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.

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.