Speakers Bureau
Looking for a speaker for your next meeting? The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is here to help. We offer talks to various groups, including teen drivers, neighborhood watch, seniors, schools, and civic organizations. Sessions last between 30 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes, with time for questions and discussion. This service is free of charge.
Choose a topic below and email Reserve Lieutenant Rodney Bridgeforth to schedule a session.
Topics
- Business-related Topics
- Crime Prevention Topics
- Drug & Gang-related Topics
- Home Safety Topics
- Miscellaneous Topics
Business-related Topics
Check Fraud
Learn about check fraud and whether your business should accept checks. Understand how to protect your business from counterfeit, stolen, or modified checks. Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
This course offers strategies for surviving an active shooter event. Topics include history, civilian response options, and drills. Free for businesses and the public. Approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Credit Card Fraud
Discover how to protect your business from stolen and counterfeit credit cards. Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Currency Counterfeiting
Learn to spot counterfeit money and stay ahead of counterfeiters. Approximately 1 hour.
Employee Theft
Detect and prevent employee theft, one of the largest losses for businesses. Approximately 1 hour.
Retail Theft
Learn how to deter and detect shoplifting with store layout and other methods. Approximately 1 hour.
Robbery Protection
Understand how to reduce the risk of robbery and what to do if it occurs. Approximately 1 hour.
Security Video
Explore the use of cameras and recording equipment for security. Approximately 1 hour.
Crime Prevention Topics
Auto Theft
Protect your vehicles from theft. Approximately 45 minutes.
Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
Strategies for surviving an active shooter event. Free for businesses and the public. Approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Crime Prevention 101
Learn the principles of crime prevention and the role of the Criminal Justice System. Approximately 50 minutes.
Financial Security
Discover safe financial transactions and how to protect them. Approximately 50 minutes.
I.D. Theft
Protect yourself from identity theft and know what to do if it happens. Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Observation Skills
Sharpen your observation skills and learn what information is important to law enforcement. Approximately 60 minutes.
Personal Safety
Avoid dangerous situations and learn about levels of awareness. Approximately 45 minutes.
Reporting Suspicious Activities
Learn when to call the police and how your call is handled. Approximately 50 minutes.
Scams!
Understand common scams and how to protect yourself. Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Target-Hardening Your Home
Make your home more secure with easy tips and actions. Approximately 1 hour.
Travel Safety
Stay safe while traveling and avoid becoming a target. Approximately 45 minutes.
Drug & Gang-related Topics
Gangs
Learn about the history of gangs and how to identify them. Approximately 45 minutes.
Marijuana
Discover the effects and dangers of marijuana use. Approximately 40 minutes.
Methamphetamines
Understand the impact of meth and how it affects communities. Approximately 45 minutes.
Home Safety Topics
Disaster Planning for the Home
Prepare for disasters and know what supplies you need. Approximately 1 hour.
Home Safety
Learn how to prevent accidents at home. Approximately 1 hour.
Miscellaneous Topics
Cell Phones – Safety Tool or Safety Hazard?
Explore the benefits and risks of cell phone use. Approximately 45 minutes.
Neighborhood Watch
Learn about Neighborhood Watch and how to start a group in your area. Approximately 45 minutes.
