The Benton County Arkansas Sheriff's Department, truly a cornerstone of public safety, works hard every single day to keep everyone in the community feeling secure. It's a place where dedicated professionals commit themselves to the well-being of Benton County, always striving to build strong connections with the people they serve. So, you know, they really do care about both protecting folks and making sure everyone feels like a part of things, which is pretty great, in a way.
This office, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, has quite a history, stretching all the way back to 1836. It’s a very busy department, looking after more than 270,000 residents across a large area, nearly 880 square miles, to be precise. You might be surprised at just how much ground they cover, which really shows their commitment to the whole region, and that's something to appreciate, isn't it?
From maintaining peace to managing the jail, and even offering services to other agencies, the Benton County Sheriff's Office does a lot for its community. They're all about protecting lives and property, trying to stop crime before it happens, and making sure their team always acts with professionalism. We're going to look closer at what they do, who leads them, and how you can get in touch, because it's important to know, actually.
Table of Contents
- A Clear Purpose: Their Mission and What They Do
- Leadership at the Helm: Who Guides the Department
- Services They Provide: Keeping Benton County Safe
- Community Engagement: Building Stronger Bonds
- Getting in Touch: Contact Information and Location
- Career Opportunities: Joining the Team
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts on Community Safety
A Clear Purpose: Their Mission and What They Do
The Benton County Arkansas Sheriff's Department has a very straightforward mission, which is that they exist to protect life and property, you know, for everyone living there. They also work hard to deter crime, trying to prevent bad things from happening before they start. This involves a lot of patrolling and being visible in the community, actually.
Another big part of their purpose is to create strong relationships within the community. They believe that working together with residents makes everyone safer. So, they really try to connect with people, not just enforce rules. This helps build trust, which is pretty essential for law enforcement, in a way.
And, they always aim to set an example of professionalism in their service. This means their officers and staff are expected to act with integrity and respect, no matter the situation. It's about being good role models for the community, which is something they take very seriously, you know.
Leadership at the Helm: Who Guides the Department
The Benton County Arkansas Sheriff's Department is led by a team of experienced individuals who guide its operations and uphold its mission. These leaders oversee various divisions and ensure that the department serves the community effectively. Their dedication helps keep things running smoothly, which is very important for public safety, as a matter of fact.
Sheriff Shawn Holloway: Leading the Way
Sheriff Shawn Holloway is the current leader of the Benton County Sheriff's Office. He's a proud native of Northwest Arkansas, which means he really knows the area and its people, you know. He lives there with his wife, Amanda, and their six children, so he's very much a part of the community he serves, which is good to see.
Sheriff Holloway took office in January of 2017. Under his guidance, the department provides law enforcement services throughout Benton County. He also oversees contractual services offered to other agencies, which shows the breadth of their work. His leadership shapes the department's approach to community safety and engagement, and that's a pretty big responsibility, actually.
Chief Meyer Gilbert: Chief Deputy
Chief Meyer Gilbert holds the position of Chief Deputy for the Benton County Sheriff's Office. He was appointed sheriff of Benton County in April of 2016. He served in that role until Sheriff Shawn Holloway took over in January of 2017. So, he has a lot of experience in leading the department, which is very valuable, you know.
As Chief Deputy, Chief Gilbert plays a very important role in the daily operations and strategic direction of the department. He works closely with Sheriff Holloway to ensure that the office runs effectively and meets its goals for public safety. His deep knowledge of the county and law enforcement helps guide the team, which is a big help, in a way.
Major Robert Bersi: Administration and Divisions
Major Robert Bersi is the administration major of the Benton County Sheriff's Office. He joined the team in May of 2016, originally hired for enforcement duties. His responsibilities now include overseeing the detention center, which is the county jail, and the aviation divisions. This means he has a hand in a lot of different areas of the department, which is quite a task.
His role is pretty broad, ensuring that these key divisions operate efficiently and safely. He helps manage the complex logistics of the jail and the specialized operations of the aviation unit. It's a very important job that supports the entire department's efforts to maintain public order, you know.
Lieutenant Jenkins: Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Jenkins serves as the public information officer for the Benton County Sheriff's Office. Her job involves overseeing the public relations division, which means she is the main contact point for information sharing. She works directly with local media outlets and the associated press, ensuring that the public stays informed about department activities and important events.
Her work is very important for transparency and building trust between the department and the community. She helps get accurate information out quickly, especially during emergencies or significant incidents. It's a role that requires clear communication and a good understanding of public needs, which is pretty essential, actually.
Services They Provide: Keeping Benton County Safe
The Benton County Arkansas Sheriff's Department offers a wide range of services to the residents of Benton County. These services are all geared towards keeping the community safe and ensuring that laws are upheld. From daily patrols to managing the county jail, their work touches many aspects of public life, you know.
Maintaining Public Peace and Order
A core responsibility of the sheriff's office is to maintain public peace. This involves responding to calls for service, investigating crimes, and enforcing state and local laws. They work to deter criminal activity and ensure that residents can live safely in their homes and communities. This presence helps prevent problems before they start, which is very helpful, in a way.
They are the chief enforcement officers of the circuit court, which gives them broad authority to carry out their duties. This means they are involved in everything from traffic enforcement to serious criminal investigations. Their constant presence helps create a sense of order and security throughout the county, and that's something everyone appreciates, actually.
The Benton County Jail: A Key Facility
The Benton County Jail, also known as the detention center, has been operational since April 1999. Its design was carefully planned after touring eight different jails in Colorado and Wyoming, so it was built with a lot of thought. Former Sheriff Andy Lee, along with architects and consultants, played a big part in its creation, you know.
This facility houses individuals who are awaiting trial or serving sentences. It's a very important part of the criminal justice system, ensuring that those who need to be held are kept securely. Major Robert Bersi oversees the detention center, making sure it operates safely and efficiently, which is a huge job, really.
Criminal Records and Inmate Information
The Benton County Sheriff's Office makes certain public records available to the community. You can request to view these records or get copies for a small fee. This helps ensure transparency and allows the public to access important information, which is a good thing, you know.
If you're looking for information on inmates, the department's official website is the place to go. You can usually find an "inmate lookup" tab there, which makes it easier to find who you're looking for. This service helps families and legal professionals stay informed, and it's pretty convenient, actually.
Contractual Services for Other Agencies
Beyond serving Benton County directly, the sheriff's office also offers contractual services to external agencies. This means their expertise and resources can be used by other organizations that need law enforcement support. It shows their capability and willingness to help out beyond their immediate jurisdiction, which is pretty impressive, in a way.
These services could involve specialized training, tactical support, or other forms of assistance that other departments might need. It really highlights the depth of their experience and the trust other agencies place in them. It's a way they contribute to broader public safety efforts, you know.
Emergency Dispatch Services (OEC)
The Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) personnel are often the very first point of contact when someone has an emergency. This center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they are always ready to help. The OEC provides dispatch services for twelve different law enforcement agencies, and that includes the Benton County Sheriff's Office.
When you dial 911 in Benton County, it's often the OEC that answers. They play a very important role in coordinating responses to emergencies, making sure that help gets to where it's needed quickly. Their work is essential for the safety of the entire county, which is pretty vital, actually.
Civil Service: Evictions and Legal Processes
The sheriff's office also handles civil service matters, like serving legal papers and assisting with evictions. If you need to evict someone, for example, the plaintiff will first need to serve the respondent with a written notice to remove themselves from the property. This notice must be served correctly, either in person or through other legal means.
The sheriff's office plays a role in ensuring these legal processes are carried out properly and lawfully. They help enforce court orders related to civil disputes, which is a different but equally important aspect of their duties. It's a service that helps maintain legal order in the community, you know.
Community Engagement: Building Stronger Bonds
Building strong relationships with the community is a very important goal for the Benton County Arkansas Sheriff's Department. They believe that a connected community is a safer community, so they put effort into programs that bring people together. This approach helps build trust and cooperation, which is very helpful for everyone involved, actually.
PAL History and Community Initiatives
The Benton County Sheriff's Office PAL program, which stands for Police Athletic League, was incorporated in 2009. It was founded by Chris and Kimberly Sparks, and it's also organized by other members of the sheriff's office and concerned citizens. This program is a community crime prevention initiative, so it's all about proactive engagement.
PAL aims to connect law enforcement with young people through sports and other positive activities. This helps foster positive relationships and provides mentorship, which can be very beneficial for kids. It's a way for officers to interact with the community in a friendly, supportive environment, and that really makes a difference, you know.
Getting in Touch: Contact Information and Location
Knowing how to contact the Benton County Arkansas Sheriff's Department is very important for residents. For emergencies, you should always dial 911. For non-emergencies or general inquiries, there are specific contact details available, which makes it easy to get the information you need, you know.
The main office is located at 1300 SW 14th Street, Bentonville, AR 72712. This is where you can find their physical location if you need to visit in person. They have been there for quite some time, so it's a well-known spot, actually.
You can also find agency contact information, including phone numbers and addresses, on their official website. This is often the quickest way to get up-to-date contact details. The department aims to be accessible to the public, which is pretty helpful, in a way. You can learn more about local community services on our site.
For specific inquiries about records, or if you need to identify your request, it's a good idea to provide as much detail as possible, like a date of birth or other identifying information. This helps them find what you need more quickly, which is very efficient, you know. Also, you can find more information about their services by visiting this page.
Career Opportunities: Joining the Team
The Benton County Sheriff's Office is always looking for dedicated individuals to join their team. If you're interested in a career in law enforcement and serving your community, they offer various opportunities. This could be a very rewarding path for someone who wants to make a difference, actually.
To learn more about a career with the Benton County Sheriff's Office, or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, you can contact a recruiter today. They can provide details on requirements, training, and the different roles available within the department. It's a chance to be part of a team committed to public safety, you know.
They offer competitive salaries, with ranges like $65,098.93 up to $97,648.39, which can be a good incentive for those looking for a stable and meaningful career. Joining the department means becoming a part of a team that protects life and property, and that's a pretty important job, in a way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find information about inmates in Benton County?
To find information about inmates, you should visit the official website of the Benton County Sheriff's Office. Once you're on their site, look for the inmate lookup tab, which is usually easy to find. This tool lets you search for current inmates, which is pretty convenient, you know.
What is the primary mission of the Benton County Sheriff's Office?
The Benton County Sheriff's Office exists to protect life and property, deter crime, and build relationships within the community. They also aim to always set an example of professionalism in their service. It's all about keeping everyone safe and fostering good connections, actually.
Who is the current Sheriff of Benton County, Arkansas?
The current Sheriff of Benton County, Arkansas, is Sheriff Shawn Holloway. He is a proud native of Northwest Arkansas and has been leading the department since January of 2017. He works with a dedicated team to serve the county, which is very important, you know.
Final Thoughts on Community Safety
The Benton County Arkansas Sheriff's Department is clearly a very important part of the community, working hard to keep everyone safe and secure. Their dedication to public peace, their comprehensive services, and their efforts to build strong community relationships truly stand out. It's a department that values professionalism and connection, which is pretty wonderful, in a way.
From the leadership of Sheriff Shawn Holloway to the daily work of every officer and staff member, their commitment to Benton County is evident. They are always there to help, whether it's an emergency or a simple question about public records. Their presence helps create a safer place for all residents, and that's something to appreciate, actually.
If you're interested in learning more, or if you have any questions, reaching out to them directly is always a good idea. They are located at 1300 SW 14th Street in Bentonville, AR 72712. You can also find more general information about Arkansas law enforcement agencies, like the Saline County Sheriff's Office, through official state resources or related government sites, for example, Arkansas.gov.
