Public Safety

Benefits Stem from R.I.S.E. and Public Safety Partnership

The city has sustained its successful and valuable partnership with Recovery, Independence, Safety and Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) This agency provides support services for survivors of both domestic violence and sexual assault.

With an overwhelming need for mental health support, in March 2022, R.I.S.E. and the city added a Crisis and Trauma Response Clinician position, housed within the Division of Public Safety. This program went from serving 9 clients a month in March 2022, to 41 clients in December 2022, and this caseload is expected to grow. In total, more than 98 clients were served ranging from 8-90 years old.

Police and fire personnel have worked closely with the R.I.S.E. Crisis and Trauma Response Clinician and are therefore better equipped to effectively, safely and compassionately interact with individuals in need. At times, this clinician is also on scene to provide additional mental health resources. Through this partnership, clients are now being supported on multiple levels and across agencies.

Free Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Thanks to the State of Michigan’s Fire Prevention Group, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department distributed and installed free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to qualified private area residences. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. According to the NFPA, the risk of dying in home structure fires is 55% lower in homes with working smoke alarms. This program is ongoing and residents interested in receiving a free detector assessment for their residence should email fire@mt-pleasant.org.

Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Graduates 21st Class

“The Youth Police Academy made me a better person due to its discipline and challenges it provided. The police officers teaching the academy are very considerate and caring and are here to help us in so many ways.”

For three summer weeks, area youth going into grades 6-8 learned what it takes to become a law enforcement official: integrity, trust, leadership, compassion, and the ability to quickly assess a situation. Cadets also participated in physical training and completed the same agility tests given to police academy recruits. The curriculum included demonstrations by specialized units such as the SWAT Team, K-9 Unit, DNR and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department. Classroom topics encompassed crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, firearm safety, first aid/CPR, and more. At the end of the academy, cadets earned their boater safety certificate, and were honored at a Graduation Ceremony. In May of each year, applications for this free program are distributed through the schools, or can be picked up at the Division of Public Safety Building.

Public Safety

MPPD Awarded the Toys for Tots Law Enforcement Trophy

Toys for Tots personnel presented the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) with the Law Enforcement Challenge trophy for collecting the most toys of all law enforcement agencies.

MPPD received close to 1,000 toys thanks to Krapohl Ford Lincoln hosting a collection event, and numerous community members who stopped by one of the (3) Cram-a-Cruiser events to donate high-quality toys. These cumulative efforts helped make the 2022 holiday season special for our community’s youth.

Youth Services Unit Adds Second Officer Through Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Grant Funding

In existence since 1996, the Youth Services Unit (YSU) is a valuable program which involves police positively interacting with youth at an early age. YSU Officers spend considerable time in the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools (MPPS) to provide guidance and support for students. This ultimately forms lifelong bonds. The popular Youth Police Academy as well as Shop with a Cop, are just a few of the programs YSU hosts. Originally, YSU consisted of 12 officers on staff from several law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, funding challenges reduced the unit to only one officer from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). This sole officer serviced more than 3,000 (K-12) students in the MPPS. Finally, in 2022, another MPPD officer was added, doubling the unit’s staff to two. This enhancement was a result of MPPS receiving State of Michigan grant funding.

The two MPPD YSU Officers are primarily housed in the high school and middle school, visiting elementary schools when able. The officers perform a wide variety of duties. They lead lockdown drills, provide presentations and present lectures to classes and groups, organize alcohol and tobacco sting operations, respond to calls for assistance, investigate complaints, attend sporting events, ensure orderly school drop off and pick up, refer students in crisis to mental health advocates, and help kids and parents find the programs and assistance needed to resolve family issues, among other duties.