Pontiac Policing Plan Delayed

PONTIAC (WWJ) - There has been a delay in the transfer of police service in the city of Pontiac.

It was supposed to be May 1, when the Oakland County Sheriff's Department took over Pontiac patrol duty. But, Friday, Mayor Leon Jukowski  said it's not going to happen that fast.

Jukowski said there are still some final details to be worked out.

"It's basically crossing your t's and dotting your i's. But it's also transferring our people over to the Sheriff's department. They've gotta get uniforms, guns, orientation, all of that kind of stuff," Jukowski said.

"It's not something where you can simply throw a switch and send everybody out there tomorrow," he said.

Mayor Jukowski said he expects the transfer to be completed within a couple months.  When the deal does go through, Jukowski said it's expected to save the city up to $2 million a year.

At a donut shop on Woodward Avenue, just south of downtown, WWJ's Mike Campbell spoke with some Pontiac residents who said they'll miss their police department.

"I grew up with half of the Pontiac Police Department. Basically, they're good boys, good girls," one man said.

"They're tax payers like I pay. That's why I liked them... still do," said another.

Despite two judges' opinions this week siding with Pontiac's police union, members voted 35 to 5 to close the department. Union officers are hoping the consolidation will allow them to keep their pension and retiree health coverage.

Pontiac's Emergency Financial Manager said the change will allow the city to receive revenue-sharing dollars from Lansing.