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MUSKEGON POLICE
DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL
REPORT
2023
MISSION AND
VALUES
MISSION
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.
VALUES
We must demonstrate compassion for all people and
render services with respect, dignity, and courtesy.
Promote a proactive community policing philosophy by
encouraging and supporting citizen involvement.
Enhance organizational excellence through education,
training, and technology.
Promote job satisfaction and employee cohesiveness
through open communication and participation in
decision making.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
4 Administration 5 Budget Expenditures
6 Organizational Chart 7 New Employees
8 Accreditation 9 Training
11 Internal Affairs 12 Calls for Service
13 Crime Stats 17 Traffic Crash Summary
18 Traffic Crash Enforcement 19 Neighborhood Policing Unit
21 Pop-Up Parties 22 Crime Activity Team
23 Honor Guard 24 Investigations
25 West Michigan Enforcement Team
3
ADMINISTRATION
The Muskegon Police Department is under the leadership of the Director of Public Safety Timothy
Kozal. The Director provides administrative control, establishes and implements policy for fiscal
and operational control, and personnel management.
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.
2023 was a year of hiring and training for the department. Eight Police Recruits were sponsored to
attend the Spring and Fall Grand Valley State University Police Academies. One lateral transfer
Police Officer was also hired during the year. One Captain and two Lieutenants attended Eastern
Michigan University School of Staff and Command Training. Other notable trainings included: Crisis
Intervention Team, Internal Affairs Investigations, Mobile Field Force and Crowd Management,
Effective Fitness Combat Instructor, Instructor Development, Response to Active Violence, and First
Aid and Trauma Care.
The Muskegon Police Department is looking forward to 2024 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.
4
BUDGET
EXPENDITURES
The Muskegon Police Department invested in Capital Budget items that modernized investigation
capabilities of the department with the purchase of Flock Safety Cameras and a DJI Mavic 3T Drone.
Flock Safety Cameras
The Flock Safety Camera devices capture objective evidence, like license plates and vehicle details,
and send real-time alerts to law enforcement so they can act. 70% of crime involves a vehicle.
That’s why Flock Cameras build devices that focus on vehicular evidence, including license plates
and a detailed vehicle fingerprint. Once the police have a potential suspect vehicle, they are more
likely to clear cases and decrease crime rates - making your community safer overall. Flock Safety
Cameras provide a way for law enforcement to receive alerts on stolen vehicles, known wanted
criminals, and more.
DJI Mavic 3T Drone
The drone is utilized for patrol led deployments, traffic crash reconstruction, search and rescue,
crime scene investigation, tactical operations, forensic investigations, interior operations, and fire
operations. All Muskegon Police Department Drone Operators at FAA Part 107 Certified.
5
6
NEW EMPLOYEES
The Muskegon Police Department hired nine full-time Officers and one full-time Police
Community Coordinator in 2023.
Eleven Officers resigned or retired from the department in 2023. The Muskegon Police
Department currently employs sixty-nine full-time Officers and three part-time Officers.
Promotions
There were no promotions during 2023.
Adam Sherman Saul Aguilar-Salgado Michelle Bordeaux
Jacob Visscher Brandon Marecek Justin Taylor
7
Tyler Pearce Nikolas Walsh Emily Morgenstern
LAW ENFORCEMENT
ACCREDITATION
The Muskegon Police Department was awarded the distinction of accreditation in February of
2021 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 was required to produce proof to the MLEAC during the
assessment to ensure that the standards and written directives were 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, 64 are accredited through MLEAC. The
Muskegon Police Department and the Norton Shores Police Department are the only
agencies accredited in Muskegon County. Re-accreditation takes place every three years.
The Muskegon Police Department hosted two MLEAC Assessors in December of 2023 as part
of the re-accreditation process. The assessors completed an on-site report, which was
submitted to MLEAC.In February of 2024, members of the Muskegon Police Department
Administration will take part in a MLEAC hearing with the goal of seeking re-accreditation.
8
TRAINING
8,179 COMBINED TRAINING HOURS IN 2023
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 2023, Officers
received a combined 8,179 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
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. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) created a
Mandatory Firearms Standard for all Officers in the State of Michigan and Advisory In-Service
Standards for each of the other disciplines within the Core Training category. In 2023, MPD
Officers spent 2,156 hours training in the Core disciplines. This was approximately 26% of our
combined training hours and equals approximately 30 hours per Officer.
9
TRAINING
8,179 COMBINED TRAINING HOURS IN 2023
Elective Training
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 Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, Stress Management,
or CPR/AED that make our Officers more effective at what they do. In 2023, MPD Officers
spent 1,763.25 hours training in the Elective disciplines. This was approximately 22% of our
combined training hours and equals approximately 24 hours per Officer.
Specialized Training
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. Examples of specialized training would be Field
Training Officer, Fair and Impartial Policing Instructor, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), and
Supervisor Training. Specialized training comprised 47% of our combined training hours. MPD
spent considerable resources training Officers in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), to
become instructors in their respective disciplines, and leadership.
Current Topic Training
Current topic training is the mechanism used to deliver short
electronic training through PowerDMS to all of our Officers and
occasionally to our non-sworn staff. These trainings or updates vary
in topic. They range from Legal Updates to voter law or how to
handle topics such as lab submissions. An estimated value of how
long the training will take to cover is assigned. Typical values are
about 15 minutes per topic. MPD Officers are required to save these
trainings for future reference. In 2023, eighteen (18) Current Topic
Trainings were sent out which equaled 5.5 hours of training per
Officer or 6% of our total MPD training hours. The goal in 2024 is to
continue to increase the number of meaningful Current Topic
Trainings put out to staff.
The total training hours for 2023 increased by 2,165.8 hours from
2022 and was also increased from 2021 (2,041.1 in 2021, 5,824.5 in
2020). MPD concentrated our efforts in 2023 on training CIT
Officers, instructors, and leadership.
10
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 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 2023, 15 formal Internal Affairs investigations were completed. 7 of the complaints were
received against Officers from members of the public and 8 were self-initiated by Muskegon
Police Department staff. 9 of these complaints were sustained, 3 exonerated, and 3
unfounded. An additional 32 informal complaints were made directly to Command Officers.
3 of these complaints were sustained, 1 unfounded for the actions of one officer and
sustained for the actions of another officer, 11 exonerated, and 17 unfounded.
In 2023, Officers of the Muskegon Police Department had 60,190 contacts with citizens and
guests of the City of Muskegon. Officers wrote 28,926 police reports, arrested 4,143 subjects,
and wrote 5,880 traffic citations. During the course of 2023, 47 total complaints were
received from members of the public or self-initiated by the department concerning
members of the Muskegon Police Department. Zero of these complaints alleged bias on the
part of the Officer(s) involved. For the year 2023, the Muskegon Police Department had a
complaint percentage of 0.0007%.
11
CALLS FOR SERVICE
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.
60,190 7,202
CALLS FOR SERVICE TRAFFIC STOPS
28,926 4,143
POLICE REPORTS ARRESTS
3,850
TRAFFIC CITATIONS
Calls for Service and Traffic Stop Comparison
Calls for Service Traffic Stops
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 12
MUSKEGON POLICE
CRIME STATS
During 2023, the Muskegon Police Department experienced an
overall 62% crime clearance rate and a 13% increase in total crime.
13
MUSKEGON POLICE
CRIME STATS
14
MUSKEGON POLICE
CRIME STATS
15
MUSKEGON POLICE
CRIME STATS
16
TRAFFIC CRASH
SUMMARY
There was a total of 1,067 traffic crashes reported during 2023 in the City of
Muskegon. Total number of crashes increased by 1% from 2022. Over the past six
years, the City of Muskegon averaged 2.83 fatal crashes, 202 injury crashes, 996.5
property crashes and 1,201.33 total crashes per year.
The 2023 City of Muskegon fatal crashes involved a car/motorcycle crash and a
car/pedestrian crash. 11 crashes involving bicycles and 22 crashes involving
motorcycles occurred in 2023.
Traffic Crash Comparison
Fatal Injury Property Total
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 17
TRAFFIC
ENFORCEMENT
SUMMARY
The Muskegon Police Department issued a total of 3,850 traffic citations during 2023,
which was a 4.2%% increase from 2022 (3,692), a 19.8% increase from 2021 (3,213), a
6.1% decrease from 2020 (4,104) and a 32.2% decrease from 2019 (5,684). 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 2023.
2019 - 2023 Common Traffic Violations
Suspended License Speeding
No Proof of Insurance Expired Plate
Disobey Traffic Signal
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 18
NEIGHBORHOOD
POLICING UNIT
The Neighborhood Policing Unit (NPU) consists of six Neighborhood Officers, two
School Resource Officers, 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, Pop Up Parties, 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.
19
NEIGHBORHOOD
POLICING UNIT
Story Time at Hackley Public Library
In June, Officers of the Neighborhood Policing Unit had fun doing story time at Hackley
Public Library. Officers were able to read to area youth and show off a police cruiser.
Severing School Lunch
The Neighborhood Policing Unit regularly serves lunch to elementary, middle, and high
school students of Muskegon Public Schools. This is part of engagement initiatives
aimed at building positive relationships between students and members of the
Muskegon Police Department. The hope is that these positive relationships will lead to
more students becoming interested in a career in law enforcement.
20
POP-UP PARTIES
The Muskegon Police Department, hosted Pop-Up Parties throughout the summer
and early fall in all 15 neighborhoods throughout the city. The parties were aimed at
bringing a positive public safety presence to residents. Officers interacted with
hundreds of residents by providing safety materials, playing games, handing out
popsicles and ice cream, answering questions, and giving demonstrations of police
equipment. Live music was at every Pop-Up Party, including music from the West
Michigan Symphony.
21
CRIME ACTIVITY TEAM
The Crime Activity Team (CAT) consists of one Lieutenant and three Officers. In 2023, CAT
added one Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer to the unit. Since February of 2023, the CIT
Officer has been paired with a Clinician from HealthWest through the Comprehensive
Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) Grant and they are responsible
for responding to mental health calls for service. Data tracking began in April of 2023 for
the program. CAT is also 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. During 2023, CAT
conducted 1,013 traffic stops, issued 350 traffic citations, and 1,246 verbal warnings for
miscellaneous traffic offenses. The team also seized 17 firearms.
CAT Narcotics Seized
78% Heroin
13% Meth
3% Crack Cocaine
3% Cocaine
2% Mushrooms
1% Fentanyl
Crisis Intervention Team
Since April of 2023 through the end of 2023, the Muskegon Police Department responded to
1,039 calls for service involving individuals experiencing varying degrees of a mental health
crisis. Of those 1,039 incidents, 186 people were seen by a mental health professional on
scene during the time of crisis and 529 individuals were left on the scene as the situation had
been stabilized without the need for the further action of hospitalization. During the entirety
of 2023, there were 1,457 HealthWest Referral Forms submitted, compared to 736 in 2022,
reflecting a substantial increase. This is likely due to the increased educational efforts by the
Clinician and CIT Officer, as well as additional CIT Training. Currently, 100% of Muskegon
Police Department Officers are trained in mental health, with 45.8% being CIT trained. 22
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. 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 Muskegon Police Department
Honor Guard had six active members in 2023.
In 2023, Honor Guard members assisted the newly formed Muskegon Fire Department
Honor Guard with providing them training on flag presentation and guarding. Their training
was used as MUFD HG presented the flags at the Public Safety Awards Ceremony.
Muskegon Police Honor Guard also completed details at the Muskegon Police Memorial
Service, the Guns and Hoses charity hockey game, and met the riders of the Thin Blue
Shoreline Ride at the Muskegon County Police Memorial. Two new members were selected
to the team and attended training this past spring, with the other four current members
attending refresher training.
The Muskegon Police Honor Guard also completed the request for six ceremonial rifles that
was approved by the Army’s TACOM unit. Those six rifles were received at the end of the
year and will be put in HG service in 2024.
23
INVESTIGATIONS
BUREAU
The Investigations Bureau consists of one Captain, one Sergeant, and eight Detectives. Two
Investigators are 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 2023, investigators were
assigned 316 cases, including 6 homicides.
24
WEST MICHIGAN
ENFORCEMENT TEAM
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.
Firearms Arrests
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Muskegon County WMET
Narcotics Seized
63% Pills
9% Suboxone
9% Cocaine
9% Crystal Meth
7% Fentanyl
2% Crack Cocaine
1% Heroin
0% Marijuana/BHO
0% LSD
25
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