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MUSKEGON
POLICE DEPARTMENT
2020 Annual Report
Our mission is to reduce the perception and incidence of crime and enhance the quality of life
for the citizens and guests of the City of Muskegon, through community partnerships and
professional police services, while holding ourselves to the highest degree of accountability
and ethical behavior.
2020 Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADMINISTRATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
Budget…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Personnel………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
New Employees/Promotions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
Law Enforcement Accreditation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Training………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8-9
Internal Affairs……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10
ROAD PATROL…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Calls for Service……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Part I and II Offenses…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12-13
Traffic Crash Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14
Traffic Enforcement Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15
SPECIAL SERVICES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
Neighborhood Policing Unit…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
Fishing Derby…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Winter Sports Days………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
Muskegon Public Safety Youth Academy……………………………………………………………………………………………….19
Crime Activity Team………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20
Honor Guard………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
INVESTIGATIONS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….21
West Michigan Enforcement Team………………………………………………………………………………………………………..22
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2020 Annual Report
Administration
The Muskegon Police Department is under the leadership of the Director
of Public Safety Jeffrey Lewis. The Director provides administrative
control, establishes and implements policy for fiscal and operational
control, and personnel management. The Department has the following
responsibilities:
Demonstrating compassion for all people and rendering services
with respect, dignity and courtesy.
Promoting a pro-active community policing philosophy by
encouraging and supporting citizen involvement.
Enhancing job satisfaction through community education, training, and technology.
Promoting job satisfaction and employee cohesiveness through open communication and
participating in decision making.
The Muskegon Police Department provides law enforcement and policing functions for a 26 square mile
area, including a variety of restaurants, retail stores, schools, industries, and residential neighborhoods.
The Department is committed to a community policing philosophy. In addition to Road Patrol Officers
and an Investigations Bureau, the Muskegon Police Department also has a Neighborhood Policing Unit
where Officers are assigned to each of the neighborhood association areas within the City of Muskegon.
They provide crime prevention training for residents and students and also participate in a number of
community events designed to increase positive interaction between the police and the community.
The Muskegon Police Department works with residents on quality of life issues and may bring in or refer
issues to other agencies as needed.
2020 proved to be a challenging year for law enforcement. COVID-19 greatly impacted the Department
and the citizens of the City of Muskegon. Throughout the pandemic, the Department continued to
provide services to the citizens, including many community programs. With COVID-19 modifications, the
Department was able to host or participate in events such as Winter Sports Days, 27 th Annual Public
Safety Fishing Derby, Muskegon Public Safety Youth Academy, National Night Out, Birthday Drive-By
Celebrations, and Health Care Worker Appreciation Days.
The Muskegon Police Department is looking forward to 2021 and continuing successful partnerships
with the neighborhood associations, area schools, Downtown Development Authority, Social Justice
Commission, local youth, citizens of the City of Muskegon, etc. Through community partnerships and
professional police services, the Muskegon Police Department strives to reduce the perception and
incidence of crime and enhance the quality of life for the citizens and guests of the City of Muskegon.
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2020 Annual Report
Budget Expenditures
The Muskegon Police Department purchased a Capital Budget item that increased public relations and
crime prevention.
Public Relations and Crime Prevention-The Muskegon Police Department purchased two Recon Ranger
Interceptor Electric-Assist Bikes to help Officers quietly patrol areas, including those not accessible by
cruisers, as well as quickly respond to criminal activity. The bikes will also assist with community events
and during festivals. Two additional bikes were acquired through grant funding in 2020.
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2020 Annual Report
Personnel
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2020 Annual Report
New Employees
The Muskegon Police Department hired ten full-time Officers, two part-time Officers, one full-time
Parking Enforcement Officer, one full-time Records Staff, and one Police Recruit in 2020. The Police
Recruit currently attends the Policy Academy at Ferris State University and is slated for graduation in
April of 2020. Four Officers retired and five Officers resigned from the Department in 2020. The
Muskegon Police Department currently employs seventy-one full-time Officers and five part-time
Officers.
Promotions
Scott Zonnebelt was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant of the Crime Activity Team and is the new
Accreditation Manager. Casey Bringedahl was promoted from Sergeant to Road Patrol Lieutenant.
Keith Stratton was promoted from Detective to Sergeant of the Investigations Bureau. Logan Anderson
was promoted from Detective to Sergeant of Road Patrol. Daniel Harwood was promoted from Officer
to Sergeant of Road Patrol.
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2020 Annual Report
Law Enforcement Accreditation
The Muskegon Police Department is in the process of seeking accreditation through the Michigan
Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP). Law enforcement accreditation is a self-initiated, voluntary
process and is based on standards which are reflective of best practices in law enforcement.
The Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) establishes the professional best
practice standards for departments, as well as ensures the agency is following those standards by
conducting a comprehensive on-site assessment. The Muskegon Police Department will be required to
produce proof to the MLEAC during the assessment to ensure that the standards and written directives
are being followed.
Accreditation is a commitment to excellence in law enforcement and is considered a significant
professional achievement. Through accreditation the Muskegon Police Department hopes to:
Increase public confidence, transparency, and accountability in the agency.
Strengthen understanding of agency policies and procedures by agency personnel.
Decrease susceptibility to litigation and civil court settlements.
Potentially reduce liability insurance costs.
Provide state and local recognition of professional competence.
Currently, out of the 588 police agencies in Michigan, 29 are accredited through MLEAC and 5 agencies
are being accredited in February of 2021, including the Muskegon Police Department. The Muskegon
Police Department will become the second accredited agency in Muskegon County. The Norton Shores
Police Department was the first MLEAC accredited agency in the county.
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2020 Annual Report
Training
The Muskegon Police Department is dedicated to demonstrating compassion for all people and
rendering services with respect, dignity, and courtesy. One of the ways the Department enhances
organizational excellence is through education and training. In 2020, Officers received a combined
2,335.5 hours of training. Training is delivered to Officers in several ways including in-service training
and through the West Michigan Criminal Justice Training Consortium (WMCJTC).
Core Training makes up the majority of disciplines that can get an officer hurt, criminally charged, or the
Officer or the city sued. These training disciplines include firearms, legal update, emergency vehicle
operation, physical controls/defensive tactics, and Officer safety. Because Core Training disciplines have
the most potential to cause harm if not applied appropriately, the Muskegon Police Department tries to
spend most of its training time within these disciplines. In 2020, Officers spent 1,096 hours training in
the Core disciplines. This was approximately 47% of the combined training hours.
Elective Training consists of those disciplines that make our Officers better, and more well-rounded as
Police Officers. These types of trainings can address an identified deficiency for a particular Officer or
trainings like Verbal Defense and Influence, Interview and Interrogation, or Photography of Crime
Scenes that make our Officers more effective at what they do. These trainings can also improve specific
skill sets required for a particular assignment or job. For our supervisors, Elective Training focused on
enhancing leadership, management, and supervisory skills. We also focused on completing Incident
Command System (ICS) training for our supervisors. Some of the courses attended by supervisors
included First Line Supervision, ICS 300, and ICS 400. In 2020, Officers spent 589 hours training in the
Elective discipline. This was approximately 25% of the combined training hours.
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2020 Annual Report
Specialized Training is only delivered to certain Officers. This type of training usually trains the Officer
to either train his/her peers in a certain topic or enhances the education of an Officer who specializes in
that discipline. Specialized training comprised approximately 9% of the combined training hours. Some
of the courses attended by Officers included Michigan Radar and Lidar Instructor, Field Training Officer,
and Forensic Interviewing of Children.
4-Minute Trainings is a mechanism used to deliver short electronic training blasts to all of our Officers
and occasionally to our non-sworn staff. Although it is called 4-Minute training, typical values are about
15 minutes per topic. They range from the latest Supreme Court or 6 th Circuit Court of Appeals
decisions, which affect how we do business, to training videos or refreshers of how to handle sensitive
topics such as open carrying of firearms. In 2020, eighteen 4-Minute Trainings were sent out, which
equaled 6 hours of training per officer or 19% of the combined training hours.
The total training hours for 2020 decreased by almost 1,200 hours from 2019. This was anticipated due
to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that cancelled almost six months of training. The Muskegon Police
Department is looking forward to 2021 training, which will include continuing to follow
recommendations from the President’s 21st Century Report. The Department will provide more training
in De-escalation, Verbal Defense and Influence, and Mental Health Critical Incident Training.
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2020 Annual Report
Internal Affairs
The Muskegon Police Department takes seriously all complaints regarding the service provided by the
Department and the conduct of its Officers. The Department will accept and address all complaints of
misconduct in accordance with this policy and applicable federal, state and local law and municipal and
county rules and the requirements of any collective bargaining agreements. It is also the policy of this
Department to ensure that the community can report misconduct without concern for reprisal or
retaliation.
In 2020, 6 formal internal affairs investigations were completed. All 6 complaints were received against
Officers from members of the public. An additional 28 complaints were made directly to Command
Officers. Of the 34 complaints made, 6 were sustained (17%), and 28 were either not-sustained or
exonerated (82%)
In 2020, Officers of the Muskegon Police Department had 60,361 contacts with citizens and guests of
the City of Muskegon. Officers wrote 24,084 police reports, arrested 3,229 subjects, and wrote 4,104
traffic citations. During the course of 2020, 34 complaints were received from members of the public
concerning members of the Muskegon Police Department. 3 of these complaints alleged bias on the
part of the Officer(s) involved. After investigation, none of these complaints were sustained. For the
year 2020, the Muskegon Police Department had a complaint percentage of 0.0006%.
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2020 Annual Report
Road Patrol
Road Patrol consists of one Captain, four Lieutenants, six Sergeants, and thirty Patrol Officers. Road
Patrol is responsible for providing for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies,
protecting people and property, promoting good community relations, patrolling assigned areas to
prevent crime, enforcing laws, ordinances, and traffic regulations, controlling crowds, and arresting
violators.
Calls for Service
In 2020, Officers of the Muskegon Police Department were either dispatched to, or self-initiated 60,361
calls for service and Officers conducted 6,827 traffic stops. During 2020, Officers wrote 24,084 police
reports, arrested 3,229 subjects, and wrote 4,104 traffic citations. Dispatched to, or self-initiated calls
for service decreased by 5% (63,605) and traffic stops conducted decreased by 18% (8,305) from 2019.
Calls for Service and Traffic Stop
Comparison
70,000 66,036 64,313
63,605
60,361
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
8,305 10,308 9,460
10,000 6,827
0
2020 2019 2018 2017
Disptached to, or self-initiated calls for service Traffic Stops
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2020 Annual Report
Part I Offenses
Part II Offenses
Totals for Part I and Part II
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2020 Annual Report
Yearly Part I Offenses
During 2020, the Muskegon Police Department experienced 1,422 Part I Offenses. This was a 28%
decrease from 2019 (1,981) and a 41% decrease from 2017 (2,407). Part I Offenses are at a 5 year low.
Part I Offenses Comparison
3,000
2,500
2,407
2,000 1,994 1,981 1,981
1,899
1,500
1,422
1,000
500
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Part I Offenses
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2020 Annual Report
Traffic Crash Summary
There was a total of 1,163 traffic crashes reported during 2020 in the City of Muskegon. Total number
of crashes decreased by 13% from 2019. Over the past five years, the City of Muskegon averaged 2.8
fatal crashes, 229 injury crashes, 1,045 property crashes and 1,277 total crashes.
Traffic Crash Comparison
1500
1400
1300
1200
1100
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Fatal 3 0 2 4 5
Injury 242 216 251 230 207
Property 1037 1038 1101 1099 951
Total 1282 1254 1354 1333 1163
Fatal Injury Property Total
The 2020 City of Muskegon fatal crashes included one bicycle crash, two motorcycle crashes, and two
vehicle crashes. 13 crashes involving bicycles and 21 crashes involving motorcycles occurred in 2020.
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2020 Annual Report
Traffic Enforcement Summary
The Muskegon Police Department issued a total of 4,104 traffic citations during 2020, which was a 28%
decrease from 2019 (5,684) and a 41% decrease from 2018 (6,902). The decrease in issued traffic
citations in 2020 is a result of COVID-19. During the pandemic, Officers have limited their proactive
traffic enforcement in an effort to help prevent exposure and spread of the virus. The Muskegon Police
Department did participate in the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning “Drive Sober or Get Pulled
Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns in 2020.
2018-2020 Common Violations
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2018 2019 2020
Driving While License Suspended Speeding
No Proof of Insurance Expired Plate
Disobey Traffic Signal
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2020 Annual Report
Special Services
Neighborhood Policing Unit
The Neighborhood Policing Unit (NPU) consists of seven Neighborhood Officers, one School Resource
Officer, and a Sergeant. Officers of the NPU are assigned specific areas within the City of Muskegon.
Officers work as a liaison between different groups and neighborhood associations, as well as other
divisions and personnel of the police department. They act as a resource for referrals to other law
enforcement and community agencies where appropriate. In addition to doing routine patrol in their
assigned areas, Officers continually evaluate the needs of the neighborhood(s) and initiate enforcement
or other action as needed to enhance the lifestyle of the residents.
Increasing positive interaction between the police and the community is a vital part of the NPU’s work
and the mission of the Muskegon Police Department. To achieve this, the NPU hosts events such as
National Night Out, Fishing Derby, Youth Police Academy, Blight Fight, Coffee with Cops, Winter Sports
Days, and Bicycle Safety Events. NPU Officers are also active in the Alcohol Liability Initiative, Muskegon
Area Medication Disposal Program, Shop with a Cop, and Offender Re-Entry Mock Job Interviews.
The COVID-19 Pandemic put a damper on many 2020 community events, but the NPU was still able to
hold some of the favorite ones with modifications. The NPU and the Muskegon Police Department looks
forward to getting back to a full schedule of regular events once the pandemic has passed.
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2020 Annual Report
Annual Public Safety Youth Fishing Derby
Youth ages 8-12 years old attended the 27th Annual Youth Fishing Derby at Fisherman’s Landing on June
25, 2020. The event was free of charge and each participant received a free fishing pole. Food and
beverages were provided and numerous youth were awarded door prizes donated by local businesses
and neighborhood associations. The Fishing Derby is designed to show our youth that there are positive
ways in which to spend their time and to provide positive interaction between the youth and their local
public safety officials.
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2020 Annual Report
Winter Sports Days
During the winter months, the NPU took 5 th graders from Muskegon Public Schools out to the Muskegon
Winter Sports Complex at the Muskegon State Park. Students had the opportunity to participate in
cross-country skiing, ice skating, luge, snowshoeing, sledding, and a hotdog roast. The event is designed
for students to positively interact with Officers out of uniform and for them to get to experience safe,
local, and fun activities. The event is held annually and is a favorite of the students and the NPU.
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2020 Annual Report
Muskegon Public Safety Youth Academy
The Muskegon Police Department launched a new free program called the Muskegon Public Safety
Youth Academy (MPSYA) for the summer of 2020. The event was held the week of August 10 and
targeted youth aged 12-15 that were interested in potentially becoming a police officer, firefighter or
those who would like to learn more about the criminal justice system and how to be more involved in
the community. Participants graduated the program with an understanding of community safety,
information on agency resources, hands-on police and fire safety experiences, leadership skills, and a
completion certificate. The Muskegon Police Department looks forward to continuing this new program
yearly and offering it to more local youth.
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2020 Annual Report
Crime Activity Team (CAT)
The Crime Activity Team (CAT) consists of one Lieutenant and two Officers, with one being a Drug
Recognition Expert (DRE). CAT is responsible for high intensity patrols and enforcement in the core
neighborhoods. Part of the duties of CAT include utilizing Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic
Safety (DDACTS), working in conjunction with Road Patrol and Neighborhood Policing Unit Officers, and
assisting Investigations and local task forces.
Honor Guard
The Muskegon Police Department Honor Guard represents the Department at in-state funerals of fallen
officers who worked in the State of Michigan and at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in
Washington D.C. during Police Week (Week of May 15 th). The Honor Guard also provides a tiered level
of funeral service for Officers who worked for the Muskegon Police Department, based on the manner
of their passing. The COVID-19 restrictions placed on funeral services prevented the Honor Guard from
attending many of these events. The Honor Guard was able to provide a casket watch at the visitation
for retired Muskegon Police Department Lieutenant Emanuel Harwood and escorting of the colors and
Lieutenant Harwood’s remains at his funeral service this past year.
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2020 Annual Report
Investigations
The Investigations Bureau consists of one Captain, one Sergeant, and eight Detectives. One Investigator
is assigned to the Justice for Women Task Force and another Investigator to the Muskegon Major Crimes
Initiative (MMCI). Investigators are responsible for complex investigations requiring specialization and
enhanced investigation skills. Investigators at the Muskegon Police Department have expertise in
interview and interrogation, evidence collection and processing, firearms, forensic interviewing, etc. In
2020, investigators were assigned 375 cases, including 5 homicides.
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2020 Annual Report
West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET)
The Muskegon Police Department has one Sergeant and two Investigators assigned to the West
Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET). The is a multi-agency task force under the direction of the
Michigan State Police, comprised of Officers from West Michigan law enforcement agencies throughout
Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan Counties. Cases handled by WEMET typically involve the seizure of
narcotics, weapons, and cash and often result in the prosecution being sought at both the state and
federal levels.
Muskegon County WEMET Activity
2020
120
96
100
80
60
40 33
20
0
Firearms Arrests
Muskegon County WEMET Narcotics Seized
2020
LSD Cocaine
5% 10% Crack Cocaine
Pills 2%
14%
Heroin
4%
Marijuana/BHO
6%
Suboxone
0%
Crystal Meth
59%
Cocaine Crack Cocaine Heroin Crystal Meth Suboxone Marijuana/BHO Pills LSD
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