Sheriff's Office

Law Enforcement Investigative Division

The Kent County Sheriff's Office Investigative Division is committed to the highest standards of crime solving, criminal apprehension, and the successful prosecution of those responsible for violating the criminal statutes of the State of Michigan. To accomplish these standards, our Division must select and train the most motivated and skillful of individuals. Competent investigators are required to understand complex laws, proper police procedure, interviewing and interrogation techniques, communication and computer skills, along with the knowledge of appropriate processes for the collection of forensic evidence. We are committed to working with all available resources so that the quality of life, safety, and security of our community can be enhanced.

(616) 632-6125
(616) 632-6154

Silent Observer
(616) 774-2345

Supervision

Captain Justin DeBoode
justin.deboode@kentcountymi.gov
(616) 632-6187
Responsible for the overall operations of the Investigative Division, Transfer/Court Security, Crime Scene Unit (CSU) and Property Management.

Lieutenant Bill Marks
(616) 632-6132
William.marks@kentcountymi.gov
Supervises sergeants and detectives assigned to the Major Case Team, General Case Team, and Property Management Unit

Lieutenant Robert Porter
(616) 632-6155
Robert.porter@kentcountymi.gov
Supervises sergeants and detectives assigned to the Vice Unit, Crime Scene Unit (CSU)

Lieutenant Eric Brunner
(616) 632-6189
eric.brunner@kentcountymi.gov
Supervises sergeants and detectives assigned to Family Services and oversees the Human Trafficking Task Force.

Sergeant Matt Hooker
(616) 632-6172
matthew.hooker@kentcountymi.gov
First-line supervisor overseeing detectives assigned to Family Services and Friend of the Court (FOC).

Sergeant Josh Thomas
(616) 632-6156
joshua.thomas@kentcountymi.gov
First-line supervisor overseeing detectives assigned to Family Services and Friend of the Court (FOC).

Sergeant Joe White
(616) 632-6138
martin.albert@kentcountymi.gov
First-line supervisor for detectives assigned to the VICE unit (KANET & DEA).

Sergeant Marty Albert
(616) 632-6133
martin.albert@kentcountymi.gov
First line supervisor overseeing detectives assigned to the Major Case Team ICAC, MPACT and Property Management.

Staffing Levels

(Staffing levels by unit assignment and description of cases assigned to these various units)

Unit Name Detectives Assigned Description Of Cases Generally Assigned

Major Case
(violent crimes)

4

Homicide, arson resulting in serious injury or death, aggravated/felonious assaults resulting in serious injury, missing persons under suspicious circumstances, suicide, suspicious death, kidnapping/abduction (excluding parental kidnapping), armed/unarmed robbery, and sexual assaults involving adult victims.

Computer Crimes Unit (ICAC)

1

One detectives is assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC).

Joint Terrorist Task Force (JTTF)

1

One detective is assigned to the Joint Terrorist Task Force (JTTF).

General Case

9

Seven detectives assigned to investigate crimes such as home invasions, business break-ins, destruction of property, embezzlement, vulnerable adult crimes, and frauds.

Two detectives assigned to investigate domestic violence, Personal Protection Order (PPO) violations, and all misdemeanor warrant requests generated at the patrol level.

Family Services

10

Three detectives assigned to the Children's Advocacy Center responsible for investigating sexual abuse cases of children under 16 years old.

Four detectives assigned to investigate crimes involving juveniles.

Three detectives assigned to the Friend of the Court as Court Enforcement Officers.

Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF)

3

Responsible for investigating cases of suspected human trafficking.

Metro Pattern Crimes Team (MPCT)

1

Responsible for assisting this multi-jurisdictional task force in investigating crimes that fit a pattern.

Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (KANET)*

8

Primary responsibilities are narcotic investigations. Additional investigations may include gambling, prostitution, and alcohol violations.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

1

Responsible for assisting the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating narcotic law violations impacting Kent County from any location in the world.

* The Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (KANET) is composed of detectives from the Kent County Sheriff's Office, Grandville Police Department, Walker Police Department, and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. KANET investigates vice related crimes including drugs, gambling, prostitution, and alcohol violations. The origins of these investigations are primarily from citizen complaints, Silent Observer tips, road patrol incidents, and informants. Any proceeds that are associated with narcotic criminal activity are seized and given due process within the court system. Those assets which are ultimately ordered forfeited, are used in accordance with state law, which primarily enhances and supports narcotics enforcement.