At the request of City Council, the Farmington Public Safety Department prepared an overview of how it interacts with outside law enforcement agencies. This is not a political statement — it is an explanation of Farmington Public Safety’s role, jurisdiction, and how we serve our community.

Working with Outside Agencies
Farmington Public Safety Department relies on strong professional relationships with local, county, state, and federal agencies. Some incidents are complex and span multiple jurisdictions, requiring resources we do not have on our own. For example:

·         A few years ago, there was a shooting at Zap Zone.  Assistance from outside agencies, including federal partners, helped connect evidence and solve the case.

·         For parades and festivals, Farmington routinely receives traffic control support and specialized resources such as bomb-detection teams from neighboring departments.

These outside agencies do not take over our investigation — they partner with us to provide equipment, expertise, and personnel when needed.

Mutual aid works both ways. We assist surrounding communities during large events and critical incidents as well.

Jurisdiction & Authority
Farmington officers are sworn in by the City and have authority within our city limits. We can assist other communities only when formally requested, and they do the same for us.

However, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, and federal agencies (including FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and ICE) all already have legal authority to operate within Farmington. They do not need our permission to conduct lawful activities, and they are not required to notify us. We cannot prevent any county, state, or federal agency from conducting lawful operations.

We will not interfere with lawful actions by other agencies. We encourage residents to cooperate with officers and address any legal concerns through the court system. We support peaceful demonstrations and do not condone violence toward law enforcement or the public.

Q&A

What if someone dressed as an officer wants to come into my home?
If someone comes to your home and you are unsure who they are, call Farmington Public Safety.  You can call 911 or 248-474-4700.

·         We may be able to help verify identities.

·         We may be able to document the interaction with body cameras.

·         We may be able to provide a familiar presence to help de-escalate situations.

Does Farmington Public Safety conduct ICE operations or mass deportations?
No. Farmington Public Safety does not conduct any deportation operations.

Can Farmington Public Safety stop ICE from operating in the City?
No. Federal agencies have their own legal authority to operate within Farmington.

Will Farmington Public Safety assist residents if ICE or another agency is present?
Yes. We may be able to assist by verifying identities and documenting interactions, but will not interfere with or impede any lawful enforcement actions.

What is Farmington Public Safety’s priority?
Our priority is ensuring residents feel safe calling us for help. We remain committed to professional service, transparency, and community trust.

Can we take videos of ICE operating?
Members of the public may generally take videos in public spaces of anything in plain view.  However, please be mindful not to interfere with law enforcement.

Are you communicating with other communities on how they are handling ICE?
No. We will follow the law.