Sheriff Christopher Swanson
Address: 1002 S Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48502
Telephone: 810-257-3407
Website: https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/
SHERIFF CHRISTOPHER R. SWANSON
Sheriff Swanson is a career police officer with experience spanning over 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, he 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 founded the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (G.H.O.S.T.). Since inception, G.H.O.S.T. has arrested hundreds of predators 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 published 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.
