Sheriff's Office

Posse

Sheriffs' Posses have existed in the United States since the 1700's. In the West, territorial jurisdictions were vast and law enforcement was minimal. Sheriffs and marshals often deputized ranchers, farmers, cowboys, and townspeople to help enforce the law and hunt down and capture criminals and escapees. Qualifications for these early-day Posse members required little more than the ability to shoot straight, ride a horse, follow a trail, and survive for long periods of time in the field. Records show that Posses have been used to cover Newaygo County since the 1890's. Our current Posse was organized in 1972 and has continually served the citizens of Newaygo County since then.

In addition to completing basic law enforcement training which includes: basic law, community relations, patrol procedures, communications, arrest control, and firearms, new Posse members must also pass extensive background investigations, plus integrity and oral board interviews.

Posse members provide security coverage for the weeklong Newaygo County Fair and Rodeo and for the 4-H Carnival. Other security details include crime scenes, plane crashes, manhunts, floods, drownings, and forest fire roadblocks and evacuations. The Posse is on call to provide assistance for search and rescue operations and evidence searching. They provide a valuable service to the community and to our agency.

For further information about the Newaygo County Sheriff's Posse or for assistance in forming a Posse in your county, please contact: Sgt. Lee Fetterley or Posse Lt. Bill

Hamilton at 231-689-7303

 1035 E James Street, PO Box 845   White Cloud, Michigan 49349
Phone: (231) 689-7303    Fax: (231) 689-7273