BEDFORD — In an effort to bolster recruitment and retention within the local justice system, the Lawrence County Council voted unanimously on Friday, March 13th, to increase the starting salary for county jail officers.
The decision followed a presentation by Sheriff Greg Day during a special session, where he highlighted a significant gap between local wages and those in other parts of the state.
Sheriff Day demonstrated to the council that Lawrence County’s previous starting pay of $19.11 per hour ranked in the bottom tier of Indiana’s 92 counties—placing in the 80s—despite the county ranking 54th in assessed value.
To address the disparity without increasing the county budget, Day proposed a strategic reorganization. The council approved the elimination of two jail officer positions that had remained vacant for a long period. The savings from the salaries and benefits of those two roles were then reallocated to provide a $6,000 annual pay increase for the remaining jail staff.
The new starting salary for a Lawrence County jail officer is now $22 per hour, or $45,749 annually. Officers also receive approximately $3,000 in additional pay for 15 to 17 paid holidays, depending on the election cycle.
“I appreciate the council being so thoughtful and willing to do what was needed in order to help with the retention and recruitment of quality jail officers,” said Sheriff Day. “Our jail staff are the unsung heroes in law enforcement, doing a dangerous but vital service for our community. It is my hope that people see corrections as a career now, instead of just a job until something of higher pay comes along. I am also very proud of the fact that we have been able to lower the overall budget of the Sheriff’s Office by over a half of a million dollars over the course of the past three years, while still taking care of our employees.”
With the new pay scale in effect, the Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking applicants to fill three remaining jail officer vacancies. Sheriff Day noted the department is looking for both male and female candidates.
The position is described as a versatile career path suitable for:
- Individuals seeking an entry-point into a law enforcement career.
- Professionals looking for a career change that offers a pension and comprehensive benefits.
- Retirees from other fields looking for a service-oriented role until final retirement.
“It is my hope that people see corrections as a career now, instead of just a job until something of higher pay comes along,” Day added.
How to Apply
Applications for the three open positions are currently being accepted. Interested candidates can:
Submit completed applications in person or via email to applications@lawrencecounty.in.gov.
Pick up an application in person at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1420 I Street, in Bedford.
Download an application online at lawrencecounty.in.gov/214/Sheriff.
