PONTIAC, Mich. – The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is marking 15 years of providing law enforcement services to the City of Pontiac, highlighting what officials describe as significant improvements in public safety, staffing and community partnerships since assuming policing responsibilities in 2011.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the agency officially took over policing duties on Aug. 1, 2011, after Pontiac entered into a contract for law enforcement services during a period of severe financial challenges that had reduced the city’s police force to about 50 sworn officers.
The Sheriff’s Office said it welcomed nearly 70 former Pontiac police officers into its ranks while expanding personnel assigned to the city. Today, officials say 99 deputies, command officers and support staff serve the Pontiac Substation.
The agency cited independently reported FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data showing violent crime has declined by approximately 45% since the transition. Officials said reported violent crime dropped from 1,113 offenses in 2010 to 607 offenses in 2024.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard credited the partnership between county deputies, city leaders and residents for the changes.
“It has been a fantastic experience,” Bouchard said in the release. “As we rolled up our sleeves and worked hand in hand with the residents of Pontiac to help create a safer and brighter future.”
Pontiac Mayor Mike McGuinness also praised the long-running partnership, saying the city is “a safer, stronger, healthier community today than in previous years.”
The Sheriff’s Office highlighted several initiatives launched over the past 15 years, including its Community Policing Team and Directed Patrol Unit, along with expanded access to specialized county resources such as K-9 teams, aviation, marine patrol, crash reconstruction, forensic laboratories and computer crimes investigators.
Officials said the agency plans to continue investing in technology, officer training and community engagement while building on its partnership with residents and city leaders.
