Mich. Sheriff's Office Cuts Road Patrols after Tax Increase Measure Fails

EATON COUNTY, MI—A Lansing-area community is losing some police patrols.

WILX-TV in Lansing reported Wednesday that the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office will eliminate road patrol for areas not under contract from noon to midnight beginning Dec. 1.

The move is a cost-saving measure after a tax increase did not pass during last week’s election.

“My deputies cannot keep filling shifts with overtime. It is unsafe, unfair, and it comes at a high cost,” said Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich told the TV station. “I have already spoken with or sent correspondence to the other law enforcement agencies in the county on this coming change.”

The Michigan State Police are expected to help fill in with patrols, according to the TV station.

Deputies will be on duty from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. except in areas like Delta Township, which pays the sheriff’s office for coverage.

Board of Commissioners Chair Jim Mott noted “the future of road patrol in this County is in flux,” according to the Lansing State Journal.

Eaton County does have 10 cadets in an academy, but unless more funding is obtained, they won’t be retained, according to the newspaper.

Eaton County is southwest of Lansing and includes cities like Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge Potterville and Olivet.

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