Brian D. Bassett
Director of Public Safety / Chief of Police
Administration
Department Leadership and SupportThe Administration division supports police and fire operations with budgeting, personnel, training, IT, policy review and community outreach.
About the Administration
The Chesterfield Township Department of Public Safety Administration division facilitates the operational support of the police and fire departments. Its job is to make sure police and fire services are delivered effectively and efficiently while the department maintains quality training and standards.
Administrative responsibilities include purchasing, accounts payable, department budget planning, township board items, cost recovery, personnel management, payroll, training, equipment, building security and management, information technology, policy review and community outreach. Most of that work happens behind the scenes, but it is what keeps officers equipped, trained and paid, and it is how the department accounts to the Township Board for the public money it spends.
In 2025 the Department of Public Safety was budgeted for 51 sworn officers, 31 full-time and part-time firefighters, 11 dispatchers, 9 cadets and 11 administrative staff. Director Brian D. Bassett leads the department, Captain Brian McNair serves as Administrative Captain, and three Lieutenants oversee daily police operations.
Police lieutenants are responsible for the daily operations of the police department, including all patrol sergeants, road patrol officers, dispatchers, the traffic bureau, the K-9 unit, S.W.A.T., the School Resource Officer, evidence technicians, the FTO program and cadets. The Fire Chief oversees all fire operations, including purchasing, training, records and building inspections within the fire department.
Responsibilities
- Purchasing and accounts payable
- Department budget planning and township board items
- Cost recovery for false alarms and OWI arrests
- Personnel management and payroll
- Training coordination and grant management
- Equipment, building security and facility management
- Information technology
- Policy review in support of MLEAC accreditation
- Community outreach and public relations
Cost Recovery
Township Ordinance 90 provides that residences and businesses with one or two false alarms in a calendar year receive a written warning. Three or more false alarm calls are invoiced according to the township fee schedule. In 2025 the department collected $10,050 in false alarm fees.
Township Ordinance 101 allows the department to invoice an individual for the resources used in an OWI or suspected impaired driving arrest. Cost recovery payments in 2025 totaled $25,012.26. The 42-2 District Court also reported $61,053.26 in fines to the department during the year.
Grants
In 2025 the Department of Public Safety participated in and received funding from several grant programs that assist with law enforcement and fire equipment, totaling in excess of $790,000.
- Byrne Justice Grant: reimbursement of up to half the cost of a bulletproof vest for police officers
- C.O.M.E.T.: support for the officer assigned to the County of Macomb Enforcement Team
- Highway Safety Grant: Office of Highway Safety Planning assistance for traffic and safety programs
- MCOLES Public Safety Academy Assistance Program: basic law enforcement training, academy scholarships and salaries for employed recruits
- Operation Stonegarden (OPSG): reimbursement for operations that secure U.S. borders along routes of ingress, supporting Marine One on Lake St. Clair
- Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity state grant: firefighter turnout gear
By the Numbers
Administration Activity
| Position | Authorized |
|---|---|
| Director of Public Safety | 1 |
| Captain | 1 |
| Lieutenants | 3 |
| Sergeants | 10 |
| Patrol Officers | 24 |
| Detectives | 4 |
| Traffic officers | 2 |
| School Resource Officer | 1 |
| K-9 handlers | 2 |
| Training | 1 |
Administration Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the Chesterfield Township Police Department?
Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Brian D. Bassett leads both the police and fire departments. Captain Brian McNair is the Administrative Captain and serves as Acting Chief in the Director's absence.
How large is the department?
For 2025 the Department of Public Safety was budgeted for 51 sworn officers, 31 firefighters, 11 dispatchers, 9 cadets and 11 administrative staff.
How do I compliment or file a complaint about an employee?
Use the Citizen Complaint or Compliment form, or call the main line at (586) 949-2322. Every complaint is reviewed by department administration.
Where can I read the department's annual report?
Annual reports from 2016 through 2025 are posted on the Annual Reports page under the Department menu.