OFFICE OF GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF
SHERIFF CHRISTOPHER R. SWANSON
OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
SHERIFF CHRISTOPHER SWANSON
Leading by example
Sheriff Swanson is a career police officer with experience spanning nearly three decades. He has served in a variety of positions, including corrections, patrol, narcotics, criminal investigation, death investigation, human trafficking investigation, and command operations. As Sheriff, Christopher oversees the 5th largest Sheriff’s Office in the State of Michigan. His career has led him to witness some of the most heinous crimes and acts of violence one can imagine. Sheriff Swanson attended Mott Community College and holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Public Administration, both from the University of Michigan. In 2018 Sheriff Swanson was instrumental in the creation of the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (G.H.O.S.T.). In less than three years of work, G.H.O.S.T. has arrested hundreds of individuals on charges ranging from human trafficking to criminal sexual conduct. G.H.O.S.T. has received national attention for its efforts to combat human trafficking while also ensuring victims are given a voice. On September 8, 2020, Sheriff Swanson turned another vision into reality with the creation of Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally through Education (I.G.N.I.T.E.). Today, inmates in the Genesee County Jail go to school two hours a day, five days a week. I.G.N.I.T.E. has assisted many returning citizens find full-time employment upon release. In addition, hundreds of thousands of hours of coursework have been completed. Math skills have improved 1.5 grades and reading comprehension increased 2.5 grades. I.G.N.I.T.E. is committed to making better people, not better inmates. Since September 2021 the I.G.N.I.T.E. model has been instituted in Jail’s across America. Researchers from Harvard University, Brown University, and the University of Michigan concluded an 18-month study validating the positive effects of I.G.N.I.T.E. in communities. Also in 2020, during a time of volatile protest across the Nation in response to the killing of George Floyd, Sheriff Swanson brought protesters and officers in Flint, Michigan together. Those actions led to a viral message of hope for the nation and world. “Sheriff Swanson showed the kind of leadership, courage, and integrity that makes exemplary law enforcement leaders,” stated the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum. “They said march with us, so he did”, David Muir – Anchor ABC World News.
UNDERSHERIFF MICHAEL TOCARCHICK
Dedicated to service
Undersheriff Michael Tocarchick’s career with the Office of the Genesee County Sheriff spans over 31 years. During his tenure, he has been assigned to every division within the Sheriff’s Office with responsibilities ranging from corrections, patrol commander, paramedic commander, and criminal investigation commander. During his lengthy law enforcement career, Undersheriff Tocarchick honed his ability to become an effective investigator involved in some of the most notorious cases seen in Genesee County involving murder and real estate fraud. Undersheriff Tocarchick received numerous awards and recognition for Professional Excellence and Meritorious Service. After his retirement in 2014, he continued in a civil service role in South Florida. In 2020, he was appointed to serve as Genesee County Undersheriff in order to tap his valuable skills and experience and provide continuity to the operations. Undersheriff Tocarchick did not hesitate to come out of retirement to accept the responsibility to again serve the residents of Genesee County. Undersheriff Tocarchick honorably served in the United States Armed Forces from 1979 to 1982.
Richard Cronkright
Captain | Paramedic Division
Jillian Macey
Captain | Corrections