Michigan

On Sept. 15, 2012, a woman who lives in Kent County, Mich., contacted the sheriff’s office and reported that someone was stalking her. Deputies contacted a local Videofied dealer and borrowed a video alarm system monitored by a CSAA central station.

The central station received the alarm, reviewed the video and alerted the Kent County PSAP.  The video clearly shows the stalker pouring gasoline around the woman’s home while she was inside. The suspect was apprehended swiftly before he could light the gasoline.

Long-time supporter of the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) program and video verified alarms Keith Jentoft, of the Partnership for Priority Response, says, “In this case, it was not just about saving property but about saving a life. This kind of outcome is incredibly satisfying and really does make a difference.”

Congratulations to Sheriff Larry Stelma and the deputies with the Kent County Michigan Sheriff’s Department on a job well done.

About the Author

Bill Hobgood is a project manager for the city of Richmond’s DIT Public Safety Team with 40 years of experience in public safety. He is also a project coordinator for APCO’s Comm Center & 9-1-1 Services Department and a subject matter expert on the ASAP project.  Contact Bill via e-mail at [email protected].