To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Christopher R. Swanson, Sheriff
title
RE: Approval of a request by Genesee County's Sheriff’s Office for continued funding of two (2) investigators; THIS REQUEST IS A GENERAL FUND ASK FOR FYE 2026-2027 OF $521,400.00
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a request by Genesee County's Sheriff’s Office for continued funding of two (2) investigators who are a critical component to the fight against human trafficking, distribution of drugs and gun violence.
BACKGROUND:
With the help of federally funded grant dollars the Sheriff’s Office was able to establish and expand the impact of The GHOST (Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team) / Interdiction Unit. Genesee County Sheriff’s Office respectfully requests the continued funding of Lieutenant positions assigned to the GHOST / Interdiction Unit. These leadership roles are critical to sustaining the effectiveness, coordination, and success of one of our most impactful specialized units.
DISCUSSION:
Since 2018 The GHOST team has been committed to combating human trafficking and giving a voice to the voiceless. The complexity and severity of these crimes require experienced leadership capable of coordinating high-level investigations that often span multiple jurisdictions. The Lieutenants assigned to this unit provide: Strategic Oversight: Ensuring investigations are targeted, intelligence-led, and aligned with prosecutorial standards. Operational Coordination: Managing multi-agency collaborations with local, regional, and statewide partners. Risk Management: Overseeing undercover operations that require careful planning to protect officers and victims. Case Development: Guiding long-term investigations that lead to meaningful arrests and successful prosecutions. Without dedicated supervisory leadership, these operations would lose efficiency, coordination, and ultimately, effectiveness. The GHOST/Interdiction Team has proven to be a vital asset in protecting the residents of Genesee County. Through proactive enforcement and collaboration, the unit: Identifies and rescues victims of human trafficking Disrupts the flow of illegal narcotics into our communities Removes illegal firearms from circulation Targets repeat and high-level offenders Builds cases that lead to long-term incarceration of violent individuals These efforts not only address crime after it occurs but actively prevent future victimization. This unit works in close partnership with: Local police agencies across Genesee County and with State law enforcement partners. Their ability to operate across jurisdictions amplifies their effectiveness and ensures that Genesee County remains a strong partner in statewide public safety initiatives.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None - maintain current staffing numbers
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The requested budget amendment for the 2026-2027 FY would be $521,400.00
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This request conforms to the county Priorities by ensuring safer communities allowing our GHOST /Interdiction team to maintain its staffing levels and ensure there is no pause on any current investigations and/or operations.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Office of Genesee County Sheriff to authorize an amendment to the Sheriff’s General Fund budget for FY2027, said amendment being necessary to increase the budget in the amount of $521,400.00 to provide funding for two (2) Lieutenant positions overseeing the GHOST/Interdiction teams, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documentation being on file with the official records of the August 12, 2026 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board), and the Chief Financial Officer is directed to record the attached budget amendment.