
GVSU will host several events to honor Black History Month. For dates and locations, click on the link for details.
Taste of Soul Sunday at Grand Rapids Public Library
Join the GRPL as they celebrate African American history and
Imani Singers of Grand Rapids
culture at the tenth annual FREE Taste of Soul Sunday. Parking is always free on Sunday in the library lot. The parking ramp at GRCC (north of our building) and metered spots on the street are free on Sunday as well.
Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, 655 Seward, Grand Rapids, MI, (4th Tuesday of every Month). FREE and open to the community with free parking in the lot and on the side streets. Build relationships, your knowledge of racial equity, and learn about advocacy to create ideas for action, recruit the help of others, and implement work that can help eliminate racialized outcomes in our community. Email Colin Smith with questions.
Saturday, February 28 –5:00 – 11:00 pm
Celebration of Soul
For 14 years, the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Symphony with Soul concert has moved diverse audiences with jazz, opera, gospel and R&B. On February 28th, Vanessa Williams will perform her greatest pop hits alongside the Grand Rapids Symphony orchestra. The Grand Rapids Symphony is proud to collaborate with the Community Inclusion Group to bring the NAACP Image Award-winner and Grammy-nominated artist to DeVos Performance Hall.
The concert is part of the evening’s Celebration of Soul gala, which is celebrating its 10th year. DeVos Place, Steelcase Ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Teens from Saugatuck High School present an in-depth look at the question of teen homelessness as experienced by young people in the foster care system at the “Intriguing Conversation” series on Thursday, February 12. The program at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI) begins at 7:00 p.m.; free admission. For more information click on the link
The issue of teen homelessness is quite complex. According to Bethany Christian Services, a big challenge is children who turn 18 in the Michigan foster care system. About 30% of the youth that age out of the foster care system end up homeless within 2 years.
Currently, there are 292 children in the state of Michigan between the ages of 8 – 17 in foster care awaiting adoption. Without a permanent home, they are turned out of the system with no home, no job, no pathway to education and no support systems.
Last week 27 people from the Kent County area bundled up on one of the coldest nights of the year to check under bridges, overpasses, and parks. They were looking for their fellow citizens, people technically classified as “homeless.” Jim Talen, coordinator for Kent County’s 2015 Point in Time Count of homeless residents, says total numbers of homeless in Kent County are expected to range somewhere between 650 to 800. “Last year we counted a little over 790 and we expect to be close to that this year,” says Talen. Numbers are not broken out by community.
Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Wyoming, says that communities in Kent County work together to care for the homeless, so services are centralized. “We want everyone to know that calling 2-1-1 is the way to access services for people who fear they will become homeless or those who already are.” The City of Wyoming publishes a pamphlet on homeless issues available at this link: Community_Outreach_Trifold.pdf
Investigations into January 29 shootings will continue as Wyoming Public Safety and the Michigan State Police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The suspect in the shooting of Wyoming Public Safety Officer Frank Hartuniewicz remains hospitalized at this time in critical condition. He has yet to be charged or arraigned in the shootings, so his name is not being confirmed or released.
A 15-year-veteran officer, Hartuniewicz was resting comfortably at home on Friday, recovering from wounds he received during Thursday’s shooting. He and his family will not be doing interviews but have released the following statement:
As a family, we appreciate the many thoughts, prayers and kind words we have received over the past 24 hours. This has been an extremely challenging time, and we are so grateful for the tremendous support of our community. We also want to recognize the many officers and departments who immediately came to the aid of Wyoming Public Safety yesterday. It has been my honor to have served as an officer for the City of Wyoming for the past 15 years, and I look forward to returning to duty when I am able. We appreciate the media’s sensitivity at this time and ask they continue to respect our privacy.
Wyoming Public Safety Director Jim Carmody praised the work of Hartuniewicz, Wyoming Public Safety officers and other departments and agencies who responded to the shootings. He also echoed thanks posted to Facebook for the outpouring of community support that his team has received.
The 17-year-old Wyoming High School girl seriously injured when struck by a Chevrolet Impala is recovering and even tries to joke a bit, says Principal Nate Robrahn, who visited her recently. “She comes from an incredible family, she’s a strong young lady,” he added. The student’s name will not be released.
Robrahn noted that when he visited the hospital, the WHS student was sitting up in a wheel chair despite suffering several broken bones. “But,” says Robrahn, “I don’t expect her back at school right away.” Arrangements will be made with her family to ensure she doesn’t fall too far behind in her school work during her recovery. Efforts to support her, like the principal’s visit, are just part of Wyoming High School’s commitment to each student’s success, or as Robrahn puts it, “She’s part of the Wolf family!”
We’re hearing lots of good news about the improving economy in the U.S. and Michigan. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean much to the lives of hundreds of children in Kent County who are wards of the court system, removed from their homes largely due to abuse and neglect.
Given the number of children in need and cutbacks in government services the county is turning to volunteers. If you are willing to help a child throughout the traumatic process of separation from family and the journey through the court system, you are called to serve.
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program of Kent County is a non-profit organization that trains volunteer advocates to provide consistent oversight for children who are wards of the court.
Volunteer training begins Feb. 9 for those willing to support a child by giving time and caring. Click on the link below for a volunteer application form. For more information call 616-632-5311.
No headline can capture the impact of becoming a mentor to a child. On Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Wyoming Library (3350 Michael Ave. SW) mentors with One Wyoming 1 on 1 will share their experiences in a new mentor training session.
However, many adults have two big questions about mentoring: The first is the fear that we don’t have enough time. The second involves questions like “What will we talk about?” or “I don’t know enough to help with homework,” or “What if the child has problems I can’t deal with?”
You are invited to learn that every one of your questions has an answer, plus the time requirements are minimal – you won’t believe what you can accomplish in 15 minutes! Adults take for granted the benefits the child enjoys – special attention, help with classwork, getting out of class when you visit! I promise your life will be immeasurably enriched by the very special moments you share with the children fate chooses us to mentor.
I know the questions, the concerns and the rewards because for the past four years, I’ve been a mentor to Amber. When we met, she was 11 years old, a 6th grader who was struggling academically and socially. Her future was charting toward failure; everyone in her life was concerned.
As a former teacher, I didn’t have too many fears about interacting with a child I had never met before. On the other hand, I had never taught in middle school. I had absolutely no clue about today’s social pressures beyond hazy memories of my own checkered journey through popularity, puberty, and academic performance. I assumed the negatives would be more intense today and I worried I wouldn’t be up to meeting Amber’s needs.
Ultimately, Amber’s needs were very simple – to be encouraged, listened to, and to be there when I said I would; someone she could count on. This is not to say that nobody else met those needs for Amber. We just talked about what she wanted to talk about: what made her mad, who wanted to fight her, teachers she didn’t like, course work she hated. Every once in a while, I would ask her a question: “Do you want every day of your life to be like this?” And she would pause…..
And in that moment of hesitation, the world changes for the child. Then you listen some more. That’s my take on mentoring. I’m sure there are many other versions of the same journey the child takes to becoming a young adult: The escape from anger and frustration to seeing the world filled with choices, each that has fairly predictable consequences.
Today Amber is fifteen, a freshman in high school who has overcome enormous challenge. She faces more ahead, but we are both confident of her future success – college, a career, and a life of smart choices.
Neither of us can imagine life without each other now, which is a huge bonus I never expected. Not everyone will form life-long attachments with the children we mentor. Most relationships involve short visits at the child’s school. But as I followed Amber through 6th grade, I knew I wanted to stick with her, to support the gains she was making. Plus, she’s a terrific kid! Gutsy, smart, with a great sense of humor.
By the time Amber left 8th grade, here is an excerpt of a letter she wrote to the teachers at her school. “All of you have taught me things through my 2 years of coming here that I will never forget. I will carry on everything that you taught me, because it wasn’t just school work, it was about life and how to take what comes at you.” Eventually Amber and I journeyed to the day when she asked me, “So what do you want the rest of your life to be about?” I invite you to consider what you want your life to be about. For me, mentoring has supplied an important part of the answer.
You will meet many mentors with wonderful stories at the One Wyoming 1 on 1 mentor training session. Invite a friend. Refreshments will be served! Please RSVP to info@onewyoming1on1.org
The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) will be hosting two high school Youth Police Academies this summer. The academy is open to high school Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors in the Kent County area who may be interested in a future career in law enforcement. This 40 hour program is designed to give students a taste of what being a police officer is all about.
Students who are accepted will receive hands-on instruction from officers representing many of the different units within the Grand Rapids Police Department. This training will take place at the GRPD and surrounding facilities. There is virtually no cost to students who attend as uniforms and lunches will be provided.
This is a great opportunity for any student who wants to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of our police officers.
Who can participate?
· Any current HS Sophomore, Junior, or Senior who attends any high school within Kent and Ottawa County.
· Minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good standing at their school.
· Most possess good moral character
· Must have an acceptable legal history
· Must be in good physical condition and pass a physical conducted by a licensed physician
Requirements for Applicants:
· Student ID
· Current Resume
· Letter of Recommendation from School Counselor
· Proof of Physical within the current calendar year
· Autobiography
· Birth Certificate
· Submit application, pass oral interview, pass background screen, and attend mandatory orientation in May.
Application Deadline is April 10, 2015 – applications must be picked up and returned at the GRPD HQ, 01 Monroe Center NW,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
2015 Academy sessions: June 22-26 or July 20-24
Contact Officer Connie Moore, 616-456-3304, with any questions.
Tis the season to shop. But sometimes the holiday season can also be known as the shoplifting season. And shoplifting effects everyone! WKTV’s Local News Now had the opportunity to talk to Deputy Chief Donald Tuuri of the Kentwood Police Dept. about a brand new program this year focusing on decreasing the number of retail thefts during this holiday season.
The program is called P.R.I.C.E. (Preventing Retail theft through Initiative, Collaboration & Enforcement). They will be focusing on retail thefts that occur along the 28th Street corridor in the City of Kentwood and will be taking a zero tolerance on retail crimes.
The project started this week, and will continue through Sunday, January 4, 2015. Officers have contacted each retail establishment along the 28th Street corridor to educate our retail community on theft crimes and ways to reduce crime this holiday season.
Extra patrols will be assigned every day along the 28th Street corridor. These patrols will focus on patrolling 28th Street, retail parking lots along 28th Street, and walking through retail businesses located along 28th Street. In addition, they will be assigning Volunteers in Police Service patrols to this area every day to enforce parking laws, including handicap parking violations, fire hydrant violations, and fire lane violations.
The goal in initiating this program is to reduce crime, increase traffic safety and increase service to our community. They intend to help create a positive and safe shopping experience for persons who live in and visit our city this holiday season.
Former and current members of the K-9 Unit. (left to right: Sergeant Jeff Bylsma, Kresten Green, Bob Robinson, and Eric Toonstra)
Imagine a job where your work partner was around all day, every day. Punching out after a shift just meant you had to drive them home, to your house, to eat your food!
Now, imagine that partner with four legs, a beautiful fur coat, and a sense of smell 10,000 times better than yours. Welcome to the Wyoming Police K-9 Unit, a position that understands the importance of a dog being a man’s best friend.
What is the K-9 Unit?
The Wyoming K-9 Unit is a division within the Wyoming Police Department where officers are paired with dogs for a 10 year stint. The dogs do everything with the police officers they’re partnered with. They train together, work together, and come home under the same roof.
They are not only partners on the job, but they’re family on and off the clock.
How does an officer get involved with the K-9 Unit? Is prior dog handling experience necessary?
No prior dog handling experience is needed to handle the dog. However, that doesn’t mean anyone off the street can apply to be a member of the unit. The K-9 Unit is hired from within the Wyoming Police Department. If you’re not already a member of the police force, you won’ be considered.
Even though it’s a big commitment to work with a dog 24 hours a day, the positions aren’t difficult to fill when they open up. There are officers always willing to be dog handlers. It’s a unique experience and lifelong friendships are created with the dogs.
You keep saying ‘dogs’, what kind of dogs are we talking about here?
Bob Robinson and his dog of 10 years Arras.
German Shepards are the dogs of choice within the K-9 Unit. As a dog, the German Shepard has the best package of skills necessary to be an exceptional police dog. They’re smart, agile, personable, and have a keen sense of smell good for tracking scents and sniffing out narcotics. German Shepards can also be trained to bite if they have to!
Bombs and narcotics!? That seems like a lot for one dog to handle. How do you know whether the dog has sniffed out a drug or a bomb?
The dogs are either trained for one or the other, never both. If a dog is trained to sniff out both, than the officer has no idea what to expect! Because of that reason, dogs are specialized on what to look for. Some dogs are brought in for bomb detection while others are brought in for drug identification.
Is that all these dogs are used for, drugs and bombs?
No, the dogs are used whenever their superior sense of smell and tracking abilities are needed. The dogs respond to burglaries, search for the elderly that are wandering about, kids that are lost, and situations where suicidal people are out in the woods and need help.
Which season works best for tracking and which season is the most difficult?
It’s easiest for the dogs to track in the summer and most difficult in the winter. However, the winter snow usually leaves footprints behind, and that makes things more manageable!
Where does the Police Department get these highly specialized dogs?
Eric Toonstra and his Dutch Shepard named ‘Dutch’
There is a facility down in Indiana the Wyoming Police Department likes to use to find their new dogs. It’s close in proximity and gives the department the flexibility to choose between 30 different dogs. Some of the dogs are even imported from Europe.
Hold on a quick second, they import dogs from Europe? Why would they need to do that? What’s wrong with dogs bred here in America?
It’s not that there’s anything ‘wrong’ with American bred dogs, it’s more the way in which dogs are bred in Europe as opposed to in America. In America, dogs are bred for beauty and purity. A negative side effect of breeding dogs for purity are health problems earlier in life. If a dog has bad hips after two years on the job, they aren’t a very effective or reasonable choice as a police dog.
European dogs are bred differently, they’re stronger because they’re bred for sport. It’s more important for the dog to be healthy and athletic than it is for the dog to look ‘pure’. If they’re going to be a member of the police force, the dogs need to be reliable for an extended period of time. These dogs are expensive, and even though they’re great pets and friends, they have a job to.
Kreston Green and his dog Azar
Speaking of cost, how much are these dogs and how are they paid for?
The dogs are expensive, the newest addition to the team, a full German Shepard from Slovakia named Azar, cost $6,300. The department puts on a 5K the first week in October to help raise funds and awareness for the K-9 Unit. The 5K this year raised enough money to buy Azar.
That’s one expensive puppy! What do they feed the dogs to keep them work ready?
Meals consist of high energy foods. High protein and high carbs are a must! The most important rule, NO PEOPLE FOOD! If a dog is used on a house raid, and there’s food out in the open, it becomes a problem if the dog’s first instinct is to go to the food. It not only makes the job more difficult for everyone involved, but it could be detrimental to the dogs health if they eat something they’re not supposed to.
Something I still haven’t quite figured out, how do the dogs ride to work with their officer? Do they just hangout in the back seat of the cruiser?
The backseat of the K-9 Cruiser
Well, kind of! Although, the cruisers are specially built to accommodate the dogs. There is a special place for them where they can lay down with food and water readily available. The cruisers designed for the K-9 unit are used specifically for the purpose of accommodating the dogs.
How would you describe the dog’s relationship with their handlers?
It’s a very positive relationship in both directions. The dogs get excited when they alert about a find because they are consistently given positive reinforcement. The dogs all have a favorite chew toy or ball that they are given to play with when they do complete their job. They live to please their handlers.
The officers see their dogs not only as partners, but as family. The job is different everyday and it’s impossible to get bored.
The dogs all have their own personalities and quirks. They have good days and bad days, but at the end of the day, they’re a team!
What happens to the dogs after their service is completed?
After the dogs and their handler completes their 10 years of service together, the officer gets the reward of taking the retired dog home, to live life as a pet and a member of the family.
WKTV would like to thank the K-9 Unit for spending time with us!
Submitted by Gregory Ginebaugh, Deputy Chief, Kentwood Fire Department
With more than $69.3 million in disaster recovery assistance approved for Michigan homeowners and renters, fake building contractors are angling to get their hands on some of it, state and federal officials warned.
Scam artists and other criminals often prey on survivors who have received money to repair their storm-damaged homes. Authorities in Michigan have already received isolated reports of people doing just that.
“In times of crisis, Michiganders pull together and help each other when it’s needed most,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Unfortunately, there are some people who will try to take advantage of disaster survivors. We strongly recommend that individuals take a few simple steps to make sure they’re dealing with an honest person.”
Homeowners and renters may be anxious to repair their homes as quickly as possible, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges them to first check the credentials of anyone offering to do repairs.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) offers valuable resources to help determine whether a contractor is a legitimate professional:
For residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors, an online license search is available at www.michigan.gov/licenselookup or by calling the LARA’s Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing Bureau at (517) 373-8376.
Electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are licensed by LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes and must have a license that corresponds to the work to be done. Mechanical contractors must also have the proper license classification. To verify license information, go to www.michigan.gov/bcclicense or call (517) 241-9313.
“In every disaster, there are always a few individuals who want to profit from the recovery effort,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “Asking just a few questions can save people from a lot of heartache.”
It is important to note that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse contractors to repair homes. FEMA housing inspectors do not determine eligibility for assistance.
When hiring a contractor:
Ask the individual to show you his or her “pocket card,” which will contain the license number.
Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
Get a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials, and read the fine print.
Select only contractors that carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.
The most common post-disaster fraud practices involve not only fraudulent building contractors, but phony housing inspectors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.
Those who suspect fraud may call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement or through the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 877-765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/ag.
Have you ever been downtown Grand Rapids and had the feeling of traveling back in time? Or maybe you felt like a Mountie took a wrong turn and ended up here in Michigan instead of in Canada, eh? Turns out, it’s still 2014 and you’re still in Grand Rapids. You just happened to come across the Kent County Mounted Police Unit, and they’re not as old as you might think.
In 2003, the first section of Millennium Park along the Grand River opened up to the public. The natural trails, lakes, and streams inside the park made vehicular law enforcement difficult, and in some cases, impossible.
The Kent Country Traffic Squad had a tough assignment on their hands. How would they navigate the park without vehicles? The answer to that question required going back to the future, back to the days when horseback was the quickest way around. It required a mounted unit and a large fundraising effort of $1.5 million!
Flash forward nine years later and the Mounted Unit has a beautiful new home in Rockford. Over 30 acres of land east of Rockford High School was donated for the cause. On that land sits a state-of-the-art $725,000 barn where the horses live and train.
The Stalls in the Main Barn
The entire complex features 15 acres for the horses to roam, a 150 by 300 foot outdoor training area, 11 stalls, along with an 80 by 200 foot indoor training area in the main barn and another barn on the property with five more stalls.
Currently, the barn houses eight horses with the goal of bringing in two more at some point.
The Mounted Division isn’t just used for navigating parks, but is an extremely effective method of crowd control. “One mounted officer is worth 12 to 14 on the ground,” according to Traffic Squad Captain Donley De Groot.
All of the horses are gelding Quarter Horses with a height of at least 16 hands (a hand is equal to four inches). Training can take up to six-months with the goal to be “bulletproof”, with no possible “spooks”.
Horses Scout and Dewey with Captain De Groot
Officers aren’t chosen to ride the horses, but instead volunteer for the Mounted Unit, and that officer must be a member of the Traffic Squad. Training can take up to a year before the Officer is ready to ride in a live situation.
While the horses are a great way to keep a keen eye and manage large crowds such as New Years Eve and ArtPrize, they are downtown for more than just big events.
The horses are also special with regards to citizen engagement with the police, “You never have anyone come up asking to pet a cruiser,” said De Groot.
Fun, Safety, Entertainment and lots of community support. It’s all part of National Night Out.
National Night Out, a yearlong community building campaign, is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
The 2014 NNO was one of the largest ever, involving approximately 37.8 million people in more than 16,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.
WKTV Community Media had the opportunity to spend a great amount of time at the SE Event behind Peppino’s Restaurant. It was a night filled with fun, food, safety tips and lots of people. Representatives from local law enforcement, businesses, fire fighters, and entertainers were all on hand. The pictures tell the story well and showcase that strong community spirit of the event. (Photos by Colleen Pierson)
WKTV’s Citizen Journalism team recently had the opportunity to interview Wyoming’s Chief of Police James E. Carmody and Capt. Kimberly Koster about what’s new with the Wyoming Public Safety department. This interview took place before the recently reported double murder/suicide.
They have revamped and improved their medical and firefighting team. With the addition of three additional firefighters, and the rescheduling of their hours–the response time has been cut drastically.
“We are now able to have more firefighters during the day,” Carmody explained.
They have also done extensive fire training with paid, on call firefighters and public works employees to provide better service to the community.
Chief Carmody was appreciative of being able to purchase a quick response vehicle through the generosity of the City Council. “This is the first mini pumper–utility truck,” he explained. It is a safe, innovative vehicle which allows them to fight fires more effectively and quickly.
On the police side, Vice Crimes are being solved through high tech methods. Crime, Sex trafficking cases, illegal gambling, drug enforcement, and animal fighting are just a few examples of cases continually being monitored extensively with technology.
Koster and Carmody explained how they use analytics to constantly focus on high traffic areas.
“The correlation is high– traffic areas and high crime go together,” he explained.
Both Koster and Carmody are proud of the employees at the Dept. of Public Safety and the results they are gaining for the community. In lieu of the recent tornado, they have been on the streets working diligently to help Wyoming residents in any way possible.
Burglars and vandals prefer committing crimes when the risk of being caught is low. Add a home security and family safety review to your family’s annual spring/summer house-keeping routine to ensure your home and property are uninviting to lawbreakers. While you are traveling this summer on vacation, there are steps you can take to protect your home and property while you’re away.
Use these questions to determine steps you can take to improve the security of your home:
Are all entrances to your home well lit at night?
Do trees, shrubs or structures obscure your doors and windows?
Could unlit or hidden areas around your home provide concealment for an intruder?
Are cars, vehicles or other personal property left outside or unprotected in poorly lit areas?
Are basement, ground-floor or second-floor windows or exterior doors or outbuildings left open or unlocked?
Does the appearance of your residence give the impression no one is home?
Are vehicles left outside?
The Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol provides free home checks to Wyoming residents who travel or go on vacation. Contact 530-7308 for more information or to schedule a home check.
The Michigan State Police reported over 21,000 people were caught defrauding major retailers in 2014, counting for 8.3% of all criminal arrests in Michigan alone. This has led to retailers boosting prices to make up for the theft. From the beginning of the holiday busy season in October through the start of the new year in January, retail stores see their greatest sales volume of the year, but this particular quarter also accounts for half of all retail shrinkage.
In addition to the gender disparity, two-thirds of shoplifting involved items priced under $200. This is classified as third-degree shoplifting, with second degree involving items priced between $200 and $1000, and first-degree consisting of items above $1000. Meanwhile, only 91% of the arrests for shoplifting concerned actual theft, while 5% dealt with fraudulent exchanges and 4% with misrepresented, switching price tags for higher priced items.
