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 as...
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