Wayne County Commission extends Allied Universal security contract for one year to maintain courthouse coverage

Wayne County commissioners voted May 6 to approve a retroactive one-year amendment to the professional services contract with Universal Protection Service, LLC, DBA Allied Universal Security to provide supplemental armed and unarmed security at county facilities, including courthouse buildings.

County Chief of Staff Brian Reinhart, speaking for the administration, told the commission the extension would maintain existing Allied staffing “with no reduction in staffing” while giving the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office time to recruit and certify additional deputies.

The commissioners were told the extension is intended as a temporary measure while the sheriff’s office conducts a “robust campaign” to certify more officers. Robert Dunlap, chief of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office (jails and courts), said recent recruiting gains include a graduating jailers class of 34 and another 34 scheduled to begin training in early June; he estimated a recent net gain of “approximately 24” officers after accounting for attrition.

Chief Judge, Wayne County Circuit Court, told commissioners the court had been concerned about security early in the Allied contract but described improved cooperation among the court, Allied and the sheriff’s office. The judge said Allied officers have been trained and integrated and that the court now has an Allied officer assigned to each courtroom daily. Jan Hiller, security director for the court, was identified as working closely with the sheriff’s office and Allied on training.

Commissioners asked about union reactions and the prospect of bringing Allied employees into county service. Reinhart said he had spoken with Corporal Cox, president of the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) local, and that Cox “understands our position” though he did not describe a formal union agreement; Reinhart said the union asked only to be involved in further extensions if necessary. Commissioners also discussed whether some non‑sworn personnel could perform limited courthouse functions so certified officers could be redeployed; county staff and the judge said such changes were under discussion but not finalized.

Members clarified that the sheriff is statutorily required to staff the jail and to staff courts as directed by the chief judge; Rob Whittingham, chief strategy officer, and others said the extension would be revisited after one year. Reinhart said the sheriff’s office, the county executive’s office, the union and the court would convene at the end of the extension to decide on any further staffing or contract action.

On a motion from Commissioner Araki, supported by Commissioner Bacon McCormick, the commission approved the amendment; the chair voted yes and the motion carried.

The action maintains the status quo at courthouse security for the next year while the sheriff’s office continues recruitment and certification efforts and while county, court and union representatives review staffing needs.