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MUSKEGON POLICE
DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL
REPORT
2024
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
3 Administration 4 Mission, Vision, Values
5 Budget Expenditures 6 Organizational Chart
7 New Employees 8 Employee Demographics
9 Accreditation 10 Training
12 Internal Affairs 13 Calls for Service
14 Crime Stats 16 Traffic Crash Enforcement
18 Neighborhood Policing Unit 19 Community Engagement
22 Crime Activity Team 23 Honor Guard
24 Investigations 25 West Michigan
Enforcement Team
2
ADMINISTRATION
Dear Muskegon,
I am honored to reflect on another year of dedicated service to our community.
Throughout 2024 with the effort of our entire team, we have focused on enhancing
our department's operations and strengthening our relationship with the community we serve.
2024 was a year of growth and development for the Muskegon Police Department. Like many law
enforcement agencies locally and nationally, we have felt the effects of staffing shortages. The
men and women of MUPD continue to serve our community with integrity and courtesy. This past
year we sponsored nine Police Recruits to attend the Grand Valley State University and Grand
Rapids Community College Police Academies, and we welcomed one lateral transfer Officer to
our ranks.
Training is a priority. Our officers participated in several specialized training programs, including
Crisis Intervention, Internal Affairs Investigations, Mobile Field Force and Crowd Management,
Driving Training, and Active Violence Response, among others. Our Administrative Captain also
completed the FBI National Academy to further develop our leadership capabilities.
This past year we have also invested in our communication tools and engagement with our
citizens through outreach events and a new tool that allows people to provide instant feedback
of our service.
I am especially proud of updating our mission, vision and value statements this year. These
changes have been a collaborative effort by the entire team and reflect changes made by our
department to better serve our community and our motivation to continuously improve. You can
see these statements on the next few pages.
Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited to continue our partnerships with local schools, businesses,
neighborhood associations, non-profits, and community organizations. Together, we will
continue our work to reduce crime, reduce anxiety, and enhance the overall quality of life for the
residents and visitors of Muskegon. By working hand in hand with the community, I am confident
we will continue to make Muskegon a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
Respectfully,
Timothy E. Kozal
3
Director of Public Safety
MISSION
To serve and protect the diverse community of the City of
Muskegon with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. We are
committed to fostering trust, promoting safety, and enhancing the
quality of life for all residents and guests through proactive
policing, community partnerships, innovative solutions, and
providing a safe environment for growth and prosperity.
VISION
We envision a community where all individuals feel safe,
respected, and empowered. We aspire to be leaders in building
bridges between law enforcement and the community, fostering
mutual understanding in creating a culture of inclusivity,
transparency, and accountability.
VALUES
Integrity – We conduct ourselves with honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior in all aspects of
our work, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Accountability – We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions, taking
responsibility for our conduct, adhering to policies and procedures, striving to be transparent
and responsive to the needs and concerns of the community.
Service – We are dedicated to serving the needs of our community with empathy, respect,
and responsiveness; striving to exceed expectations and providing assistance with
compassion and care.
Respect – We value the dignity and worth of every individual, treating all members of the
community with fairness, empathy, and understanding, regardless of background or
circumstance.
Continuous Improvement – We are committed to perpetual learning, innovation, and
professional development, seeking out new ideas, best practices, and technologies to
enhance our effectiveness and better serve the evolving needs of our community.
BUDGET
EXPENDITURES
The Muskegon Police Department invested in a Capital Budget item that modernized investigation
capabilities of the department with the purchase of a second drone, the Matrice 30T. An additional
Capital Budget expenditure included the remodel of the second floor Investigations Bureau area.
Matrice 30T - 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 are FAA Part 107
Certified.
Investigations Bureau Remodel - Unoccupied second floor space in City Hall was remolded into a
modern Investigations Bureau. The space encompasses 4,250 square feet and includes two
command offices, a break area, investigator cubicles, a conference room, an electronics
investigation room, and an interview room.
5
ORGANIZATIONAL
CHART
6
NEW EMPLOYEES
The Muskegon Police Department hired ten full-time Officers in 2024.
Eight Officers resigned or retired from the department in 2024. The Muskegon Police
Department currently employs seventy-two full-time Officers and three part-time
Officers.
Promotions
Dan Harwood was promoted to Road Patrol Lieutenant. Scott Dykman was promoted to Road
Patrol Sergeant.
Lt. Dan Harwood Sgt. Scott Dkyman 7
OFFICER
DEMOGRAPHICS
Racial demographic of 72 sworn officers in 2024
Black American Indian/Alaska Native
9.3% 1.3%
Hispanic
6.7%
White Female
12%
White Male
70.7%
8
LAW ENFORCEMENT
ACCREDITATION
The Muskegon Police Department was awarded the distinction of accreditation in February
of 2021 and re-accreditation in February on 2024 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
assessments 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, 90 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 will complete the re-accreditation process again in
2027.
9
TRAINING
6,965 COMBINED TRAINING HOURS IN 2024
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 2024, Officers
received a combined 6,965.38 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 2024, MPD
Officers spent 1,558.33 hours training in the Core disciplines. This was approximately 22% of
our combined training hours and equals approximately 20 hours per Officer.
10
TRAINING
6,965 COMBINED TRAINING HOURS IN 2024
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 in Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, Stress Management, or
CPR/AED that make our Officers more effective at what they do.
In 2024, MPD Officers spent 2,202.50 hours training in the Elective disciplines. This was
approximately 32% of our combined training hours and equals approximately 29 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 41% 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 2024, eighteen (18) Current
Topic Trainings were sent out which equaled 4.75 hours of training
per Officer or 5% of our total MPD training hours.
The total training hours for 2024 decreased by 1,213.62 hours from
2023, which is attributed to no regional staff and command
training taking place in 2024. MPD concentrated our efforts in
2024 on training CIT Officers, instructors, and leadership. Training
efforts in 2025 will concentrate on the MCOLES Continuing
Professional Education training requirements. 11
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 2024, 8 formal Internal Affairs investigations were completed. 5 of the complaints were
received against Officers from members of the public and 3 were self-initiated by Muskegon
Police Department staff. 3 of these complaints were sustained, 2 exonerated, and 3
unfounded. An additional 28 informal complaints were made directly to Command Officers.
18 of these complaints were unfounded and 10 were exonerated.
In 2024, Officers of the Muskegon Police Department had 58,028 contacts with citizens and
guests of the City of Muskegon. Officers wrote 23,433 police reports, arrested 3,495 subjects,
and wrote 2,524 traffic citations. During the course of 2024, 36 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 2024, the Muskegon Police Department had a
complaint percentage of 0.062%.
Unfounded - The allegation is false or not factual.
Exonerated - The incident occurred but the employee’s actions were justified.
Not Sustained - The facts as presented are insufficient to prove or disprove the allegation.
Sustained - The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable
conclusion of guilt.
12
CALLS FOR SERVICE
Road Patrol
Road Patrol consists of one Captain, four Lieutenants, six Sergeants, and thirty-five 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.
58,028 5,222
CALLS FOR SERVICE TRAFFIC STOPS
23,433 3,495
POLICE REPORTS ARRESTS
2,524
TRAFFIC CITATIONS
Dispatched to, or self-initiated calls for service decreased by 3.5% and traffic stops conducted decreased by 27.5% from 2023. The
decrease can be attributed to a new operating system being implemented in June of 2024, which caused a decrease in self-initiated
activity as officers adjusted to the new system.
Calls for Service and Traffic Stop Comparison
Calls for Service Traffic Stops
70
60
60,361 60,190 58,028
57,674 58,674
50
40
30
20
10 8,305 6,636 5,880 7,202 5,222
0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 13
MUSKEGON POLICE
CRIME STATS
During 2024, the City of Muskegon saw a 8.7% decrease in Part 1 crimes (serious felonies)
and a 16.1% increase in Part 2 crimes (non-serious felonies and misdemeanors)
Part 1 Crimes
Sex Offenses (CSC)
Auto Theft 47
Murder/Non.Neg.
Manslaughter - 3 179
Agg/Fel. Assault/Stalking
Kidnapping/
Abduction - 1
189
Robbery - 19
Arson
12
Burglary
177
Larceny
583 14
MUSKEGON POLICE
CRIME STATS
During 2024, the City of Muskegon saw a 8.7% decrease in Part 1 crimes (serious felonies)
and a 16.1% increase in Part 2 crimes (non-serious felonies and misdemeanors)
Examples of Part 2 crimes: Damage to Property, Non-Aggravated Assault, Retail Fraud,
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Trespassing.
Part 2 Crimes
3000 2,710
2,504
2,389
2500 2,276
2,169
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 15
TRAFFIC CRASH
SUMMARY
There was a total of 929 traffic crashes reported during 2024 in the City of Muskegon.
Total number of crashes decreased by 12.9% from 2023. Over the past six years, the
City of Muskegon averaged 3.2 fatal crashes, 186.2 injury crashes, 996.5 property
crashes and 941.3 total crashes per year.
The 2024 City of Muskegon fatal crashes involved a car/motorcycle crash, a
car/pedestrian crash, a single motorcycle crash, and a single vehicle crash. 11 crashes
involving bicycles and 27 crashes involving motorcycles occurred in 2024.
Traffic Crash Comparison
Fatal Injury Property Total
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 16
TRAFFIC
ENFORCEMENT
SUMMARY
The Muskegon Police Department issued a total of 2,524 traffic citations during 2024,
which was a 34.4% decrease from 2023, a 31.6% decrease from 2022, a 21.4% decrease
from 2021 and a 38.4% decrease from 2020. 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 2024.
2020 - 2024 Common Traffic Violations
Suspended License Speeding
No Proof of Insurance Expired Plate
Disobey Traffic Signal
800
600
400
200
0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 17
NEIGHBORHOOD
POLICING UNIT
The Neighborhood Policing Unit (NPU) consists of six 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, 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 Public Safety Workshops.
18
POP-UP PARTIES
The Muskegon Police Department, in partnership with 22 Starving Artist, hosted the
second annual Pop-Up Parties throughout the summer and early fall. The parties
were aimed at bringing a fun public safety presence to fifteen different
neighborhoods of the city. Officers interacted with residents by providing safety
materials, playing games, handing out popsicles and ice cream, answering
questions, and giving demonstrations of police equipment.
19
PUBLIC SAFETY
WORKSHOPS
The Muskegon Police Department hosts one day Public Safety Workshops with the
goals of increasing transparency, dispelling misconceptions, and increasing positive
communication between citizens and police. Topics covered in the workshops
include use of force, de-escalation tactics, mental health awareness, and drone
operations. Participants also have the chance to go through specifically designed
scenarios putting them in the shoes of a police officer.
20
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
The Muskegon Police Department participated in National Night Out, which is a
nationwide event designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness,
generate support for, and participation in, local crime efforts, strengthen
neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships, and send a message to
criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. The
National Night Out event was held at historic Marsh Field. Citizens and Officers of
the Muskegon Police Department enjoyed free food, music, face painting, games,
raffle prizes, and a homerun derby.
21
CRIME ACTIVITY TEAM
The Crime Activity Team (CAT) consists of one Lieutenant and three Officers. One of the
Officers is a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer and has been paired with a Clinician from
HealthWest through the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program
(COSSUP) Grant. They are responsible for responding to mental health calls for service.
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 2024, CAT
conducted 606 traffic stops, issued 160 traffic citations, and 558 verbal warnings for
miscellaneous traffic offenses. The team also seized 16 firearms.
CAT Narcotics Seized
4% Heroin
42% Meth
11% Crack Cocaine
42% Cocaine
1% Fentanyl
Crisis Intervention Team
The Muskegon Police Department responded to 1,064 calls for service involving individuals
experiencing varying degrees of a mental health crisis. Of those 1,064 incidents, 188 people
were seen by a mental health professional on scene during the time of crisis and 599
individuals were left on the scene as the situation had been stabilized without the need for
the further action of hospitalization. Additionally, 454 individuals required hospitalization.
During the entirety of 2024, there were 1,297 HealthWest Referral Forms submitted,
compared to 1,457 in 2023. Currently, 100% of Muskegon Police Department Officers are
trained in mental health, with 49.3% 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 2024.
In 2024, Honor Guard members attended refresher training, completed a flag presentation
at the VanDyke Convention Center, attended and assisted with the Muskegon County
Annual Police Memorial Service, and attended several police officer funerals. The team
designed a memorial badge that will be worn during 2025 to commemorate fallen
Muskegon Detective Charles Hammond, during his 100th year anniversary.
The Muskegon Police Honor Guard also put into service six ceremonial rifles that were
approved by the Army’s TACOM unit.
23
INVESTIGATIONS
BUREAU
The Investigations Bureau consists of one Captain, one Sergeant, and seven Detectives.
Two Investigators are assigned to the Justice for Women Task Force and another
Investigator to the Muskegon Major Crimes Initiative (MMCI). The Investigations Bureau also
has an embedded agent from the Michigan Department of Corrections. 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
2024, investigators were assigned 215 cases, including 3 homicides. 187 cases were closed
out and 28 are still currently active.
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.
Muskegon County WEMET Activity
Firearms Arrests
200
150
100
50
0
Muskegon County WEMET
Narcotics Seized
55% Pills
20% Crystal Meth
14% Fentanyl
5% Cocaine
3% Heroin
2% Suboxone
1% Crack Cocaine
0% Marijuana/BHO
0% LSD
25
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