OAKLAND COUNTY SHERIFF

Four-year term

REPUBLICAN

MICHAEL J. BOUCHARD

Michael J. Bouchard has been Oakland County Sheriff since he was appointed in January 1999, as successor to John F. Nichols who passed away suddenly. Bouchard has just completed his sixth elected term in the office. He is a past president of Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) and is currently the Vice President -Government Affairs for this organization. Bouchard graduated with high honors from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Police Administration. He is also a graduate of the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection Program and the FBI National Executive Institute Program. He is proud that two of his three children serve as reserve deputies.

Training facilities

Collaboration between law enforcement agencies enhances the ability to tackle complex and significant crime issues, such as the international crime ring targeting Oakland County. By pooling resources, intelligence, and expertise, agencies can respond more effectively and efficiently, leading to better outcomes for public safety. Additionally, collaboration allows for the sharing of specialized skills and equipment that individual departments might not possess. This collective approach strengthens the overall capacity to address crime across jurisdictions. We now have joint police department teams under the sheriff’s office for narcotics enforcement, violent crime, auto theft, SWAT and more. An updated training facility is crucial to ensuring that officers are prepared to handle the challenges of modern policing. A state-of-the-art facility provides for advanced tactical, technological and interagency training. The facility would be a hub for joint training exercises, fostering better communication and coordination among the various law enforcement agencies. This enhances the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in the field and makes better outcomes more likely. Investing in a training facility can prevent greater costs in the future by reducing crime, improving public safety, and reducing liability for not training appropriately. Ensuring law enforcement is well-prepared and well-equipped to handle any situation is not just a fiscal responsibility but a moral one as well.

Recruitment issues

The role of a police officer is incredibly demanding and requires a high level of integrity, skill and judgment. Lowering requirements to increase the hiring pool is a terrible idea for the community, the profession and increases the probability of bad outcomes. The best way to get better outcomes is better hiring and better training. It’s crucial to maintain high standards to ensure that only those truly qualified to serve and protect are brought into the force. While recruitment challenges are real, it's more important to focus on the quality of candidates than simply increasing the number of applicants. We need individuals with a giving heart dedicated to upholding the values of justice, fairness, and community service. We need to invest in training that goes beyond the basics, including de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, and mental health awareness. Providing officers with the tools they need to succeed in today’s complex environment is essential. Building and maintaining strong relationships with the communities we serve is very important. This involves outreach and genuine engagement and partnership with community leaders and residents to foster mutual understanding and respect. Finally, addressing the mental and physical health of officers is another area of great importance. Law enforcement is a demanding job, and providing robust wellness and peer-to-peer programs help officers manage stress, avoid burnout, and improve retention.

Recent officer deaths

The tragic death of Deputy Bradley Reckling as well as Deputy William Butler and Officer Mohamed Said has deeply impacted the morale of our department and the law enforcement profession. Deputy Reckling was more than a colleague – he was a husband, a father, a friend, and a part of our law enforcement family. Such losses create a profound emotional toll on every member of the department. It is critical we provide immediate and ongoing support to our officers. This includes access to grief counseling, peer support programs, and opportunities for officers to take time to process their emotions.

Mental health wellness is critical, not only for the well-being of our officers but for the safety of the public they serve. Officers who are mentally and emotionally supported are better equipped to handle the pressures of the job, make sound decisions in high-stress situations, and interact with the community in a positive and constructive manner. The increasing rate of suicides among law enforcement officers is a crisis we cannot ignore. The stresses of the job, combined with the trauma of losing a fellow officer, can have devastating effects on mental health. Allocating more resources toward mental health wellness for all is a necessity.

Use of drones and military equipment

The use of drones has become an essential part of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office’s strategy for maintaining public safety and protecting our officers. In high-tension and high-profile situations, this technology allows us to gather crucial real-time information while minimizing risks to both the public and our personnel. Drones provide a significant situational awareness. They offer a bird’s-eye view of complex scenes, allowing us to observe unfolding events, assess threats, and make informed decisions with greater accuracy. Whether it's a search-and-rescue operation, a standoff, or protecting large public events, having this technology helps ensures the ability respond more effectively and efficiently. While the use of drones is crucial for operations, we understand the importance of transparency and accountability. The Sheriff's Office has been open about how and when we use this technology, ensuring that it is employed responsibly and with respect for the rights of our citizens. As an example, we have a dashboard that shows actual flight paths the drones take during DFR operations. Incorporating technology into our operations allows us to act with greater precision and effectiveness. For example, drones can quickly cover large areas during search operations, saving time, resources, and lives. They also are deployed in situations where sending in officers blind would be dangerous, reducing the potential for injury or loss of life.

Role of the sheriff's office

The role of the sheriff's office has seen significant changes and new challenges. We are one of the largest police agencies in America with almost 1,500 people. We are not only focused on traditional law enforcement duties but also play a critical role in addressing complex issues such as mental health crises, cybersecurity threats, counterterrorism and more. The public rightfully demands accountability from law enforcement, and we have worked hard to build and maintain trust through open communication, community policing initiatives, and ensuring that our actions reflect the values of the communities we serve. We have actively evolved to meet these changing demands. We’ve invested in advanced training for our deputies, ensuring they are prepared to handle a wide range of situations, from active shooter incidents to de-escalating mental health crises. We’ve also adopted technologies such as body-worn cameras and advanced data analysis tools, to enhance both transparency and effectiveness. We have strengthened our collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies, local governments, and community organizations. By working together, we can better address issues like the opioid epidemic, human trafficking, and organized crime. Addressing mental health issues within our community and within our own ranks is another significant challenge. We must continue to expand our mental health training for officers and work closely with mental health professionals to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the care they need.

DEMOCRAT

Democrat Amrit Kohli did not return his candidate questionnaire or bio.