Calhoun County Expands Personal Protection Services Amid Rising Threats

Residents of Calhoun County now have expanded access to Personal Protection Order (PPO) services, with appointments available every Wednesday and Thursday at the Calhoun County Building, located at 315 W. Green St. in Marshall.

This initiative complements the existing services at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office on Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek, which continues to offer PPO assistance five days a week.

Calhoun County Clerk Kimberly Hinkley highlighted the growing demand for PPOs, noting that many individuals seek these orders because they feel threatened or unsafe.

“We can't stop people all the time, but it gives them that peace of mind that they've done all they can do,” Hinkley stated.

Sonia Jones, Chief Deputy Clerk of the Circuit and Family Division, added, “They are getting PPOs because they feel like they are being threatened with something.”

Recent statistics reflect this trend:

CALHOUN COUNTY PPO APPLICATIONS SINCE 2022

2022: 692

2023: 596

2024: 626

2025 (to date): 415

Domestic violence remains a significant concern, with 390 related PPO applications in 2023 and 425 in 2024.

Hinkley pointed out that factors such as mental health issues and substance abuse contribute to the community's sense of insecurity.

To enhance support, the county is adding an additional PPO coordinator.

In Michigan, petitioners must pay for law enforcement to serve a PPO unless a family member or friend does so.

Legislation introduced by Senator Stephanie Chang aims to eliminate this financial barrier.

Residents can schedule appointments with a protection order coordinator in Battle Creek or Marshall by calling 269-969-6921.