About the Sheriff’s Office
Get to know the Sheriff’s Office
Below is an organizational chart outlining the different departments that make up the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s Office vs. Sheriff’s Department
What is the difference between a Sheriff's Office and a Sheriff's Department?
Black's Law Dictionary defines the terms as follows:
DEPARTMENT: "One of the major divisions of the executive branch of the government....generally, a branch or division of governmental administration."
OFFICE: "A right, and correspondent duty, to exercise public trust as an office. A public charge of employment... the most frequent occasions to use the word arise with reference to a duty and power conferred on an individual by the government, and when this is the connection, public office is a usual and more discriminating expression... in the constitutional sense, the term implies an authority to exercise some portion of the sovereign power either in making, executing, or administering the laws."
The Office of Sheriff is not simply another "department" of county government. The internal operation of an Office of Sheriff is the sole responsibility of the elected Sheriff. County department heads are subordinate to a county governing body, because a "department" is truly only a division of county government. The Office of Sheriff is a statutory/constitutional office having exclusive powers and authority under state law and/or state constitution. These inherent powers are not subject to the dictates of a local county governing body.
The Office of Sheriff has inherent common law powers and sovereignty granted under a state's constitution and/or state law. It is different from a county department which derives its limited authority from whatever is delegated to is by statute or by state constitution.
The use of the term "Department" implies being a subordinate unit of government (i.e. subordinate to local government - "delegated" authority from county government to a Department). The use of the term "Office" implies inherent powers and independent sovereignty.
-National Sheriffs’ Association
Meet Sheriff Brady Thomas
Sheriff Brady Thomas began his term as Sheriff on January 1, 2023, as the 44th Sheriff of DeKalb County, Indiana. Sheriff Thomas has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to conservative principles and community engagement. He has worked to enhance public safety, improve office efficiency, and foster a culture of excellence within the sheriff’s office.
A native of DeKalb County, Sheriff Thomas has prioritized the well-being and safety of the community. His conservative values have guided his approach to law enforcement, emphasizing accountability, fiscal responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.
One of Sheriff Thomas’s key initiatives has been improving community engagement. He believes that a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community is essential for effective policing. Staff morale and workplace culture have also been top priorities for Sheriff Thomas. He understands that a motivated and well-supported team is crucial for delivering high-quality services. These efforts have cultivated a positive and cohesive work environment, leading to improved performance and job satisfaction among the deputies and administrative staff.
In his quest to improve efficiency, Sheriff Thomas has undertaken a thorough reorganization of the Sheriff's Office. By streamlining processes, adopting new technologies, and optimizing resource allocation, he has significantly enhanced the operational efficiency of the office. This reorganization has enabled the Sheriff's Office to respond more swiftly and effectively to the needs of the community.
Sheriff Thomas has also been a strong advocate for reducing recidivism through expanded programming in the county jail. Recognizing that incarceration alone is not a solution, he has introduced educational and rehabilitative programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society successfully.
To ensure comprehensive coverage and faster response times, Sheriff Thomas has increased patrols throughout the county by opening a satellite office. This strategic move has improved law enforcement presence in underserved areas, enhancing public safety and providing residents with greater access to the Sheriff's Office services.
Sheriff Thomas's tenure is marked by a profound dedication to service, an unwavering commitment to conservative values, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His leadership has not only elevated the Sheriff's Office but also strengthened the bonds within the community, creating a safer and more harmonious environment.
Meet Chief Deputy Ben Rice
Chief Deputy Ben Rice has served as DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy since January 2023. Chief Deputy Rice began his law enforcement career in 2005 as a reserve police officer with the Albion Police Department and Waterloo Marshal’s office. In January, 2006, Chief Deputy Rice joined the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office as a confinement officer where he obtained the rank of Sergeant. In 2009, Chief Deputy Rice was selected as a Merit Road Patrol Deputy.
During his tenure at the Sheriff’s Office, Chief Deputy Rice has held assignments with the Emergency Response Team, Detective’s Bureau, Polygraph, and School Resource Officer.
Chief Deputy Rice is a graduate of Vincennes University earning an associate degree in criminal justice. He is a graduate of the 181st Indiana Law Enforcement Academy class where he earned the academic achievement award ranking number one in his class. Chief Deputy Rice is a licensed certified polygraph examiner graduating from the American International Institute of Polygraph.