Elect Matt Leirstein
For Emmet County Sheriff
Building a Safer Community Together
ABOUT MATT
Putting Experience and Values into Action
As a candidate for Emmet County Sheriff, I believe in community policing which emphasizes building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community. It involves proactive engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving to address local concerns and promote trust and cooperation between the Sheriff's Office and residents.
I have worked in law enforcement for over 17 years and have a deep understanding of the challenges facing our community. I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to ensure that the Sheriff's Office is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our residents.
Let's work together to create a safer and more connected Emmet County for everyone to enjoy.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS &
SPECIAL TRAINING
Law Enforcement has been my life's work. I take pride in serving the people of Emmet County and always aim to do so to the best of my abilities. I believe the backbone to any succesful career is passion and education. Below you will find a list of my accomplishments, certifications and special training. I hope that my pursuit of these accomplishments & certifications shines as an example of my dedication to the people of Emmet County and my willingness to serve them.
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2022 – Appointed Undersheriff of the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office
Advanced Training: Undersheriff School, MACNLOW Associates Public Safety Leadership Forum, The Six Tenets of Success – Lt. Jason Redman USN, Retired – Seal Team 6.
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2018 – Promoted to Detective Sergeant – Detective Bureau Supervisor
Advanced Training: The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation, Advanced Reid Technique, Child Forensic Interviewing, Northeast Counter Drug Training Centers Interview and Interrogation, Detecting Misleading Behaviors, Social Networking for Investigations, Homicide Investigation, Using the Dark Web for Cryptocurrency and Sex Trafficking Investigations, Investigations into Child Sexual Assault and Child Sexually Abusive Materials, Child Sex Trafficking Investigations, Exploring the Sexual Abuser, Weapons of Mass Destructions Responder, Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response, Combating Human Trafficking.
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2018 – Assigned Use of Force Instructor/Subject Matter Expert.
Threat Pattern Recognition Instructor.
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2017 – Promoted to Corporal – Road Patrol Supervisor
Advanced Training: Incident Command Levels 100, 200, 300, 700 and 800.
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2015 – Assigned to Narcotics Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force as an Undercover Detective.
Advanced Training: Surveillance, Raid - Search Warrant Entry, Undercover Narcotics Operations, Current Drug Trends.
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2012 – Road Patrol Deputy of the Year
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2010 – Assigned to Emmet County Dive Team.
Certifications of Advanced Open Water Diver, Specialty Diver and Rescue Diver.
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March 26, 2007 – Hired Emmet County Sheriff’s Office/Road Patrol – Deputy Sheriff
Advanced Training: Active Killing Law Enforcement Response, Active Shooter Training, Telemetry Searches (Certified Care-Trak Operator), Radar Speed Enforcement, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, Taser Certification and Evidence Technician, Communication and Intrinsic Bias, The Bulletproof Mind for Law Enforcement Officers.
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Volunteer Fire Fighter Harbor Springs Area Fire Department 2001-2006
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Organized the Carl Vanderwall Charity Hockey Game
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Organized Military/First Responders Charity Event benefiting Braveheart Estates
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Fraternal Order of Police Road Patrol Bargaining Unit President
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Fraternal Order of Police Command Bargaining Unit President 2018-2022
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Current member of Fraternal Order of Eagles
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Current member of Petoskey Chamber of Commerce
A PLATFORM TO STAND ON
If entrusted to serve as Emmet County Sheriff, my promises to the citizens of the county encompass a range of important areas. Let's break them down one by one:
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Law and Order: As Sheriff, it is my duty to uphold the law and maintain order in the county. This includes enforcing existing laws, responding to emergencies, and ensuring public safety.
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Fiscal Responsibility: Being fiscally responsible means efficiently managing the resources allocated to the Sheriff's Office. It involves budgetary planning, prioritizing spending, and seeking cost-effective solutions to provide necessary services to the community.
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Community Policing: Community policing emphasizes building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community. It involves proactive engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving to address local concerns and promote trust and cooperation between the Sheriff's Office and residents.
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Defending Constitutional Rights: As the elected Sheriff, I have a responsibility to protect and defend the constitutional rights of all individuals within the county. This includes ensuring fair and impartial treatment, respect for civil liberties, and upholding due process.
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Training and Professional Development: I believe continuous training and professional development for law enforcement officers are crucial to ensure they stay updated on best practices, legal changes, and new technologies. Investing in training programs can enhance the capabilities and professionalism of my staff.
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Drug Abuse and Mental Health: I believe addressing drug abuse and mental health issues requires a comprehensive approach. Collaborating with community organizations, adult recovery courts, and social service agencies can help develop strategies for prevention, intervention, treatment, and support.
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Youth Programs: I believe engaging with young people through educational programs, mentorship initiatives, and recreational activities can help prevent juvenile delinquency and promote positive youth development.
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Transparency and Accountability: Promoting transparency and accountability within the Sheriff's Office fosters public trust. This can involve open communication, public access to information when appropriate, and establishing mechanisms for the fair investigation of complaints against law enforcement personnel.
As Sheriff, I will prioritize these areas while demonstrating a commitment to serving the citizenry and working towards a safer and more harmonious Emmet County.