By Dennis Volkert
Sturgis Department of Public Safety presented a five-year strategic plan at a special work session Dec. 11 involving the city commission and staff.
The plan was created with guidance from city staff, department members, input from elected officials and insight drawn from the public.
The report encompasses city vision and goals for the department, as well as structure and initiatives of the agency.
“Understanding the community’s perspective regarding strengths, weaknesses and areas of concern is vital in helping us provide the best public safety services possible,” Banaszak told commissioners in his report.
As part of the planning process, a community survey was developed to assist in guiding the goals of the public safety department in the coming years, according to Ryan Banaszak, director of public safety.
That survey was published in August and was open to response for around three weeks. It was advertised on social media, the public safety website and on some media outlets. The department received 134 responses to 13 questions.
Work groups from within the department met to discuss current challenges and identify ways to better serve the community, Banaszak’s report states.
“Across the county, public safety agencies have seen decreased interest in the professions and oftentimes a growing distrust and support from the communities they serve,” Banaszak said in the report. “Locally, while we have seen a reduction of applicants for job openings, we have continued to be successful with developing and recruiting local talent to serve their community. In addition, the support public safety personnel receive in Sturgis is second to none. The partnership between public safety and the community they serve is one that cannot be lost in times of challenge.”
Partial results from survey
The following is a summary of some survey responses. Some additional questions focused on ranking of priorities for the department, both the police and fire divisions.
What do you feel is the greatest issue facing the city of Sturgis, in terms of public safety?
- Homeless population
- Theft
- Drugs/narcotics enforcement
- Traffic enforcement
- Lack of police patrols/visibility
- Drugs
- Not enough staffing
What criminal activity do you see as impacting the quality of life in Sturgis the most? - Theft
- Drugs/Narcotics
- Homeless related issues
- Vandalism
Where do you see the Department of Public Safety needing to improve? - Increased Police visibility and patrol presence
- More traffic enforcement
- More Police Officers/Staffing increase
How do you perceive the department of public safety?
Favorably: 48%
Neutral: 36%
Unfavorably: 15%
In what area do you believe Sturgis Department of Public Services performs the best? - Community engagement and outreach
- EMS/fire response
- School safety
- Response times
How many police officers should be on patrol at all times?
2: 3%
3: 16%
4: 39%
5: 23%
More than 5: 22%
What do you believe to be the optimal number of firefighters or medical personnel to have on duty at all times?
3: 12
4: 39
5: 41
More than 5: 34
Would you support a millage or special assessment district of $150 per year to provide additional public safety personnel and new or updated facilities?
Yes: 59 (47%)
No: 20 (16%)
Would support less than $150: 27 (22%)
Would support more than $150: 19 (15%)
On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate Sturgis Department of Public Safety?
Average: 3.57
Director’s reaction to survey
Regarding the survey, Banaszak took part in a brief Q&A with Sturgis Sentinel. Some responses are edited for brevity or clarity.
Sturgis Sentinel: How will the department (and by extension, city) specifically use the insight gathered from the survey (beyond any general incorporation into the strategic plan)?
Ryan Banaszak: The community survey responses, specifically the questions related to priorities and quality of life issues, will be used to prioritize the resources of the department. With limited staffing in both the police and fire divisions, analyzing call data and community perceptions, allows us to best allocate those resources in line with department goals and community expectations.
SS: Are there any responses from the survey that surprised you?
RB: None were necessarily a surprise, more of a confirmation of feedback we hear from the community on a regular basis. The community desires proactive police enforcement to issues as opposed to a reactive response to calls for service. In addition, the community desires a rapid response to EMS calls. We are currently meeting that expectation with an average response time of less than 5 minutes to all call types.
SS: Based on responses, and any previous surveys or input the department has received, have community priorities shifted in recent years as it pertains to public safety? If so, how? What others have remained consistent?
RB: Overall, the priorities of the community have stayed consistent through time. Areas like traffic safety and drug enforcement have long been priorities of the community. It was evident in the survey that the growing homeless population in Sturgis has become a concern to many and was viewed as a priority for the Department.
Vision and goals for public health, safety
Providing services, both emergency and preventative, to address issues related to the basic health and safety of citizens.
Vision: Provide services that foster an environment of safety, security and well-being to all members of the community.
Goal 1: Provide high-quality police/fire/EMS/ambulance services in an efficient and effective manner.
Goal 2: Focus on enforcement of laws/rules/codes that will improve the safe and secure atmosphere of the community.
Goal 3: Engage in strategies to ensure that municipal services related to public health and safety are accessible to and effective for all members of the community.
Online: www.sturgispublicsafetymi.org
