PPO Service Now Free for Genesee County Victims

If money has ever stood between someone and their safety, that ends now in Genesee County. Sheriff Chris Swanson has announced that anyone needing a Personal Protection Order, or PPO, can now have it served completely free of charge.

Victims No Longer Pay to Have PPOs Served

Swanson says the change takes effect immediately. Victims of domestic violence or stalking can bring their court-authorized PPO to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on South Saginaw Street, where a deputy or detective will personally handle the service. He made it clear: the cost to have a PPO served should never be a barrier to keeping you or your family safe.

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Normally, getting one of these orders delivered can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 through private process servers. And while the Sheriff’s Office has never charged for the service, many victims are referred to outside providers who do. Now, that extra expense is gone, at least in Genesee County.

State Lawmakers Consider Making Policy Statewide

This local move comes as lawmakers in Lansing push for a statewide solution. Both the Michigan House and Senate recently introduced bills that would eliminate PPO service fees for everyone. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s latest state budget also sets aside more than $162 million for domestic violence prevention and crime victim services.

Sheriff Swanson: “Safety Should Never Depend on Cost”

Swanson says there’s no reason to wait for legislation to pass when lives are on the line. He said:

If you can’t afford to pay for the service, don’t let that stop you. We’ll take care of it for you at no charge.

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Anyone who needs to have a PPO served can visit the Sheriff’s Office or call the PPO Office directly at 810-257-3610 for guidance.