Welcome to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Message From the Sheriff Dear Residents:  With winter weather in full swing, low temperatures and snowfall make for dangerous driving conditions on our roads.  Too often, drivers do not take the necessary actions or make the proper adjustments required to safely operate their vehicles in wintery conditions.  By observing a few, basic guidelines, all drivers can protect themselves and others. Prior to departure, it is critical to thoroughly clear your vehicle of snow and ice.  Failing to fully clear windows, mirrors and headlights results in poor visibility for you, the driver, while failing to fully clear all other lights and side markers is critical to allow other drivers to see and react to signals from your vehicle. Furthermore, every driver must ensure that his or her vehicle's license plate is clear and legible for lawful operation of the vehicle. Incorporating extra drive time into your travel plans is essential, as you must reduce your speed on icy roads.  The posted speed limit does not necessarily apply in inclement weather.  Rather, drivers must adjust their speed by taking into consideration conditions that will hinder safe travel.  Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is critical.  Should you or another driver lose control of your vehicle, a collision is less likely to occur if there is an ample amount of space between you.  When approaching a stop, braking should begin much earlier.  If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system ("ABS"), constant, steady pressure should be applied during braking. With a traditional braking system, however, you should lightly pulse the brake pedal, applying pressure in a manner that keeps your vehicle's wheels turning rather than skidding. While is it wise to carry a cellular telephone with you on the road in case of an emergency, it is important not to use it casually while driving.  Minor distractions such as cell phone use or radio adjustments account for the majority of automobile accidents that occur on our roads. --Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is proud to be one of only fifteen recipients from across the nation to be honored with the Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's Freedom Award.   You can help solve serious crimes.  If you have information about a crime you want to share anonymously, call Crime Stoppers of Southeast Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK UP. Oakland County Sheriff's Office CRIME TIPLINE is another way you can share information  to help solve crimes.  If you have information about any crime in Oakland County, please call 1-888-TURN-1-IN OR 1-888-887-6146. Holiday Shopping Safety  - Do you know what it means to be a safe shopper? Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks about things that you can do to help protect yourself and reduce your odds of becoming a victim of crime while shopping this holiday season. Getting to School Safely - Is your child's route to school safe? Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks about what parents can do to ensure their child has a safe route to and from school. (podcast) May 12, 2008-National Peace Officers Memorial Day Oakland County Sheriff's Office Annual Awards Day- Click Here to see who the honorees are. "Each year, it is truly my pleasure to be able to honor the men and women who serve and protect our community," said Sheriff Bouchard.  "I am proud of the remarkable job that is done by the officers from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office as well as surrounding agencies during the year 2007." STOPPED Program (Sheriff Telling Our Parents and Promoting Educated Drivers) - Register your young driver's vehicle here! Protect your loved one and the community by joining STOPPED today. STOPPED is a voluntary parental notification system developed to reduce the number of young drivers who are injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes each year. Help Keep Young Drivers Safe - Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks about the STOPPED Program and how parents can get involved in this parental notification program to promote safe driving. (podcast)   Sending Cigars to the Troops- If you would like to help with shipping and/or purchasing additional cigars to send to Michigan Military Troops overseas, click here. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is proud to highlight the service of its post 9/11 military service veterans.                                                                                                                Protecting Your Child Against Internet Crimes - Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks about internet safety and how to protect your children against online predators. (podcast) Protecting Yourself from Law Enforcement Impersonators -  Sheriff Bouchard is warning citizens to beware of con artists trying to pose as a law enforcement official to gain access to personal information and property. Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial Website  Sheriff's Re-CYCLE for Kids -  Sheriff Michael Bouchard and local charitable organizations teaming up to provide bicycles to children who would not otherwise be able to afford one, bringing joy into a child's life. Oakland County Sheriff's Office Emergency Handbook-If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to sit down with your family and create your plan. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office has available an  Emergency Handbook (PDF file size 596k) which will help you in becoming more informed and more prepared. Included are guidelines which will assist you in making your plan, and also local resources you may access in the event of an emergency.