Changes were made this week to the Oakland County Sheriff’s substation in Oxford Township.
For instance, there’s no longer a sergeant in command.
Scott Patterson is still running the place, but he’s been promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
‘It’s a personal goal that I had set for myself,? said Patterson, who’s overseen the substation since 2011 and been with the sheriff’s office since 1989. ‘Of course, promotions are nice, but it’s also nice to be able to stay here and service the people of Oxford Township.?
Serving as Patterson’s second-in-command is Sgt. Jerry DeRosia. He’ll work a split shift from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. that way he’ll be able to supervise officers working both the afternoon and midnight shifts.
‘I was requested and gladly accepted (the position),? said DeRosia, who joined the sheriff’s office in 1986. ‘I love the opportunity.?
DeRosia described himself as a hands-on guy who loves to build things. He believes the substation has established a solid foundation in the township and ‘I just hope to build on that.?
‘It’s nice to have that supervisory help,? Patterson noted. ‘It’s nice to have somebody else on the streets here, dealing with stuff as things come up.?
Not only will DeRosia serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for Patterson, he’ll also provide the substation with another investigator.
‘He comes with a wealth of investigative knowledge,? Patterson said.
DeRosia has spent 17 years of his career doing detective work.
He did uncover narcotics work for five years as part of a Federal Bureau of Investigation task force.
He then spent three years as a detective in Independence Township, followed by nine years with the sheriff’s Computer Crimes Unit. DeRosia is a certified forensic computer examiner and certified forensic cell phone examiner.
‘I know all the ins and outs of investigating high-tech crime,? the sergeant said. ‘Almost every investigation now leads into something like that.?
When asked why he entered law enforcement, DeRosia replied, ‘It’s something I always wanted to do as far back as I can remember.?
‘I’ve always liked the challenges,? he said. ‘I like to be busy. I like to help people.?
Looking ahead, Patterson said he’s not looking to make any major changes to the way the substation operates, just ‘tweak things a little bit and move forward.?
‘We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,? he said. ‘I think everybody’s happy with the performance of the sheriff’s office out here.?
A big focus in the near future will be moving into the new substation currently under construction in the lower level of the township hall at 300 Dunlap Rd. According to township Supervisor Bill Dunn, the 3,800-square-foot space should be complete and ready for move-in sometime in February.
The new substation will include locker room facilities for 22 male and eight female officers, a break room, reception area, public restrooms, detective room, report writing area, secure storage for evidence, two interview rooms, two command offices and general storage space.
Including the lieutenant and sergeant, the substation is currently staffed by 15 officers.