Ogemaw County reclassifies court bailiffs as "special deputies," approves training with unanimous vote

The Ogemaw County Board voted to reclassify eight court security bailiffs as "special deputies" and to approve their participation in required training after county staff and legal counsel raised liability concerns about the current deputization status.

During a presentation, staff explained that the bailiffs had previously been deputized as deputy sheriffs but that statute requires deputization as a special deputy in situations where MCOL police certification is not met. County staff said the change and standardized training would reduce liability. The resolution cites MCL 51.70 as the statutory authority for special-deputy status.

The board entertained a motion and then conducted a roll-call vote. Commissioners David, Mayhew, Scott and Wiltsie voted yes; Commissioner Sirbrook was absent. Staff said the county would pay this year's training cost (about $600 for the eight bailiffs, with future training budgeted at $1,200) from the bailiff-pay line and would finalize the swearing-in and training steps next week.

Quote: "The solution is really great. Step 1 would be to deputize all 8 of these as a special deputy that takes the liability out," Francine said as she described the legal and insurance discussions behind the recommendation.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the paperwork for special-deputy swearing and enroll the bailiffs in the listed trainings; HR and the sheriff's office will coordinate the logistics.

Ending: The resolution passed by roll-call vote; the board asked staff to complete the administrative steps and ensure training and swearing are scheduled promptly.