The First Year Plan

Going beyond a single term in office, this five-year plan gives structure to the administration, showing staff and the public the direction of the sheriff’s office. This will also give future sheriffs a structure to build off of as we work continuously to improve agency operations and complete public safety.

Elkhart County is a fast-growing county, with much of the growth focused within areas where the sheriff’s office has primary jurisdiction. We will create strategic planning groups to focus on implementing programs and teams to improve public safety in areas where metrics show a needed focus. This allows us to utilize the depth of knowledge we have developed within our agency in all ranks and divisions, and gives officers the opportunity to further their careers via special teams and assignments. Including but not limited to:

The public needs to see their sheriff’s deputies out and about and they need to know the work we do. Revamp and re-deploy our community-focused public relations campaign to increase awareness of the services we offer and ways to connect with sheriff’s deputies. This allows for better community connection and dialogue with the public. Focus on getting officers into the community, attending local events, and engaging with the public in person to continuously build dialogue.

Order a top-to-bottom assessment of complete agency operational effectiveness in Patrol, Investigations, Corrections, and Administrative Services. Review the primary duties and responsibilities of each division and assess where efficiencies can be achieved to better serve the community and be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. Evaluate training requirements for all divisions. Review manpower/staffing needs in all divisions to determine if current staffing levels meet the needs of our agency and our growing community. Develop and execute immediate and long-term solutions to staffing in partnership with Elkhart County Government.

Conduct an internal study to identify the funds necessary for operational readiness of the Sheriff’s Office. Review all current contracts and service agreements to ensure good stewardship of taxpayer funds. Identify areas where the overall budget can be reduced or flatlined if necessary, without affecting public and deputy safety. Work closely with the Elkhart County Council to ensure budget constraints due to SEA 1 do not negatively impact public safety.

Identify trends in effective law enforcement and corrections recruitment that can be initiated within the first year in office. Assess and implement strategies to increase staff retention and encourage long-term investment with our agency. Investigate viable programs with local community partners for continuing education opportunities and professional development. Create a structured program focused on developing future leaders within the office. Re-emphasize internal honor award structure. Evaluate current career development policies and identify improvements and changes. Explore ways to improve officer wellness, resilience, and support from hiring through retirement.

Complete a review of all jail programming and identify what works, what doesn’t, and how we can improve inmate programming to reduce recidivism. This would include an analysis of our training programs, jail ministry, educational efforts, and addiction intervention. Release to the public information on results and improvements, to help better explain why these efforts are important to all in our community. We will continue to push to expand jail programming opportunities, including the jail ministry, in the face of state budget cuts and unfunded state mandates.