ADOPTED - JULY 27, 2004

Agenda Item No. 25

 

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

 

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED HOUSE BILL 5906

REGARDING THE CERTIFICATION OF PARKS POLICE OFFICERS

 

RESOLUTION #04-212

 

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Parks Department has provided an exceptional level of security and visitor assistance for the past 28 years by employing seasonal park police officers; and

 

WHEREAS, the employment of the seasonal park police officers is contingent upon approval and deputation of the applicant by the Ingham County Sheriff; and

 

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Parks Department contracts with the Sheriff’s Department to provide supervision of the Parks Department seasonal police officers; and

 

WHEREAS, this system has provided a cost effective means of providing a safe and enjoyable experience for countless park visitors; and

 

WHEREAS, House Bill 5906, as initially proposed, permitted the Ingham County Board of Commissioners to continue providing these law enforcement services by designating the Ingham County Parks Department as a law enforcement agency with the approval of the Sheriff and the Prosecutor; and

 

WHEREAS, the current version of HB 5906 would not permit the Ingham County Board of Commissioners to continue providing these law enforcement services in the same manner as currently; and

 

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Parks Board has recommended that the bill be amended to its initially proposed form.

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners supports House Bill 5906, provided it is amended with language that would allow the current status of certification of Ingham County Parks Department law enforcement officers to remain in force, and would allow the Ingham County Board of Commissioners to continue providing the law enforcement services at the county parks in the same manner as it is presently provided.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Ingham County legislative delegation and the Michigan Association of Counties.

 

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Swope, Thomas, De Leon, Hertel, Severino, Nevin

            Nays:  None                  Absent:  None         Approved 7/20/04  

                       

FINANCE:  Yeas:  Lynch, Grebner, Dedden De Leon, Thomas

            Nays:  None                  Absent:  Minter         Approved 7/21/04