Office of the Sheriff

Mission Statement

To protect the lives and property of Kalamazoo County citizens by enforcing State laws and local ordinances, investigating crimes, and detaining prisoners remanded to the county jail in a manner which maintains the highest degree of professional excellence, integrity, and courtesy.

To perform our law enforcement, jail and support missions in a humane manner which reflects sensitivity to the dignity and equal rights of all citizens and reinforces the values of our community.

To work in partnership with other criminal justice agencies and with citizens to insure that the quality of life in our community is preserved and that everyone receives the full measure of protection mandated by our State and Federal constitutions.

Impartial Policing

Members of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office are prohibited from engaging in racial or other biased-based policing. Racial or other biased-based policing means the unreasonable use of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender or religion by a law enforcement officer in deciding to initiate an enforcement action. It is not racial or other biased-based policing when race, ethnicity, national origin, gender or religion is used in combination with other identifying factors as part of a specific individual description to initiate an enforcement action. Any person who believes he or she has been subjected to racial or other biased-based policing may file a complaint with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office and/or the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Complaints to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office may be filed in person, by telephone (269-383-8751), or via our web form to the Sheriff or any on-duty supervisor. All allegations of biased-based policing will be investigated and all individuals who file a complaint will receive a written disposition upon completion of the investigation.

All law enforcement officers of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office are required to attend annual racial or other biased-based policing training.