Episode 42
Now to Next with Nick Nanton Feat. Sheriff Chris Swanson
Nick Nanton sits down with Chris Swanson, the Sheriff of Genesee County, Michigan, and founder of the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST).
Sheriff Swanson is a career police officer with experience spanning more than two decades and has served in a range of positions, including corrections, patrol, narcotics, criminal investigation, death investigation, and command operations. Some of his most notable assignments include being part of the executive protection for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and Vice Presidents Gore, Cheney and Biden. Sheriff Swanson received national attention in 2020 during the George Floyd protests when he removed his riot gear and marched with protesters.
Sheriff Swanson also founded the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (dubbed GHOST) in 2018, which is a specialized unit of officers who combat crimes of human trafficking and drug offenses throughout southeast Michigan. He has made it his mission to change the perception of law enforcement by focusing not just on protecting and serving, but also unifying.
Timestamps:
- 1:11: A brief introduction
- 1:49: Sheriff Swanson discusses how he keeps a positive outlook while dealing with bad people and stressful situations
- 3:48: The death of George Floyd, It's effect on Genesee County, and Sheriff Swansons viral effort to lead by example
- 17:17: Why Sheriff Swanson changed his poilce force's motto to ' Protect, Serve and Unify' and how he follows through
- 22:03: Sheriff Swanson speaks about his work educating inmates with his Ignite Program
- 30:24: Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team, aka G.H.O.S.T.
- 40:19: What's next for Sheriff Swanson and his fight against Human Trafficking
- 43:23: Where to learn more about Sheriff Chris Swanson and the work he is dong
