When I started working in Records 11 years ago, I was part time. Very shortly after that, our Senior Records Clerk quit, and left us scrambling to figure things out. I stepped in, and immediately joined LERMA. I went to my first conference in Frankenmuth, and immediately started making connections with other records personnel. These connections became invaluable to me, as whenever I had a question or didn’t know how to handle something, I knew that I had 150 other agencies I could reach out to. The forum section of the website was super helpful, along with the email addresses and phone numbers I was able to collect as I continued to talk with members. Now, 11 years later, I am far from an expert at my job, but I rest easy knowing that I have a community of people that are just a phone call/email away.

Being a member of LERMA has not only allowed me to meet and network with law enforcement records professionals from across Michigan, but also to learn and grown both personally and professionally. The speakers at conferences cover timely topics, often related to law or policy changes, but also speak to leadership and other interpersonal skills. LERMA brings in presenters who are experts in their field, or in many cases, the actual employees processing the data that we are sending to the state. The resources available on the website are valuable and I have gained many important contacts over the years. My knowledge and expertise have increased exponentially because of my membership in LERMA. Thank you to the board for all you do to ensure that record keeping in Michigan is exceptional, because we all know this has important implications to the criminal legal system.

LERMA is a great resource!  Get involved and attend the trainings.  It’s worth the time away from the office to attend these trainings.  I have gained so much in the networking opportunity by attending!  I have also built many friendships over the years by being involved.

“What can I say, I love LERMA. LERMA has been such a great resource. An organization just for Law Enforcement Management in Michigan. A great way to network, train, connect with other agencies to brainstorm, request different trainings and learn – and not to mention, make some new friends. I have been to a few LERMA trainings and conferences, including LERMACON, in my career at the Holland Police Department and have always come away with so much knowledge about so many different topics in our field.”