(LAWRENCE CO.) – There are more than 3,081 sheriff’s departments across the United States.
The role of a sheriff’s department varies, but one is to serve the courts, provide court security, maintain a jail, and serve and protect the community.
In Lawrence County, there are 26 sworn deputies, 30 jail officers, and three detectives.
The hiring of qualified applicants has been challenging for the sheriff’s department.
“Back in 2000, there were six positions available when I got hired. There were over 60 applicants at that time,” said Sheriff Mike Branham. “During our last written exam, we only had 12 apply for two positions. We do try to hire within our department whether they serve as court security, jail officers, or dispatchers. During our last hiring, 2 out of 3 new hires came within our department.”
Besides protecting the community the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department teaches a civilian handgun class.
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department continues to keep the community safe and fulfill the obligations that the State of Indiana has commissioned them to do including maintaining the Lawrence County Security Center.
