Special Event Services

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement support for community and special events held throughout Ottawa County. These services are designed to assist organizers in maintaining a safe environment for participants, spectators, and the public during events such as festivals, parades, races, charitable events, and other large gatherings.

Services May Include

Deputies may be assigned to assist with:

• Traffic direction and roadway management
• Pedestrian safety and crossing control
• Traffic enforcement in and around the event area
• Crowd management and public safety support
• High-visibility law enforcement presence

Role of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office

Special Event Services provided by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office are intended to support public safety operations and law enforcement needs associated with an event. These services are not intended to serve as private security.

Event organizers remain responsible for providing adequate staffing, security personnel, volunteers, medical support, and any additional resources necessary for the safe operation of the event. Sheriff’s Office personnel supplement an event’s overall safety plan but should not be considered the sole security resource.

Permits and Event Requirements

Submission of a Special Event Service Request does not replace any required permits, approvals, or licenses associated with the event.

Event organizers are responsible for complying with all applicable local, township, city, county, and state requirements. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office does not issue or approve event permits and cannot waive permitting requirements established by other jurisdictions.

Rates and Billing

Special Event Services are billed per deputy, per hour, and include the use of a patrol vehicle. A two-hour minimum staffing requirement applies.

2026 Rates

• Non-Holiday Rate: $131 per hour
• Holiday Rate: $198 per hour

Holiday rates apply on:

• New Years Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Invoices and payment processing are managed through Ottawa County administrative and fiscal services. Questions regarding billing or payment status should be directed to the appropriate fiscal services staff.

Requesting Services

To request Special Event Services, complete the Special Event Service Request form and provide any supporting documentation that may assist with planning, including:

• Event permits
• Route maps
• Site plans
• Traffic control plans
• Safety or emergency information

Requests should be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the event date. Requests submitted after that timeframe may be denied due to staffing availability.

A representative from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office may contact the event organizer to discuss event logistics, staffing needs, and operational considerations.

Cancellations and Changes

Please submit requests only after event details have been reasonably finalized. Last-minute cancellations or significant schedule changes may impact staffing operations and resource planning.

If an event must be canceled or modified, organizers should notify the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible.