Last year, Brandon deputies responded to 148 calls for family trouble/domestic violence.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Pete Burkett, commander of the Brandon substation, said some of these cases have clear-cut evidence, but many involve ‘he said, she said? scenarios that are difficult to prosecute. A new domestic violence ordinance unanimously approved by the township board on Monday night, however, will enable police to provide better law enforcement, as well as help troubled families.
‘We can issue a citation and let a judge make a decision on who is right and who is wrong,? Burkett said. ‘We now have the ability to give a citation and bypass the prosecutor’s office. We don’t need physical evidence to issue a ticket.?
Township Supervisor Ron Lapp also noted that if cost recovery is ordered by the court, the money will now go back to township taxpayers instead of going to the state.
‘If there is a way to recoup the cost in police matters, let’s save the dollars we can,? Lapp said. ‘It’s not going to make money, but cost recovery makes more sense to go back to the township footing the bill, and not to the state.?
Burkett said the cost of prosecution outweighs anything the township would receive and money isn’t the driving force behind the ordinance.
‘It’s a $150 fine and prosecution costs thousands,? Burkett said. ‘It’s not a moneymaker. We do it because it’s the right thing to do. This way we can prevent problems and get the people involved the help they need, which may be anger management.?
Lapp said the passage of a domestic violence ordinance is a common practice that more and more townships are doing, and something courts encourage.
Catherine Mullhaupt, member information liaison for the Michigan Townships Association, confirmed this, although she said the MTA does not track exact numbers. She notes that in the past few years, the county authority to adopt countywide ordinances was clarified by an attorney general opinion. Townships now have more authority than counties to adopt police power ordinances and have a general authority to adopt ordinances for health, safety and welfare.
‘I think it’s a good thing and very important,? she said. ‘The day-to-day stuff police in townships are called on are noise, neighbors getting in fights, drunk and disorderly and domestic violence. Domestic violence is already a crime, but the process of enforcement may be easier by going directly through the township. They may be able to more efficiently prosecute these crimes.?