Introduction from police and court reporter

Hello, my name is Ben Baird, and as of earlier this month I am the police and court reporter covering Washtenaw County for Heritage Media.

My beat includes the local police and fire departments, the Michigan State Police, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, the county trial court, and the county's three district courts. I have established a nice level of contact with many of these agencies, while others are still a work in progress. Regardless I want to do my best to pass on information so that residents have a better idea of what is going on in their communities.

Previously I wrote for two other Heritage Media publications, the News-Herald and Press & Guide. I primarily wrote about Flat Rock for the News-Herald, but I also covered Huron Township and Trenton at times. Dearborn Heights was my focus with the Press & Guide.

One upcoming event I wanted to mention is that I am trying to arrange a ride along with an officer of the sheriff's office. I can't say for sure yet when this will occur or what sorts of things I might encounter during the ride along, but it should offer some valuable insight into local law enforcement. I will be writing about the experience and I plan to get some good video too.

If anyone has anything they are curious about or any questions they would like me to ask during the ride along, feel free to share them.

Staff Writer Ben Baird can be reached at bbaird@heritage.com.