Chartered labor organization · Behind the badge

Strength, protection, and a united voice for Wayne County deputies.

We stand with the deputies who serve Wayne County — enforcing the contract, backing members through investigations and charges, and carrying one clear voice to the table on wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Join the Association Member support

24-Hour: Confidential member lifeline
1 Contract: Enforced, line by line
Every Shift: Steward representation

Wayne County Deputy Sheriff's Association shield

Confidential · 24-Hour

POAM Member Lifeline

A confidential 24-hour service that connects members and their families with professionally trained counselors for moral support, guidance, and assistance.

(313) 937-5105

Program this number into your phone now — support for you and your family, whenever you need it.

Facing criminal charges? POAM Extended Legal Representation.

Through the Police Officers Association of Michigan, members facing criminal charges receive extended legal representation that begins where basic labor coverage ends — representation by a POAM-selected attorney through investigatory interviews, arraignment, pre-trial, trial, and sentencing.

Claims are made by notifying POAM within the program's time limits, using POAM forms.
Coverage applies to qualifying on-duty and off-duty conduct in Michigan.
Speak with your steward or an officer to begin a claim.

POAM · 27056 Joy Road, Redford, MI 48239 · (313) 937-9000 · poam.net

What we stand for

Representation you can count on.

01 · Defense

Legal & disciplinary defense

Legal representation for members facing criminal charges, plus support through internal investigations, so no member stands alone.

02 · Contract

Contract enforcement

We hold the county to every article of the agreement — wages, overtime, seniority, staffing, and discipline.

03 · Voice

A voice at the table

Disciplined bargaining and a single, credible union position when it counts most for the membership.

Your membership

What membership delivers.

Membership isn't a card in your wallet — it's the difference between facing a career-defining moment with a team behind you or on your own.

✓Legal representation for chargesExtended legal representation through POAM when members face criminal charges — beyond basic labor coverage.
✓Grievance & discipline supportRepresentation through investigations, Loudermill hearings, and appeals.
✓Negotiated wages & benefitsThe pay scale, premiums, and protections your dues defend.
✓24-hour member lifelineConfidential counseling for you and your family through the POAM Member Lifeline.

Know your rights

Weingarten & Garrity Rights

If you are called into an investigatory meeting that you reasonably believe could lead to discipline, request your union representative immediately. Your employer is not required to remind you—you must ask.

If you are a public employee and are ordered to answer questions as part of an administrative investigation under threat of discipline, Garrity protections may apply. Compelled statements generally cannot be used against you in a criminal prosecution.

“If this discussion could lead to discipline, I respectfully request that my union representative be present. Without representation, I choose not to answer questions. If I am being ordered to answer questions as a condition of my employment, I request clarification as to whether this is a compelled administrative interview under Garrity and that my constitutional rights be preserved.”

Remember

Weingarten — Right to union representation during investigatory interviews that may result in discipline.

Garrity — Protects compelled statements from being used against you in a criminal case while requiring compliance with lawful administrative orders.

Stay calm. Assert your rights respectfully.

Member notice

Latest from the Association

Contracts, meeting minutes, video briefings, and urgent notices are posted here as they're released.

Stay involved

Meetings & roll call.

General Membership

Monthly

Open to all members. Bargaining updates, votes, and open floor. Watch the notice board for date and location.

Executive Board

As called

Officers set the agenda, act on grievances, and manage association business between general meetings.

Steward Contact

Every shift

A steward is designated for each shift. Find yours on the Board & Stewards page.

Common questions

Members ask.

What do I do if you are questioned or facing possible discipline?

If questioning could lead to discipline, request your union representative (Weingarten). If you are compelled to answer as a condition of employment, invoke Garrity. Do not give a voluntary statement without representation. Contact your steward or an officer as soon as possible — and if criminal charges follow, POAM's Extended Legal Representation Program may apply.

Do I have to answer questions in an internal investigation?

Investigatory interviews carry specific rights. Request your union representative before answering, and let your rep advise you on the difference between administrative and criminal questioning.

How do I file a grievance?

Contact your shift steward or an executive board officer as soon as possible — grievances are time-sensitive under the contract. Your steward will help document the issue and start the process.

How do I become a member?

Reach out through the Join section below or speak with any steward. They'll walk you through enrollment and dues.

Stand with us

One badge. One association. One voice.

Add your name to the deputies who back each other on and off the clock. Membership means representation the day you need it most.

Request membership info Contact a steward