Ambition is a
Force Multiplier:
Lt. Keith Wuotinen
 
April  2008
by Bernie Fratto

Lt. Keith Wuotinen of the Novi Police Department is a dedicated member of the force, and is a rising star. And, in the rarest of parlays, in addition to being a police officer he is also an attorney.

Growing up in Wixom, Michigan he set his sights on law enforcement as he stated he "wanted a career he had a lot of respect for, one that would be exciting and rewarding."

After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice his first assignment was to work at the Ingham County Jail in the receiving area. This was initial entree into law enforcement and he worked there 11 months.

After leaving Ingham County he attended the Mid-Michigan Police Academy in 1996, and was ultimately hired in Novi on Feb. 28, 1996.

After spending 4 months in field training, he diligently worked the Patrol Division for eight years, becoming a field training officer and noted that "it was very rewarding to work with new people." He was also part of the Mountain Bike Team and the Motorcycle Patrol.

In January 2005 he was promoted to Sergeant, and his role as a shift supervisor was to oversee 10-12 officers for the midnight shift. As a front line supervisor he fielded citizen inquiries and complaints and dealt with any type of situation that would require field supervisory attention.

In March 2006, he was promoted to Lieutenant which is his current role. He is in charge of the uniformed division, managing the daily activities of 44 road officers, 8 road sergeants, and 2 fleet maintenance mechanics.

In his personal quest for self-improvement and growth, Lt. Wuotinen went back to school and in 2001 earned his law degree from Wayne State. He passed the Michigan Bar exam that same year.

The education and skills obtained in this endeavor has been an invaluable tool and asset, and Lt. Wuotinen strongly believes it compliments his career as a Police Officer.

Lt. Wuotinen has served our community with honor and distinction for over 12 years now, he proudly states that "Novi has been a great community, I am fortunate to have been hired here, and I couldn't be happier."

The feeling runs both ways, Lt. Wuotinen...

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