Kent County Sheriff's Office

KCSO is accepting applications for the 2024 Citizens Police Academy! This is your opportunity to engage with KCSO and learn more about corrections, law enforcement, our specialty units, and the Prosecutor's Office.

DATES: Wednesday nights from September 18, 2024 through November 13, 2024
TIME: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
WHERE: 701 Ball Ave NE

Please apply using this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/k2sv3ncsCD

Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County, thank you for highlighting Detective Tanis’ efforts. KCSO is grateful for our partnership with your center and ensuring victims and their families get the services they deserve.

Today we highlight this absolute legend, Detective Mike Tanis, of the Kent County Sheriff's Office. Known for his dedication to helping victims of crime, being a team player, and always being down for a good laugh, we are so grateful to have him as a part of our Multidisciplinary Team.

Mike, thank you for always believing the child and being such a strong advocate of the Center. This work couldn't be done without you, and we appreciate all you do!

KCSO sends our deepest condolences to Officer Mohamed Said’s family and the Melvindale Police Department.

Michigan has had three fallen officers in the past month; these heroic deaths of our fellow law enforcement officers are beyond tragic.

Missing Teen Found Safe | https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KENTCOMI/bulletins/3a9f4cd

Since first reporting Scott Weldon's disappearance on July 19th, 2023, KCSO detectives have continued to work on the case; however, they have not received any tips. Mr. Weldon has not been located nor has his family had any contact with him at this time. Last year, detectives received phone records showing Mr. Weldon in the area of US131 and 10 Mile at 8:36 AM on July 18th, 2023, and then US131 and 22 Mile area around 9:38 AM. Mr. Weldon was known to be suffering from depression and had mentioned to his family about "going up north". It is a theory that Mr. Weldon may have hitchhiked his way to northern Michigan. Mr. Weldon may also be remembered to use a walking stick or cane.

If anyone recognizes an individual matching this description in the Rockford, Sand Lake, or northern Michigan areas, please contact KCSO detectives at 616.632.6125. Our hope is to move this investigation forward and help get his family some answers. Thank you.

Original News Release: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KENTCOMI/bulletins/36729e0

Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young and Undersheriff Bryan Muir are excited to announce the promotion of Morgan Crosser from Clerk to a Crime Scene Specialist in KCSO's Crime Scene Unit.

Congratulations Morgan!

Rockford Residents Will See Increased Police Presence | https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KENTCOMI/bulletins/3a8551b
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UPDATE (7/12/2024 at 5:30 AM): There will be several KCSO deputies in the Rockford area conducting a search for anything related to the whereabouts of Penelope "Penny" Wise on July 13, 2024, starting at 8:00 AM. This is not a development of new information but a continuation of KCSO's thorough investigation.

Penelope voluntarily left her home in Cedar Springs on May 31, 2024 around 6:00 PM. Penny is 5 feet tall, weighs approximately 120 pounds, and has blonde hair and braces. She was last seen wearing a pink tank top and shorts.

KCSO is asking for the public's help in obtaining any new information or video related to Penny's whereabouts. Please call the KCSO Investigative Division at 616-632-6125 or upload any tips, pictures, or videos using this link: https://KentCountySO.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/missingpenelopewise.

Silent Observer just announced any tips that lead to Penelope Wise’s safe return or assist KCSO’s investigation will be eligible for a $3,000.00 reward.

KCSO is actively investigating this case.

KCSO has already responded to several water-related emergencies this summer. With the weekend approaching, we wanted to provide water safety tips from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance to hopefully eliminate additional water-related emergencies.

-Wear a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket when swimming or near the water.
-Never swim alone.
-Designate an adult to watch any children swimming or near water.
-Swim in the designated swimming areas at the beach.
-Know the weather and water conditions.

Please review the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's website to learn more: https://ndpa.org/10-open-water-safety-tips/

KCSO will participate in the Office of Highway Safety Planning's (OHSP) speed enforcement from July 10th through July 23rd, 2024. This effort aims to reduce the number of speed-related accidents. In 2022, OHSP reported that Michigan had 26,700 speed-related accidents, and 223 of those accidents resulted in fatalities.

It's important to drive the speed limit so everyone makes it to their destination safely.

KCSO was made aware of a phone scam in which someone identifies themselves as Sergeant Tim Erhardt with the Kent County Sheriff's Office and tells them they have felony warrants and must pay their bond to avoid arrest.

Please contact KCSO with any suspicious phone calls so we can potentially prevent others from falling victim to this scam.

The National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids has issued a Flood Watch for Kent County from 11PM Tuesday night until 8PM on Wednesday. Kent County Emergency Management suggests the following tips to keep you safe and prepared:

1. Stay Informed: Listen to weather updates and alerts.
2. Use Caution While Driving: Watch for ponding on the roadways or even areas of localized flooding. When in doubt, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
3. Secure Watercraft/Yard Items: Secure boats, kayaks, yard furniture, and other items near rivers and streams as water levels may change rapidly over the next few days.

Emergency Management is conducting their routine siren testing today at noon.

Penelope was last observed on camera walking by herself near the Corner Bar in the City of Rockford around midnight on Saturday, June 1, 2024. We have not had any additional sightings.

KCSO is asking for the public's help in obtaining any new information or video related to Penny's whereabouts. Please upload any tips, pictures, or videos using this link:
https://KentCountySO.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/missingpenelopewise.

Deputy Omar Dieppa recently received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Outstanding Officer Award for his commitment to impaired driving enforcement education. As a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) instructor, Deputy Dieppa has conducted countless training sessions throughout Michigan, educating thousands of law enforcement officers on identifying, evaluating, and documenting suspected drug impairment. Deputy Dieppa's reach extends to educating the next generation of law enforcement officers at the Grand Valley State University Police Academy. His dedication and passion for impaired driving enforcement have significantly impacted our community's safety. Congratulations, Deputy Dieppa!

The Score on Northland Drive hosted a First Responder Appreciation Dinner and raised $2,000.00 for the Kent County Community Action Fund.

This fund allows our Community Policing Unit to provide educational services and host community events. We truly appreciate their continued support!

KCSO extends our sincere condolences with the Hillsdale County Deputy’s family and the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office during this tragic time.

Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young and Undersheriff Bryan Muir celebrated two promotions today! Andy Hinds is being promoted from the Major Case Detective Sergeant to Patrol Lieutenant and Jason Wiersma is being promoted from Detective to Patrol Sergeant.

Congratulations to both of you!

KCSO would like to share the following safety tips related to the storm this morning.

-Treat any intersection without functioning traffic lights as a four-way stop. Allow yourself extra time to look at all directions of traffic to ensure others are following this rule.

-If you encounter a downed powerline, stay at least 25 feet away. Call 9-1-1 to report the downed power line so the fire department can assess the situation.

-If you have lost power and plan on using a generator, remember to operate it in an open and dry area. Do not keep it in your garage or next to open doors/windows because the generator produces carbon monoxide, which requires proper ventilation.

KCSO hosted its annual "Camp CP" last week. This day camp included students from Rockford, Sparta, Kenowa Hills, Kent City, Northview, and Comstock Park schools. They learned from our K-9 Unit, Dive Team, Marine Patrol, Crime Scene Unit, Traffic Unit, Mounted Unit, Animal Control Unit, and much more. They worked hard and ended the week at Craig's Cruisers!

KCSO would like to personally thank Sam's Club, B-n-T Tents Inc, Craig's Cruisers, and CPAM for sponsoring this event.

KCSO extends our thoughts and prayers to the deputy’s family and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office during this tragic time.