CHRISTOPHER R. SWANSON - Genesee County, Michigan · Christopher R. Swanson Application Page 4 of 9 3. Genesee County has a richly varied population. Serving it requires not only

CHRISTOPHER R. SWANSON APPLICATION QUESTIONS & RESPONSES

1. The Genesee County Sheriff is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the County. What is your experience in law enforcement? How do you intend to serve this role in order to preserve the public peace, maintain order, operate the jail, secure the courts, and discharge the law enforcement duties of the Sheriff throughout Genesee County?

1A. My police career began in the backseat of a maroon 1978 Oldsmobile. Every

summer my parents drove our family of six northbound to Grayling, Michigan for

a long weekend in the woods. I would listen intently to the stories of my father, a

former Detroit Police officer, as he described a world I had no idea existed.

Year after year, the compelling accounts of what police officers did for the

injured, the mentally ill, and the victims of crimes within the City of Detroit, I knew

as a young impressionable boy, I would be a Police Officer.

Fast forward to Winter 1991, I was 18 years old, and a freshman Criminal Justice

student at Mott Community College. I enrolled into the Internship Program, and

was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office which, unbeknownst to me, would become

my home away from home for the next 28 years.

I was hired by the Office of Genesee County Sheriff in May of 1991 as a

seasonal Marine Deputy, and worked that position for the next two years. I

finished my degree at Mott Community College, transferred to The University of

Michigan-Flint, as well as, completed Paramedic School at McLaren Hospital in

1992.

On June 2, 1993, I was hired full time as a Deputy Sheriff, and assigned to the

Corrections Division. That next calendar year, I was sent to the Delta Police

Christopher R. Swanson Application Page 2 of 9

Academy, and graduated in April of 1994. I was promoted to Police Deputy, and

within 60 days was transferred to a highly sought after position in the Beecher

District, known as the Beecher Area Narcotic Group (BANG). Although my time

was just under two years with BANG, there is no question this intense experience

of undercover operations propelled my ability to become a successful criminal

investigator. Over the next six years, I served in both the Patrol Division, as well

as, the Paramedic Division, as a Police/Paramedic Deputy.

Early 2000, I was promoted to Sergeant by Sheriff Robert J. Pickell, first being

assigned to the main jail, then to the Don Haley Work Release facility. Later that

year, I was transferred to the Detective Bureau. It wasn’t long before my front

row seat to victims of major crimes that I recalled the years of stories my father

shared with me as a child. The only difference being they were no longer fiction

to me. It was real life…

As the cold winter replaced the autumn colors, I was promoted to Detective

Lieutenant in 2003. Six months later, in May of 2004, I was promoted to the

Captain of all Law Enforcement operations within the Sheriff’s Office. This

included the Marine Division, Road Patrol, Circuit, District, and Probate Court

Security, Friend of the Court, Auto Theft, Consumer Protection, and the Detective

Bureau. I was 31 years old with 11 years on the job.

After the retirement of my mentor, Undersheriff James Gage, I was appointed his

successor on July 1, 2011. As of this writing, I am still proudly serving as the

Undersheriff with 26 years of full time service.

There’s not a corner of the Sheriff’s Office I have not served. I have been trained

by the best! I continued my formal education to achieve my Masters Degree in

1998 from the University of Michigan, as well as, countless training experiences

across the county, and in seven foreign countries.


It is vital a Chief Executive Officer of any organization understand completely the

roles and responsibilities of every person performing duties within the agency. I

know the Sheriff’s Office, serving in each position, from entry level to

Undersheriff, allows me the unique, well-rounded, and versatile perspective to

most efficiently administer this office, and serve our residents.

We are heading in the right direction. We’ve done a lot of good for a lot of

people. It’s time to run faster.

2. A primary responsibility of the Genesee County is the management and operation of the Genesee County Jail. What experience do you have in balancing community concerns, personnel, and staffing issues, and budgetary constraints while still accomplishing the duties you were tasked with?

2A The Sheriff also is the Chief Jailor. The Sheriff’s staff must provide care,

custody, and control to those housed within the facility. As for the Genesee

County Sheriff’s Office, everyone hired begins in the jail, myself included, that

said, I know the jail. I’ve spent my entire adult life dealing with inmates,

correctional operations, and the philosophy of incarceration. As the Undersheriff,

our $31 million budget and operations fall under my command as well as all

community concerns, employee interviews, background investigations, and all

employee discipline. Historically, funding for the Sheriff’s Office is a moving

target. There are always “variables” that require me to plan, do, check, and

adjust to keep the operation in order. Regardless of the budget challenge, the

jail must function in an exceptional manner. It has worked since 1836, and will

continue to excel under my leadership, regardless of change.


3. Genesee County has a richly varied population. Serving it requires not

only an absence of prejudice, but an abundant presence of understanding, empathy, and accountability. How will you demonstrate this in your interactions with the community, deputies, law enforcement partners, the courts, and the Prosecutor’s Office?

3A I have been a resident of Genesee County since my family came here in 1973.

When I was 13, my family moved to Ottawa Hills in Grand Blanc, a very diverse

subdivision. I attended Grand Blanc High School, and worked at McDonald’s on

Fenton and Hill Roads after school. My weekends were spent working at

Invader’s Arcade, and Pool Hall. Since then, Flint has been my work home since

I was 18 years old. I’ve travelled the world on foreign mission trips, experiencing

most diverse cultures one can imagine. I’ve developed a deep understanding for

different beliefs and perspectives. That’s the beauty of diversity. Each person I

meet, to include the mentally ill, addicts, and/or special needs, I am well prepared

simply because of the immense experiences I’ve had over the last 26 years.

This preparation is vital in an effort to create positive interactions within our

community, law enforcement, and the Judicial system.

4. Being Sheriff is not an easy task. Projects you undertake, for a variety of reasons may not play out as you envisioned. Describe a time when you failed to solve a case or deliver on a project. How did you overcome the perceived failure? How will you handle the inevitable stress and pressure that comes with maintaining the peace in Genesee County, operating a jail, securing the courts, and collaborating with community partners?

4A Everyone has times of “failure”, you wish you could have back. “Do-overs.” All

of which are challenges that must not be forgotten. Mine is the inability to do as

much as I want to do for the mentally ill, the addicted, abused/neglected, elderly,

and the victims of human trafficking. As much as I try to combat these social


injustices, the problems keep growing. Families still suffer and lives remain

shattered. As long as I have the opportunity to be the voice for the voiceless, I

have a job to do.

This includes expanding our Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team

G.H.O.S.T. operations to rescue, and restore human trafficking victims, and

pursue the sexual predators that victimize these precious souls throughout our

community.

There is a great need to continue to work with the Mental Health Court, Genesee

Health Systems, and other professionals to provide a productive life for those

suffering with mental illness.

Lastly, the opiate crisis is nationwide. Great strides have been made, however,

much more needs to be done. Using our paramedic resources, and investigative

experts throughout the county, we can identify the manufacturers, suppliers, and

distributors who pour this poison into our families and friends every day.

These are not failures. They are challenges that I am committed to tackle at a

much higher level of influence.

As for the stress and pressure of the job, I’m conditioned for it. I am an

IRONMAN athlete. I’m also convinced first responders, and effective command

officers have a natural gene that allows them to bear witness to the most heinous

scenes, and still get the job done. This type of calmness under pressure can

only be forged and tested through years of experience on the front lines.

5. What specific law-enforcement challenges do you believe most affect our community in Genesee County? How do you intend to address these


challenges as Sheriff? How will you measure the success of your department in achieving this and other goals?

5A As stated in my previous response (4A), as the Sheriff, I will continue to use the

successes we have had in our Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team

G.H.O.S.T operations and expand our outreach to identify victims of human

trafficking and rescue them. I will continue to work hand-in-hand with Mental

Health Court, a true diversion that works. The mentally ill cannot be left to fend

for themselves. They need treatment. Depressed and suicidal victims need love

and value knowing there is a champion in their corner.

We will expand our opiate enforcement and intervention. Week after week the

Sheriff Paramedics respond to overdoses of our friends and families. We have

the ability to use the Paramedic Division to gather vital information from the

scene, and track the distributor, supplier, and manufacturer with the end result

being reducing the overdose numbers in half. Since Genesee County has

already the second highest overdose rates in the state, behind Wayne County,

we will continue our partnership with Congressman Kildee’s office to follow

through with additional diversion options other than incarceration. These goals

and more will be successful based on individual testimonies and public

perception.

6. Everyone in the Sheriff’s Department needs to be accountable for understanding the law and acting according to it. The Sheriff, however, is also responsible for fostering a professional culture in which law and policy are executed faithfully, and without exception. How will you accomplish this? What experience and knowledge do you possess regarding criminal law and procedure, civil law and procedure, police administration, and constitutional law relating to custody of inmates? How will you ensure you will continue to utilize best practices?


6A Over the last 21 years, my predecessor has taught me how to set the tone of

professional policing. It starts with the Sheriff. The Sheriff must select the best

talent for the position, provide advanced training and discipline at every level.

The Sheriff’s Office follows the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We have

General Orders that dictate our actions. We must continue to update and train

our staff to know these protections and guidelines without fail. These orders

along with roll call trainings, staff meetings, divisional meetings, internal

investigations, and in-service meetings, will continue to stay current with

constitutional, criminal, procedural, and civil law, all of which illustrate “best

practices” for law enforcement.

Finally, I hold a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of

Michigan. I understand how to recognize and solve public concerns. This has

been proven over the last 26 years through the testing of many great challenges

within our community. This, in turn, restores public trust, which is always among

the best practices.

7. There is an election set for Sheriff in November 2020. Are you planning to run for the position? If so, why should we pick you and not wait for the voters to decide? If not, why should you pick you over someone who plans to continue to serve?

7A On Tuesday, November 12, 2019, I publicly announced my candidacy for Sheriff

in the 2020 election. The reason I am applying for the appointment is two-fold.

First, there is not one individual who has indicated interest that has more working

knowledge, and 26 years of experience in the Sheriff’ Office. If there was

another, I would be the first to recognize them. Second, the citizens of the

County, and the amazing staff at the Sheriff’s Office, deserve a worthy leader to

fulfill the duties of the Sheriff once Sheriff Pickell retires on January 5, 2020. The


Office of Genesee County Sheriff is too vital to public safety to not have the most

qualified person at the helm each and every day. When Sheriff Pickell begins his

long deserved retirement, the most qualified individual should immediately fill that

position, which is I. That immediate decision is in the hands of this panel. The

voters of Genesee County will make their own assessment during the 2020

election.

8. Have you ever been a party to any civil litigation, including administrative proceedings or arbitration? If so, provide the particulars i.e. was there a judgement entered against you, was it disposed of through settlement, arbitration, bench trial, or jury trial? Have judicial enforcement proceedings ever been instituted against you alleging your nonperformance of any judgment, order, decision or award against you? Have you ever been cited or held in contempt of court? Have you ever been sanctioned by any government body, with or without penalty, for activities deemed unethical, illegal, immoral, etc? If so, explain. If so, provide the particulars.

8A As the Sheriff’s designee, the Undersheriff handles all employee arbitrations. I

have proudly served in that role for the last eight years. Additionally, the Sheriff’s

Office has been the party of litigations and I have been a named defendant, all of

which I have been dismissed. I have had no civil judgments or judicial

enforcement taken against me. I have never been held in contempt of court,

issued sanctions by the Court, or have had any judicial penalties.

9. To your knowledge, does any organization to which you belong or have belonged exclude persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual preference, height, weight, arrests or veteran status? If so, please describe.


9A I am neither a member, or associated with, any organization or group that

excludes anyone based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital

status, disability, sexual preference, height, weight, arrests or veteran status.

10. Are you, your spouse or partner, any member of your household or other close family members related to any Genesee County official or employee? If so, please provide details.

10A I have no relatives, either immediate or distant, that are Genesee County officials

or current employees.

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Christopher R. Swanson, MPA-Criminal Justice [email protected]

Fenton, MI 48430

CAREER PUBLIC SAFETY & SECURITY LEADER Driving organizational goals while cultivating environment of excellence

University of Michigan MPA graduate and adjunct instructor with more than 25 years’ experience in progressively responsible capacities. Innovative leader who effects positive change and fosters cohesion among multi-faceted interests.

Recognized as consummate relationship builder. Forge partnerships to achieve mutually beneficial results. Persuasively communicate with and relate to all levels of the organization. Earn respect based on uncompromising integrity and always doing what is right, not necessarily what is easy. Genuine and inspiring personality.

Sphere of professional expertise spans law enforcement, investigative, personal and facility security, health care, and advocacy. Lead a responsive, progressive organization by engaging stakeholders and championing best practices.

Core Competencies Program Management Fiscal Management Strategic Communications Strategic Planning Performance Maximization Employee Relations Operations Management Media Relations Consensus Building

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE OFFICE OF GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF

1991–Present Michigan’s 5th largest sheriff’s office | 655 sq miles | 425,000 population

Accountabilities & Performance

Leadership • Oversee $30.5 million budget comprising general, federal, state, and public millage funding. • Function as department’s de facto chief of staff for 270 uniformed officers and 300+ volunteers. • Develop, implement, and enforce general orders, policies, procedures, and protocols. • Collaborated with inmate health care provider to renew its national accreditation. • Direct the sheriff’s mandate to practice accountability, engender respect, and promote

collaborative relations with the law enforcement community and the public.

Public Safety • Enforce state, county, and local laws. • Lead law enforcement, investigative, emergency medicine, and corrections divisions. • Partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in cases of mutual interest. • Personally direct investigations of high-profile, complex crimes. Integrally responsible for solving

several multimillion-dollar financial-related crimes. • Commanded forensic computer crimes division for 3 years.

Hallmarks of Leadership Providing vision and guidance

Building and empowering teams Transforming organizations and programs

Serving as collaborator and public ambassador

mailto:[email protected]

Christopher R. Swanson, MPA • [email protected]

Page 2 of 3

Office of Genesee County Sheriff (continued) Internal Security Services • Direct the care, custody, and control of 840 incarcerated inmates. • Establish protocols for visitor management, screening, and guest services. • Safeguard staff and 150,000+ visitors entering county court buildings each year. • Research and implement electronic tools to keep pace with advances in technology.

County-wide Security Services • Join forces with area agencies and community organizations to plan and monitor major public

events (e.g. Back to the Bricks, attracting 500,000 visitors). • Consult with the University of Michigan-Flint Public Safety department to investigate internal

cases and perform other law enforcement functions. • Act as commander of Genesee County Emergency Management services (under auspices of the

Department of Homeland Security and the Emergency Response Unit of the Office of the Sheriff). • Serve as the sheriff’s office lead representative to the Genesee County Medical Control Authority.

Business & Management Operations • Manage command-level HR functions including payroll. • Negotiate collective bargaining agreements. Hear grievances and respond to unfair labor practice

complaints. Sustain successful arbitration record. Interface with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Civil Rights Commission, American Civil Liberties Union, and the NAACP.

• Negotiate multimillion-dollar contracts with vendors providing goods and services to the department, and with agencies contracting law enforcement services from the county.

• Oversee application and administration of grants.

Community Liaison • In tandem with the sheriff, represent the office to national, state, and local media and the public. • Developed and launched several high-impact programs to promote alcohol and drug awareness/

prevention. Recently produced Chasing the Dragon, a multimedia presentation already viewed by 20,000+ students, currently under consideration for national distribution through the Michigan Department of Education.

• Command Elder Abuse and Exploitation task force. • Serve on Genesee County Gun Board. • Work closely with the Michigan State Police, FBI, ATF, DEA, and the US Secret Service.

Career Chronology Undersheriff (2011–Present) Captain of Law Enforcement Operations (2004–2011) Detective Lieutenant (2003–2004) Detective Sergeant (2001–2003), Patrol Sergeant (2000–2001), Corrections Sergeant (1999–2000) Police/Paramedic Deputy (1994 & 1996–2000) Special Operations Deputy–Narcotics & Gang Enforcement (1994–1995) Corrections Deputy (1993–1994), Marine Deputy (1991–1993)

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT 1997–Present

Adjunct Faculty/Lecturer II – Health Sciences and Administration HCR 120 Emergency Response, HCR 203 Core Concepts in Health Care, HCR 370 Leadership in

Health Care. Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall

Christopher R. Swanson, MPA • [email protected]

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ADDITIONAL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Keynote Speaker/Trainer/Writer | Contractual/Freelance | 2003–Present • Invited to make national keynote presentations to organizations such as International

Crime Stoppers, 3M, Edward Jones, Quicken Loans, All Grace Outreach, Operation Underground Railroad, The State of Michigan, The Kansas State Department of Transportation

• Developed and present “Policing with a Purpose” and “Behind the Walls” ethics and leadership training programs to agencies including Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Royal Oak Police Department, Grand Traverse County Courts, reaching more than 1,000 personnel to date.

• Author of the Best Selling book Tin Man to IRONMAN, a personal development and leadership. Blood, Guts and Things That Drive You Nuts. Founder of Swanson Leadership and host of the Ask The Ironman Show.

Emergency Medicine Instructor | Multiple law enforcement agencies | 1994-Present • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Emergency Response, CPR/First Aid

Adjunct Faculty | Hurley Medical Center & McLaren Flint | 1994–2007 • ACLS and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) initial and recertification for physicians,

nursing, and other professional staff

Instructor | Flint Police Academy | 1996–2001 • Emergency Medicine and Conquering Negativity

EDUCATION & TRAINING THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Master of Public Administration–Criminal Justice, Rackham School of Graduate Studies Bachelor of Applied Science, UM-Flint

Highlights of Relevant Training National Incident Management System [NIMS] IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 (FEMA/Department of

Homeland Security) Computer Forensics (National White Collar Crime Center) Basic and Intermediate Forensic Imaging and Data Recovery (Encase) Interview and Interrogation (Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates) Executive Protection (US Secret Service)

LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS State of Michigan Licensed Paramedic Instructor Coordinator [I/C] State of Michigan Licensed Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor [ACLS-I] Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor [PALS-I] First Responder, First Aid, and CPR Instructor Forensic Medical Examiner Investigator Certified Police Officer [MCOLES]

PERSONAL SYNOPSIS Received multiple Genesee County Office of the Sheriff internal commendations for lifesaving

and meritorious service. Named Officer of the Year by the Hundred Club of Flint. Host of the Ask The Ironman Show and author. Successfully finished 4 IRONMAN competitions.

Documents

CHRISTOPHER R. SWANSON - Genesee County, Michigan · Christopher R. Swanson Application Page 4 of 9 3. Genesee County has a richly varied population. Serving it requires not only