July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Four in GOP sheriff race (04/28/06)
Residents will have a choice of four Republican candidates for Jay County Sheriff this year, all with long careers in law enforcement.
They are Bob Brown, Jay Halstead, Larry “Ray” Newton Jr., and Mitch Sutton.
A resident of 807 W. Main St., Portland, Brown has been a member of the Jay County Sheriff’s Department for 16 years and served as a reserve deputy for three years prior to that.
He and his wife, Ann, have been married for 22 years and have two sons, Eric Brown and Brad Thurman, and one daughter, Tina Thurman. They also have eight grandchildren.
He is a 1973 graduate of Portland High School, graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1991, the Indiana University School of Medicine Toxicology in 1991 and earned the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver AED in 2001.
Brown is a member of the Arch Bridge Kroozers, Indiana Sheriff’s Association, and the Moose Lodge.
Halstead, a long-time Indiana State Police officer, is a native of Randolph County. He graduated from Union High School in 1976, and from the Indiana State Police Academy in 1979. He then attended Anderson College and transferred to Ball State University where he graduated in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and corrections, and in 1992 graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
Halstead has been employed with the Indiana State Police for more than 26 years. He was a Jay County trooper from 1979 to 1986, was promoted to investigator for Jay and Randolph counties in 1986, was promoted again to detective sergeant and was a supervisor of detectives from 1988 to 2005 when he was appointed as the acting district investigative commander of the Redkey post. In his present role he supervises all detectives and civilian personnel in the investigation section and manages, status and coordinates the case management system for Redkey District No. 25 personnel.
Halstead was elected to the Jay School Board of Trustees in 2002, and has served as secretary of the board for the past two years.
He and his wife, Michelle, have four children, Brandi, Jared, Lacey, and Lance and two grandchildren. He is a member and trustee of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Portland, a member of the Indiana State Police Alliance, Inc., Elks Lodge in Portland, Indiana Troopers Association, Inc., member and official of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, National Troopers Coalition, Inc., and the Indiana School Board Association.
Newton, a resident of 1093 West 200 South, Portland, has been a deputy with the sheriff’s department for 15 years.
A 1981 graduate of Jay County High School, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1981 to 1985, graduated in 1989 from Indiana Vocational Technical College with an associate degree in applied science, and from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1991.
Newton was a reserve officer with the Portland Police Department from 1987 until he joined the sheriff’s department in 1991.
He is a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portland and its Knights of Columbus, and the Portland Morning Optimist Club.
Newton and his wife, Cindy have three daughters, Chelsea, Sarah, and Gabrielle.
Sutton, who began his career with the sheriff’s department in 1986 as a dispatcher, currently serves as its chief deputy.
Also a native of Jay County, Sutton is a 1984 graduate of JCHS. He graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1989 and from the National Institute of Truth Verification in 1994, certifying him as a computer voice stress analyst. He has certification from the Reid School of Interview and Interrogation.
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He was hired as a deputy sheriff in 1988 and was promoted to the position of investigator in 1991. He was appointed to the chief deputy’s position in 2003.
Among his affiliations, Sutton is a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, the Jay County Fourth of July Committee, Portland Elks Lodge, is currently serving as president of the Portland Lions Club, is a member of the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition, appointed by Jay Circuit Court to the Child Protection Team of Jay County, assistant director of Jay County Crime Stoppers, and advisory board member for the Jay County Community Corrections.
He and his wife, Amy, and their two children, Molly and Alex, reside at 515 W. Walnut St., Portland.
The candidates recently answered questions submitted to them by The Commercial Review. Their responses follow.
What motivated you to run for sheriff? What specific characteristics or qualities make you the best candidate for the position?
Brown: I believe that most people would like to succeed to the highest level of their profession. I have been a road deputy for almost 16 years and taken the time to listen to the citizens and their needs and what they expect from the sheriff’s department.
Working under three different sheriffs, one as a reserve, has allowed me to listen and watch what will work and what needs improved. I am a people person and I believe everybody should be treated as you would want him or her to treat you. All citizens from every part of Jay County are to be treated as an equal.
Halstead: The sheriff is the top law enforcement officer of the county. The sheriff’s position has a tremendous impact on local law enforcement, fire departments, EMT personnel, emergency management and other critical criminal justice entities.
About five years ago I began contemplating running for Jay County Sheriff. It is my desire to bring my years of experience from working on the ISP to the sheriff’s department. I have prepared myself to be your sheriff.
Upon graduation from high school, I attended and graduated from Ball State University with a BS degree in criminal justice and corrections. At the age of 21, I was appointed to the Indiana State Police. During the past 26 years I have held the ranks of trooper, investigator, and detective sergeant. I possess road experience, a criminal investigation background, 17 years as a supervisor of both civilian and police personnel and now appointed as a mid-level manager.
I have conducted in-district and out-of-district internal investigations and criminal investigations upon our own ISP personnel. I am a graduate of the FBI National Academy, an 11-week mid-level management academy in Quantico, Va.
For these reasons, I am the best and most qualified candidate for sheriff.
Newton: Running for sheriff has been a goal of mine since I began my career. It was a decision that I did not make overnight, but a decision that was carefully thought about over the years. I have prepared myself by learning from the past sheriffs to the present sheriff, and most importantly listening to the public on their concerns on what a sheriff should be. I want to take the sheriff’s department into the future and make this department an agency that we all can be proud of.
What characteristics make me the best candidate? My love for the job as a police officer. I am a man who believes in honesty, leadership and professionalism. These characteristics I will bring to the department if elected your next sheriff. I want all personnel to believe in this to make the department better.
Sutton: I was motivated to run for sheriff because of my 20 years of service to the department. With 15 of those years in an administrative role, I have an overwhelming loyalty to the department, as well as a desire to see the department be the best that it can be. It is my desire to provide leadership to maintain a professional law enforcement and correctional facility.
The characteristics or qualities that make me the best candidate for the position are my experience, knowledge and ability. I have served in almost every position possible with the Jay County Sheriff’s Department. As a deputy, I was promoted under the past sheriff to the position of investigator. I was then promoted again under the current sheriff to the position of chief deputy. Both of these men, being my immediate supervisors, had faith in me, and promoted me. In return, I have provided them quality work with a professional work ethic.
If the voters of this county will have the same faith in me, I will continue with that strong work ethic, and provide the citizens of Jay County with a professional and efficient department. I am the only candidate who has served as a communications officer, deputy, investigator, and chief deputy.
What do you believe to be the most pressing issue facing the Jay County Sheriff? How would you approach solving that issue?
Brown: There are several items that need addressed.
One would be the combat and the education to the schools of drugs. Also I would like to see the elimination of all meth labs in Jay County.
Now the most controversial subject is that of the jail. The addition of 911 and the hiring of more deputies have put a burden on the jail for space for the administration. As a temporary solution I have talked to one of the commissioners about possibly using the southeast corner of the building the county purchased for the jail expansion for office space for the sheriff and the deputies, therefore freeing up space at the current jail for 911. We do need to be thinking about the future of a new jail and start preparing by establishing a fund that could be used when that time comes that we are forced to build a new jail.
Halstead: There are a variety of issues facing the next Jay County sheriff. For brevity’s sake, I would like to address two.
The first would be changes inside the agency. As you view this agency from the outside you see structurally it needs a full review. During my conversations with the public, almost everyone has asked me, if elected as sheriff, would I make the necessary changes to promote a more professional agency. I said I would. I will review every area from staffing to those persons in leadership roles. You will see positive and progressive changes. I will meet with each employee to discuss problems, ideas for improvement and solutions.
After review, there will be changes made. Some changes will be immediate and some will be slow and progressive to cause for less disruption of services to the public.
Second, is the security center administrative space. I will work with the commissioners and the county council to find the best and most fiscal solution.
Although ultimately, the decision to add administrative space and/or jail expansion is up to the commissioners, with county council approval, it is my belief that the sheriff should play a large role in providing adequate data and suggestions for design.
There needs to be research completed, inquiries made and other jails visited to see what is the best fit for Jay County. My role would be to assist in whatever way I can.
Newton: One of the most pressing issues would be the Jay County Security Center.
The security center has past incidents involving a lack of security. If elected sheriff, I assure you that strict security measures will always be in place. I will make it my priority that all employees follow the department’s standard operation procedures, and that the department has an adequate jail officer ratio per shift to all inmates. This will create a safe facility for employees, inmates, and the community.
It will also be a priority of mine to address the methamphetamine problem in Jay County and the crimes against people and property that stem from it.
Sutton: The war on drugs. With the rapid increase in the use and manufacture of methamphetamine in our county, I would like to focus on a very proactive fight to reduce this problem. The seriousness of manufacturing this drug affects the entire public, not just those who choose to use it.
Once the drug has been manufactured, the toxic chemicals left behind are most often times improperly disposed of. This leaves us with pollution that can easily make its way into our water supplies, as well as causing other harmful environmental issues that are often not thought about.
It is also common for those people associated in the use and manufacture of methamphetamine to be involved in other criminal activities as a way to finance their supply of the drug. It is my belief that for every user or manufacturer that we can stop, it will reduce other crimes such as theft, burglary, robbery, and fraud, which every citizen is at risk of being the victim of.
My approach to solving that issues is to continue the K-9 program already in effect. I would also continue to have a deputy assigned to the Tri-County Drug Task Force.
In addition to those proactive measures already in place, I would make drug interdiction training a priority for the deputies, as well as providing any necessary manpower to the Drug Task Force in a time of need.
Jay County Commissioners have discussed the possibility of entering into a contract with the Jay county Sheriff to set an established pay for the position, as opposed to the current situation in which the sheriff retains the unspent portion of meal money for inmates. What is your position on that proposal, and what would be a fair salary for the position?
Brown: I do believe that in the future all counties will go to contracting with the sheriff. I would entertain the motion to set up a contract with the commissioners.
I do believe that the sheriff should not profit from inmate meal money. As to what the salary should be, it should be up to the new sheriff and the county commissioners to come to a fair and comparable salary as to other counties as they do with the pay scales now.
Halstead: There are three ways to pay a sheriff. First, by an agreed upon contract between the commissioners, county council and the sheriff. Second, by a combination of a contract/meal money salary. And third, by a salary based upon two thirds of a full time prosecutor or judge’s salary.
Most sheriffs today are compensated based upon an agreed-upon contract. I would agree to a contract based upon other like county sheriffs given the same size of population, inmate county, assigned staff etc.
Here is an example of some contracted sheriff salaries:
Randolph County Sheriff — $68,000 per year
Adams County Sheriff — $65,000 per year
Delaware County Sheriff — $90,000 per year
Steuben County Sheriff — $65,000 per year
Blackford County Sheriff — $55,000 per year
Grant County Sheriff — $90,000 per year
It is my understanding that two-thirds of a full-time prosecutor or judge’s salary would be two-thirds of $110,000. With those figures the Jay County Sheriff should receive a minimum salary of $72,600. I believe the Jay County Sheriff should be compensated by agreement between the commissions and the county council in a salary range of $65,000 to $73,000.
Newton: I have been very open with the public about working with county officials to reach an agreement for an annual salary contract. The sheriff’s current salary, which is more than $100,000 per year, 60 percent of this comes from profits made from inmates meal money.
My opinion is that much of this money could be better utilized on manpower and equipment, instead of the sheriff profiting financially.
I believe the wrong message would be sent to the voters if the focus was to be put on who will do the job the cheapest, instead of who is the best candidate for the position.
However, I am sure that a fair salary for the position of Jay County Sheriff will be reached.
Sutton: I am in favor of that proposal. The goal behind the proposal is to save the taxpayers money. It is going to be important that the next sheriff be business-minded enough to continue to administer the meals in a manner that shows a profit, to be returned to the county, in order for that to be successful.
As for a fair salary for the position, there are many variables to consider.
I am convinced, however, that the commissioners and the next sheriff will be able to negotiate a fair contract, with the necessary stipulations to protect both parties, and provide a savings to the taxpayers.
I look forward to working with both the commissioners as well as the county council on this and many more issues concerning the Jay County Sheriff’s Department, if I am fortunate enough to be your next sheriff.
Several years ago, Jay County acquired a building at the corner of West Main and Ship streets to use if an expansion of the current county jail was necessary. Do you believe that expansion will be necessary over the next four years, and if so, what capacity/features should be included?
Brown: This is a very hard question. Do we need a new jail? The answer is yes. Do the taxpayers want to support a new jail with tax dollars? No. As I stated previously if we utilize the building the county owns next to the current jail we could expand the life of the current jail for how long I am not sure, but usage of the community correction using house arrest it could be maybe five to 10 years.
If we are going to build a new jail is should be built for the future expansion to house the needs of the future. I have talked to one of the commissioners of this and was advised that if built at that location it could hold up to 150 inmates.
There is a possibility that the Portland unit of the National Guard is going to be closing and there is the possibility of the county purchasing at minimal fee that building. With most of the items there already completed, all would be needed is to build cell blocks. This would also work for the needs of any future expansion in the future, as there is plenty of space available.
Halstead: Expansion of the jail is a decision that is made by the commissioners with the county council approving and providing the funding. My personal opinion is the Jay County jail is in desperate need of administrative space, and yes, it should be addressed within the next four years.
I challenge every citizen to tour the administrative area and see the lack of adequate working conditions, especially given the amount of staff assigned during any one shift. I visit many jails in our surrounding counties on a regular basis and can tell you, without question, the Jay County Security Center’s administrative space is pitiful. This is the first area that needs attention. The building of a new facility or expansion should be a commissioners’ decision.
Newton: The sheriff’s department has outgrown the current administration area and will eventually outgrow the secured area as well. The administration area is currently occupied by twice as many employees as it was designed for in 1984, due in part to the implementation of the 911 system.
I would be in favor of, and would support any decision to expand the facility, but that decision would ultimately be made by the Jay County Commissions and the county council.
My belief is that any decision made, should be based on the premise of what is best for the future and not what is the cheapest option at this time.
Sutton: I do not feel it will be necessary in the next four years to provide housing for inmates due to overcrowding. We currently house approximately six Department of Correction (state prison) inmates in our county security center. The state of Indiana pays the county $35 per day per inmate we house for them. These beds would be unoccupied if we did not house state inmates.
I will point out that the administrative area of the security center is currently overcrowded. If a proposal is made by the commissioners to expand the security center in the future, I would recommend that it be designed with adequate office or administrative area, as well as an interview room separated from the secured area of the facility. I would also suggest that a work release area be designed to keep those offenders who are on a work release program separated from the offenders who are not.
That would reduce the attempts of trafficking contraband to the inmates who cannot leave on this program. Any changes made to the secured area of the facility must be made to be in compliance with the current jail standards. As far as capacity for an expanded security center, I would suggest we build for growth.
When I first started working at the department, I can recall an average population of approximately 10 inmates. Our current average is approximately 50. If the security center is expanded larger than it is needed at the time of the expansion, the extra beds may be used as a source of income for the county, by making them available to the state prison system. That income may offset the cost of the expansion.
As the county inmate population increases, the need for an additional expansion would not be needed, you could just provide fewer beds to the state prison system, freeing those beds up for county inmates.
If there were one thing you want to make sure the voters know about you or the office you are seeking, what would that be?
Brown: I want the voters to know that during the last 16 years plus working at the jail has benefited me to know the daily operations of he jail and the employee’s responsibility. I listen to what the citizens say and want and expect from the sheriff’s department.
I have remained current with the changing laws by continuing various training. I want the voters from all parts of Jay County to know that I will have an open door policy. I have set one of the main goals is to work as TEAM with other departments such as police, fire, EMS, Rescue, and First Responders and Emergency Management. If we all work together as a TEAM pulling in the same direction we will accomplish that goal. I want the voters to know that I have the qualifications, experience and desire to be the next sheriff.
All personal will have monthly training to remain current on the changing laws. If we all work together we will have one of the top departments in the state. The department will be run PROFESSIONALLY with QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. I am committed to being your next sheriff.
Halstead: You, as a voter, are selecting a candidate for one of the most important positions in county government. The sheriff oversees 33 full-time employees plus part-time individuals. He is responsible for up to 55 inmates and oversees a total annual budget of over 1.5 million. It is your responsibility to vote for a CEO of this department.
For 30 years I have prepared myself to be your top law enforcement officer. I have obtained by BS degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Ball State University.
I have worked as an Indiana State Police Trooper, Investigator, Detective Sergeant (Supervisor of police and civilian employees) and now as the Acting District Investigative Commander (Mid-Level Manager) of Redkey Post. When you vote on May 2nd I ask you choose the most qualified candidate.
Newton: I want the voters to know, if elected sheriff, I will do my very best to run the Jay County Sheriff’s Department in a professional manner. I am committed to the people of Jay County and your desire to make our communities a safe place to lie. I will continue to listen to the citizens on their concern regarding these issues and will address them in a timely manner. I look forward to serving you, the citizens of Jay County.
Sutton: No response.[[In-content Ad]]
They are Bob Brown, Jay Halstead, Larry “Ray” Newton Jr., and Mitch Sutton.
A resident of 807 W. Main St., Portland, Brown has been a member of the Jay County Sheriff’s Department for 16 years and served as a reserve deputy for three years prior to that.
He and his wife, Ann, have been married for 22 years and have two sons, Eric Brown and Brad Thurman, and one daughter, Tina Thurman. They also have eight grandchildren.
He is a 1973 graduate of Portland High School, graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1991, the Indiana University School of Medicine Toxicology in 1991 and earned the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver AED in 2001.
Brown is a member of the Arch Bridge Kroozers, Indiana Sheriff’s Association, and the Moose Lodge.
Halstead, a long-time Indiana State Police officer, is a native of Randolph County. He graduated from Union High School in 1976, and from the Indiana State Police Academy in 1979. He then attended Anderson College and transferred to Ball State University where he graduated in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and corrections, and in 1992 graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
Halstead has been employed with the Indiana State Police for more than 26 years. He was a Jay County trooper from 1979 to 1986, was promoted to investigator for Jay and Randolph counties in 1986, was promoted again to detective sergeant and was a supervisor of detectives from 1988 to 2005 when he was appointed as the acting district investigative commander of the Redkey post. In his present role he supervises all detectives and civilian personnel in the investigation section and manages, status and coordinates the case management system for Redkey District No. 25 personnel.
Halstead was elected to the Jay School Board of Trustees in 2002, and has served as secretary of the board for the past two years.
He and his wife, Michelle, have four children, Brandi, Jared, Lacey, and Lance and two grandchildren. He is a member and trustee of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Portland, a member of the Indiana State Police Alliance, Inc., Elks Lodge in Portland, Indiana Troopers Association, Inc., member and official of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, National Troopers Coalition, Inc., and the Indiana School Board Association.
Newton, a resident of 1093 West 200 South, Portland, has been a deputy with the sheriff’s department for 15 years.
A 1981 graduate of Jay County High School, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1981 to 1985, graduated in 1989 from Indiana Vocational Technical College with an associate degree in applied science, and from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1991.
Newton was a reserve officer with the Portland Police Department from 1987 until he joined the sheriff’s department in 1991.
He is a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portland and its Knights of Columbus, and the Portland Morning Optimist Club.
Newton and his wife, Cindy have three daughters, Chelsea, Sarah, and Gabrielle.
Sutton, who began his career with the sheriff’s department in 1986 as a dispatcher, currently serves as its chief deputy.
Also a native of Jay County, Sutton is a 1984 graduate of JCHS. He graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1989 and from the National Institute of Truth Verification in 1994, certifying him as a computer voice stress analyst. He has certification from the Reid School of Interview and Interrogation.
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He was hired as a deputy sheriff in 1988 and was promoted to the position of investigator in 1991. He was appointed to the chief deputy’s position in 2003.
Among his affiliations, Sutton is a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, the Jay County Fourth of July Committee, Portland Elks Lodge, is currently serving as president of the Portland Lions Club, is a member of the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition, appointed by Jay Circuit Court to the Child Protection Team of Jay County, assistant director of Jay County Crime Stoppers, and advisory board member for the Jay County Community Corrections.
He and his wife, Amy, and their two children, Molly and Alex, reside at 515 W. Walnut St., Portland.
The candidates recently answered questions submitted to them by The Commercial Review. Their responses follow.
What motivated you to run for sheriff? What specific characteristics or qualities make you the best candidate for the position?
Brown: I believe that most people would like to succeed to the highest level of their profession. I have been a road deputy for almost 16 years and taken the time to listen to the citizens and their needs and what they expect from the sheriff’s department.
Working under three different sheriffs, one as a reserve, has allowed me to listen and watch what will work and what needs improved. I am a people person and I believe everybody should be treated as you would want him or her to treat you. All citizens from every part of Jay County are to be treated as an equal.
Halstead: The sheriff is the top law enforcement officer of the county. The sheriff’s position has a tremendous impact on local law enforcement, fire departments, EMT personnel, emergency management and other critical criminal justice entities.
About five years ago I began contemplating running for Jay County Sheriff. It is my desire to bring my years of experience from working on the ISP to the sheriff’s department. I have prepared myself to be your sheriff.
Upon graduation from high school, I attended and graduated from Ball State University with a BS degree in criminal justice and corrections. At the age of 21, I was appointed to the Indiana State Police. During the past 26 years I have held the ranks of trooper, investigator, and detective sergeant. I possess road experience, a criminal investigation background, 17 years as a supervisor of both civilian and police personnel and now appointed as a mid-level manager.
I have conducted in-district and out-of-district internal investigations and criminal investigations upon our own ISP personnel. I am a graduate of the FBI National Academy, an 11-week mid-level management academy in Quantico, Va.
For these reasons, I am the best and most qualified candidate for sheriff.
Newton: Running for sheriff has been a goal of mine since I began my career. It was a decision that I did not make overnight, but a decision that was carefully thought about over the years. I have prepared myself by learning from the past sheriffs to the present sheriff, and most importantly listening to the public on their concerns on what a sheriff should be. I want to take the sheriff’s department into the future and make this department an agency that we all can be proud of.
What characteristics make me the best candidate? My love for the job as a police officer. I am a man who believes in honesty, leadership and professionalism. These characteristics I will bring to the department if elected your next sheriff. I want all personnel to believe in this to make the department better.
Sutton: I was motivated to run for sheriff because of my 20 years of service to the department. With 15 of those years in an administrative role, I have an overwhelming loyalty to the department, as well as a desire to see the department be the best that it can be. It is my desire to provide leadership to maintain a professional law enforcement and correctional facility.
The characteristics or qualities that make me the best candidate for the position are my experience, knowledge and ability. I have served in almost every position possible with the Jay County Sheriff’s Department. As a deputy, I was promoted under the past sheriff to the position of investigator. I was then promoted again under the current sheriff to the position of chief deputy. Both of these men, being my immediate supervisors, had faith in me, and promoted me. In return, I have provided them quality work with a professional work ethic.
If the voters of this county will have the same faith in me, I will continue with that strong work ethic, and provide the citizens of Jay County with a professional and efficient department. I am the only candidate who has served as a communications officer, deputy, investigator, and chief deputy.
What do you believe to be the most pressing issue facing the Jay County Sheriff? How would you approach solving that issue?
Brown: There are several items that need addressed.
One would be the combat and the education to the schools of drugs. Also I would like to see the elimination of all meth labs in Jay County.
Now the most controversial subject is that of the jail. The addition of 911 and the hiring of more deputies have put a burden on the jail for space for the administration. As a temporary solution I have talked to one of the commissioners about possibly using the southeast corner of the building the county purchased for the jail expansion for office space for the sheriff and the deputies, therefore freeing up space at the current jail for 911. We do need to be thinking about the future of a new jail and start preparing by establishing a fund that could be used when that time comes that we are forced to build a new jail.
Halstead: There are a variety of issues facing the next Jay County sheriff. For brevity’s sake, I would like to address two.
The first would be changes inside the agency. As you view this agency from the outside you see structurally it needs a full review. During my conversations with the public, almost everyone has asked me, if elected as sheriff, would I make the necessary changes to promote a more professional agency. I said I would. I will review every area from staffing to those persons in leadership roles. You will see positive and progressive changes. I will meet with each employee to discuss problems, ideas for improvement and solutions.
After review, there will be changes made. Some changes will be immediate and some will be slow and progressive to cause for less disruption of services to the public.
Second, is the security center administrative space. I will work with the commissioners and the county council to find the best and most fiscal solution.
Although ultimately, the decision to add administrative space and/or jail expansion is up to the commissioners, with county council approval, it is my belief that the sheriff should play a large role in providing adequate data and suggestions for design.
There needs to be research completed, inquiries made and other jails visited to see what is the best fit for Jay County. My role would be to assist in whatever way I can.
Newton: One of the most pressing issues would be the Jay County Security Center.
The security center has past incidents involving a lack of security. If elected sheriff, I assure you that strict security measures will always be in place. I will make it my priority that all employees follow the department’s standard operation procedures, and that the department has an adequate jail officer ratio per shift to all inmates. This will create a safe facility for employees, inmates, and the community.
It will also be a priority of mine to address the methamphetamine problem in Jay County and the crimes against people and property that stem from it.
Sutton: The war on drugs. With the rapid increase in the use and manufacture of methamphetamine in our county, I would like to focus on a very proactive fight to reduce this problem. The seriousness of manufacturing this drug affects the entire public, not just those who choose to use it.
Once the drug has been manufactured, the toxic chemicals left behind are most often times improperly disposed of. This leaves us with pollution that can easily make its way into our water supplies, as well as causing other harmful environmental issues that are often not thought about.
It is also common for those people associated in the use and manufacture of methamphetamine to be involved in other criminal activities as a way to finance their supply of the drug. It is my belief that for every user or manufacturer that we can stop, it will reduce other crimes such as theft, burglary, robbery, and fraud, which every citizen is at risk of being the victim of.
My approach to solving that issues is to continue the K-9 program already in effect. I would also continue to have a deputy assigned to the Tri-County Drug Task Force.
In addition to those proactive measures already in place, I would make drug interdiction training a priority for the deputies, as well as providing any necessary manpower to the Drug Task Force in a time of need.
Jay County Commissioners have discussed the possibility of entering into a contract with the Jay county Sheriff to set an established pay for the position, as opposed to the current situation in which the sheriff retains the unspent portion of meal money for inmates. What is your position on that proposal, and what would be a fair salary for the position?
Brown: I do believe that in the future all counties will go to contracting with the sheriff. I would entertain the motion to set up a contract with the commissioners.
I do believe that the sheriff should not profit from inmate meal money. As to what the salary should be, it should be up to the new sheriff and the county commissioners to come to a fair and comparable salary as to other counties as they do with the pay scales now.
Halstead: There are three ways to pay a sheriff. First, by an agreed upon contract between the commissioners, county council and the sheriff. Second, by a combination of a contract/meal money salary. And third, by a salary based upon two thirds of a full time prosecutor or judge’s salary.
Most sheriffs today are compensated based upon an agreed-upon contract. I would agree to a contract based upon other like county sheriffs given the same size of population, inmate county, assigned staff etc.
Here is an example of some contracted sheriff salaries:
Randolph County Sheriff — $68,000 per year
Adams County Sheriff — $65,000 per year
Delaware County Sheriff — $90,000 per year
Steuben County Sheriff — $65,000 per year
Blackford County Sheriff — $55,000 per year
Grant County Sheriff — $90,000 per year
It is my understanding that two-thirds of a full-time prosecutor or judge’s salary would be two-thirds of $110,000. With those figures the Jay County Sheriff should receive a minimum salary of $72,600. I believe the Jay County Sheriff should be compensated by agreement between the commissions and the county council in a salary range of $65,000 to $73,000.
Newton: I have been very open with the public about working with county officials to reach an agreement for an annual salary contract. The sheriff’s current salary, which is more than $100,000 per year, 60 percent of this comes from profits made from inmates meal money.
My opinion is that much of this money could be better utilized on manpower and equipment, instead of the sheriff profiting financially.
I believe the wrong message would be sent to the voters if the focus was to be put on who will do the job the cheapest, instead of who is the best candidate for the position.
However, I am sure that a fair salary for the position of Jay County Sheriff will be reached.
Sutton: I am in favor of that proposal. The goal behind the proposal is to save the taxpayers money. It is going to be important that the next sheriff be business-minded enough to continue to administer the meals in a manner that shows a profit, to be returned to the county, in order for that to be successful.
As for a fair salary for the position, there are many variables to consider.
I am convinced, however, that the commissioners and the next sheriff will be able to negotiate a fair contract, with the necessary stipulations to protect both parties, and provide a savings to the taxpayers.
I look forward to working with both the commissioners as well as the county council on this and many more issues concerning the Jay County Sheriff’s Department, if I am fortunate enough to be your next sheriff.
Several years ago, Jay County acquired a building at the corner of West Main and Ship streets to use if an expansion of the current county jail was necessary. Do you believe that expansion will be necessary over the next four years, and if so, what capacity/features should be included?
Brown: This is a very hard question. Do we need a new jail? The answer is yes. Do the taxpayers want to support a new jail with tax dollars? No. As I stated previously if we utilize the building the county owns next to the current jail we could expand the life of the current jail for how long I am not sure, but usage of the community correction using house arrest it could be maybe five to 10 years.
If we are going to build a new jail is should be built for the future expansion to house the needs of the future. I have talked to one of the commissioners of this and was advised that if built at that location it could hold up to 150 inmates.
There is a possibility that the Portland unit of the National Guard is going to be closing and there is the possibility of the county purchasing at minimal fee that building. With most of the items there already completed, all would be needed is to build cell blocks. This would also work for the needs of any future expansion in the future, as there is plenty of space available.
Halstead: Expansion of the jail is a decision that is made by the commissioners with the county council approving and providing the funding. My personal opinion is the Jay County jail is in desperate need of administrative space, and yes, it should be addressed within the next four years.
I challenge every citizen to tour the administrative area and see the lack of adequate working conditions, especially given the amount of staff assigned during any one shift. I visit many jails in our surrounding counties on a regular basis and can tell you, without question, the Jay County Security Center’s administrative space is pitiful. This is the first area that needs attention. The building of a new facility or expansion should be a commissioners’ decision.
Newton: The sheriff’s department has outgrown the current administration area and will eventually outgrow the secured area as well. The administration area is currently occupied by twice as many employees as it was designed for in 1984, due in part to the implementation of the 911 system.
I would be in favor of, and would support any decision to expand the facility, but that decision would ultimately be made by the Jay County Commissions and the county council.
My belief is that any decision made, should be based on the premise of what is best for the future and not what is the cheapest option at this time.
Sutton: I do not feel it will be necessary in the next four years to provide housing for inmates due to overcrowding. We currently house approximately six Department of Correction (state prison) inmates in our county security center. The state of Indiana pays the county $35 per day per inmate we house for them. These beds would be unoccupied if we did not house state inmates.
I will point out that the administrative area of the security center is currently overcrowded. If a proposal is made by the commissioners to expand the security center in the future, I would recommend that it be designed with adequate office or administrative area, as well as an interview room separated from the secured area of the facility. I would also suggest that a work release area be designed to keep those offenders who are on a work release program separated from the offenders who are not.
That would reduce the attempts of trafficking contraband to the inmates who cannot leave on this program. Any changes made to the secured area of the facility must be made to be in compliance with the current jail standards. As far as capacity for an expanded security center, I would suggest we build for growth.
When I first started working at the department, I can recall an average population of approximately 10 inmates. Our current average is approximately 50. If the security center is expanded larger than it is needed at the time of the expansion, the extra beds may be used as a source of income for the county, by making them available to the state prison system. That income may offset the cost of the expansion.
As the county inmate population increases, the need for an additional expansion would not be needed, you could just provide fewer beds to the state prison system, freeing those beds up for county inmates.
If there were one thing you want to make sure the voters know about you or the office you are seeking, what would that be?
Brown: I want the voters to know that during the last 16 years plus working at the jail has benefited me to know the daily operations of he jail and the employee’s responsibility. I listen to what the citizens say and want and expect from the sheriff’s department.
I have remained current with the changing laws by continuing various training. I want the voters from all parts of Jay County to know that I will have an open door policy. I have set one of the main goals is to work as TEAM with other departments such as police, fire, EMS, Rescue, and First Responders and Emergency Management. If we all work together as a TEAM pulling in the same direction we will accomplish that goal. I want the voters to know that I have the qualifications, experience and desire to be the next sheriff.
All personal will have monthly training to remain current on the changing laws. If we all work together we will have one of the top departments in the state. The department will be run PROFESSIONALLY with QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. I am committed to being your next sheriff.
Halstead: You, as a voter, are selecting a candidate for one of the most important positions in county government. The sheriff oversees 33 full-time employees plus part-time individuals. He is responsible for up to 55 inmates and oversees a total annual budget of over 1.5 million. It is your responsibility to vote for a CEO of this department.
For 30 years I have prepared myself to be your top law enforcement officer. I have obtained by BS degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Ball State University.
I have worked as an Indiana State Police Trooper, Investigator, Detective Sergeant (Supervisor of police and civilian employees) and now as the Acting District Investigative Commander (Mid-Level Manager) of Redkey Post. When you vote on May 2nd I ask you choose the most qualified candidate.
Newton: I want the voters to know, if elected sheriff, I will do my very best to run the Jay County Sheriff’s Department in a professional manner. I am committed to the people of Jay County and your desire to make our communities a safe place to lie. I will continue to listen to the citizens on their concern regarding these issues and will address them in a timely manner. I look forward to serving you, the citizens of Jay County.
Sutton: No response.[[In-content Ad]]
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