A familiar face is now in command of the Oakland County Sheriff’s substation in Oxford.
Sgt. Scott Patterson is the township’s new top cop and he’s ready to continue the outstanding service and professionalism the sheriff’s department has delivered here for the past 10 years.
‘I’m looking forward to this opportunity to continue in the direction we’ve been going,? he said.
Patterson’s been with the sheriff’s department since February 1989. Being a cop is ‘something I always wanted to do since I was a kid,? he said.
He’s served on-and-off in Oxford Township since the county took over policing here in February 2000. He initially spent 30 days here as a field training officer helping to familiarize former Oxford cops-turned-deputies with the county’s policies and procedures.
Outside of Oxford, Patterson’s worked as a road patrol deputy in Commerce, Highland, Brandon and Independence townships; spent five-and-a-half years as a detective in Independence Township; and supervised the Warrants Unit for nearly two years.
He’s been assigned to Oxford for the last year. This is his first substation command.
But just because he’s in command now, don’t expect Patterson to spend his days hidden away in his office, chained to a desk and computer.
‘I’m the type of guy who gets out in the field,? he said.
Whenever and wherever he can fill in or help out his deputies, that’s where you’ll find Patterson.
‘I’m going to be floating around doing as much as I can each day,? he said.
Being a substation commander in these tough economic times, means wearing many hats. ‘Everybody’s trying to do more with less, trying to be fiscally responsible,? Patterson said.
The sergeant looks forward to continuing cooperation with the Oxford Village Police Department, which is responsible for protecting the 1.4-square-mile village.
‘No matter what uniform you’re wearing, we’re still fellow police officers and the whole thing is about getting the bad guys,? he said. ‘Whatever we can do to work in conjunction with any police agency, we’re all about it.?
Patterson wants the public to know he has an open door policy when it comes to citizens? questions, issues, concerns or complaints.
‘The department as a whole is open to talking to everybody,? he said. ‘All they have to do is come in and see us.?
The sergeant noted he will miss working with his former boss, Lt. Larry Perry, who commanded the substation from March 2007 until Jan. 1 of this year.
‘I’m going to miss my partner,? Patterson said. ‘Lt. Perry is a great lieutenant and a great guy. We worked hand-in-hand together.?