Speakers Bureau

Sheriff SpeakerDoes your group or organization need a speaker for an upcoming meeting? The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office can help. We speak to many groups in the county including teen drivers, neighborhood watch, seniors groups, schools, and civic organizations. Each unit runs from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes in length. These times are estimates and sessions may run longer, based on questions and discussion. Discussion and questions are encouraged. There is no charge for this service.

Select a topic from those listed below and contact Reserve Lieutenant Rodney Bridgeforth by email.

  1. Business-related Topics
  2. Crime Prevention Topics
  3. Drug & Gang-related Topics
  4. Home Safety Topics
  5. Miscellaneous Topics

Check Fraud

Check fraud is a growing criminal activity. This program discusses whether or not your business should accept checks, how thieves use counterfeit, stolen or modified checks to defraud your business. Also if should your business write checks for payroll or bills? What are the hazards and how to avoid them? Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office of Domestic Preparedness is offering a class on the topic of surviving an active shooter event. The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend strategy developed by ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training), provides strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event.

Topics include the history and prevalence of active shooter events, the role of professional guardians, civilian response options, medical issues, and drills. This class is provided free of charge to businesses and the public. Contact Lt. Bob Kirk or Sgt. Wayne Polomcak at 269-657-7786 for scheduling or questions. Approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Credit Card Fraud

Stolen and counterfeit credit cards have become big business for thieves. This program talks about security measures and how to protect your business from being a victim of this criminal activity. Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Currency Counterfeiting

Our currency is being counterfeited at an alarming rate; thieves have high tech scanners and printers to manufacture bills with very good quality. Learn how to spot counterfeit money and how thieves have learned how to bypass the common methods of detection. Keep your business a step ahead of counterfeiters. Approximately 1 hour.

Employee Theft

One of the largest losses for business is theft by employees; learn how to detect it and methods on prevention. Approximately 1 hour.

Retail Theft

Retail theft or shop lifting can be limited by store layout and other methods which can be easy to implement. Learn how to deter and detect those who would steal items from your business. Discus the legal aspects of detaining a suspected shoplifter. Approximately 1 hour.

Robbery Protection

Is my business a target for a robbery? What do robbers look for and how to correct the issues? Opening and closing each day is the most dangerous times, what can be done to reduce the risk? What should I do if I am robbed? Approximately 1 hour

Security Video

This program discusses the use of cameras and recording equipment. With this type of equipment becoming less expensive with self installation, it may be an option to add this to your business or home security system. The program will cover the pitfalls and legal considerations as well. Approximately 1 hour.