Mission Statement

Our Mission

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protect the lives, property and rights of all people, to maintain order and to enforce the laws The Starke County Sheriff’s Office will strive to accomplish this mission by setting goals and objectives and practicing the values of the Department.

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the professional care and custody of those confined in our jail, the security of our courts and the prompt investigation of crime when it occurs.  It is our mission to improve and maintain the quality of life we enjoy and to ensure that our county is a safe place to live, work and visit.

We are totally dedicated to this mission, to the County we serve and to accept the responsibility of attaining our goal of achieving excellence within our profession.

Department Values

It should be understood that the law enforcement profession is at times a difficult and demanding profession compared to any other. The law enforcement profession elicits challenges, pressures and decision making. It is imperative to recognize these standards and the importance of the ethical responsibilities of our position within our community. We must constantly strive for excellence and meet our challenges with the highest possible standards of professional conduct. The Department must live up to and will be held accountable by the people of the County for maintaining the highest standards of the community.

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office value shares its principles and beliefs, which guide the Department’s members as they pursue the department’s mission. The underlying premise of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office is that officers shall dedicate themselves to treat people with respect, fairness and compassion.

Professional Responsibility

All employees of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office are expected to:

  • Strive to meet the responsibilities of their assigned job duties, to be responsible for their actions and accountable to their supervisors and to the citizens they serve.
  • Set goals and precisely measure objectives within a time limit that supports the achievement of these goals.
  • Know the laws and rules that will aid them in performing their duties and serving the public.
  • Strive for individual improvement.
  • Be able to detect problems within their job assignments and be capable of making decisions in response to those issues such as problem solving, crime reduction, traffic safety and police partnerships.
  • Enhance their level of technical knowledge, training and education.

Community Responsiveness

All employees of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office must:

  • Understand that service is the primary purpose of our profession.
  • Exhibit a compassionate and responsive attitude toward the community and express a genuine desire to satisfy the needs of the citizens of this county. This can be accomplished through establishing partnerships within the community to reduce crime, make our roads safer and provide assistance to the public.
  • Understand that community support will result when trust and confidence is established within our community.

Integrity

All employees of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office must:

  • Understand that the integrity of the police department must never be compromised. The public demands and we must accept that the integrity as a police officer must be above reproach. We must constantly strive to reach the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

Dedication

All employees of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office must understand that:

  • They should strive to obtain individual goals for self-improvement.
  • They are expected to perform at their highest potential by seeking individual objectives in reaching their goals with the maximum effort.
  • They are expected to have pride in themselves and take ownership in their work product.

Cooperation

All employees of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office must understand that:

  • It will be expected that all employees of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, the largest law enforcement agency in the county, will lead by example and be willing and able to assist any police or public agency when requested. We must recognize that the cooperation of all law enforcement agencies is essential for effective, efficient and responsive law enforcement.

Innovation

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office will value innovation from all levels.  The Starke County Sheriff’s Office will strive to keep pace with the latest methods and technology through continuous training and education.  All employees must understand the importance of creating a work environment that encourages innovation, input and participation.

Sound Fiscal Management

Careful management of our financial resources demonstrates our respect for the citizens. Sound fiscal responsibility ensures accountability to the public and focuses resources for efficiently achieving the goals of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office.

Department Goals

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office and each member will strive to:

  • Provide the best in quality service to earn the highest respect and confidence from the citizens in Starke County.
  • Provide public service though individual attention with empathy, integrity and professionalism
  • Identify areas in which public safety can be enhanced.
  • Be leaders in the area of responsibility and accountability by exercising the maximum effort toward reaching the department’s mission
  • Treat all citizens and fellow employees in a fair and equitable manner without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.
  • Reduce crime, make roadways safe and provide assistance to the public in the most professional manner.
  • Be conscious of how they manage their recourses and to focus their activities with the greatest impact on the department’s priorities.
  • Utilize the best available technology to meet the demands of its employees and citizens that they serve.

As members of the Starke County Sheriff’s Office we must constantly be cognizant of our future expectations. We must work together, plan and strive for excellence realizing that the daily decisions that are made will reflect on the future of our department