The Hamilton County Indiana Sheriff is an elected officer responsible for upholding the peace, operating the county jail, and providing court security, with duties including criminal investigations and serving legal documents. The sheriff leads the department, enforces state laws, and handles criminal investigations, with a focus on public safety, community engagement, and supporting local law enforcement.Estimated Current Sheriff Salary: $188,512.94
Candidate Statement
I'm honored to be a candidate to serve as your next Sheriff! Please take the time to learn more about me, my qualifications, my vision and those who have publicly supported me. I'd love the chance to earn your support for the May 5th primary election!
Education
BS in Criminal Justice (minor in Consumer Finance) from Ball State University // 3 years of active duty (5 years inactive duty) with Honorable Discharge from US Army // IMPD Leadership Academy 2012 // Hamilton County Leadership Academy 2023
Occupational background
I have served with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for nearly 25 years. I have held nearly every assignment and served on every specialty team within the agency. I currently serve as the most senior lieutenant which is the highest merit rank that can be obtained at the agency. Additionally, I'm a partner in a local security and consulting business serving over 20 clients with over 100 employees.
Political Office(s) Held in the Past
None
I have been a member of this agency for nearly 25 years and served in nearly every capacity and on every specialty unit within the agency. Once hired, I have worked my way through the ranks and now serve as the most-senior and highest ranking merit based rank that the agency has. The relationships, institutional knowledge, and trust built both within the agency and with the community we serve are paramount to the success of the agency for the future. I have real-world leadership experience and the trust of the men and women that I am fortunate to serve with.
Additionally, I have been a partner in a local security and consulting business for over ten years. Through that business, we serve over twenty clients, have over one hundred employees, and manage a seven figure budget on an annual basis while continuing to grow. I'm familiar with budgeting, expenses, employee relations, client relations, and the work ethic, trust, and integrity that it takes to operate a successful business.
Staying alert and aware are key elements in combatting crime. We'd ask that you be aware of your surroundings and develop a relationship with neighbors to help watch over each other's residences when folks are not home. Additionally, we have seen an increase in frauds that are often committed online or via telephone. I'd recommend that you always independently verify information, especially when it is received in an unsolicited format. If you are being asked to provide financial resources on an unsolicited email or phone call, and it is not a normal vendor or account that you have proactively verified, please consult with your local law enforcement agency prior to offering any type of payment.
I have been deeply involved with several community organizations throughout my career and have developed meaningful relationships that are mutually beneficial. In our community, no single agency or organization can provide all the services and fulfill all of the needs of the citizens we serve. To continue to be successful as a community means that we must continue to have strong relationships amongst community organizations, non-profit organizations, public safety officials, elected officials, schools, members of the religious community, and various others that can partner together to bring success to our community members.
Additionally, I have been a member of the Sheriff's Office for nearly 25 years and have developed relationships throughout Hamilton County, and with our neighbors, that are so vital to leading an organization of this caliber.
Lastly, I believe the unanimous endorsements from all of the FOP lodges and leaders throughout our community reflects this.
Retention has been a significant issue in the current administration of the Sheriff's Office and one that I am highly focused on.
We have found that competitive pay, an excellent benefit package, and the best equipment are not sufficient to keep employees retained. Employees want to be heard, appreciated, supported, respected and given opportunities in order to be satisfied with their employer. I'm keenly aware of that and want to focus my efforts on building a culture that fosters this type of focus.
In regard to the Reserve Division, we face several challenges as the accreditation we hold makes the reserve training process longer than several other agencies that are competing for the same personnel. Additionally, law enforcement recruiting in general has been declining for the past few years.
We have opportunities to provide to recently retired law enforcement officers from other agencies that still wish to serve in a less-demanding time capacity that we must try to focus on.
My highest priority is the relationships built with our staff that serves the public on a daily basis. With the number of staff members that represent the Sheriff's Office, our citizens are likely to come into contact with our corrections staff, courthouse staff or with patrol deputies that will make a first impression on the citizens we serve. I expect, and demand, the highest integrity and work ethic from our staff and in return I am responsible to provide them with an agency that supports them personally and professionally.
Secondly, the increase in population will likely result in an increased workload for our staff at the jail, juvenile detention facility, and courthouse. It's imperative that we provide proper staffing and support for these folks as their workload increases.
Third, increased annexation by our towns and cities will provide an opportunity for the enforcement personnel to find new avenues and opportunities to serve the public. We must be proactive in this venture.
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