About the Sheriff's Office
Serving DeKalb County with Integrity, Excellence, and Dedication
Get to Know the Sheriff's Office
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is organized into multiple specialized divisions, each dedicated to serving specific aspects of public safety and law enforcement. 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?
The distinction is more than just terminology—it reflects fundamental differences in authority, governance, and constitutional powers.
Black's Law Dictionary Definitions:
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."
Sheriff's Office
- Constitutional/statutory office with inherent powers
- Independent sovereignty and authority
- Operated solely by the elected Sheriff
- Powers not subject to local governing body dictates
Sheriff's Department
- Subordinate division of county government
- Delegated authority from county government
- Limited to delegated powers by statute
- Department heads subordinate to county governing body
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. 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 it 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
Serving DeKalb County Since January 1, 2023
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 and public safety.
Meet Chief Deputy Ben Rice
Leading Operations Since January 2023
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.
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