Delaware County, OHIO, Sheriff's Office

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Delaware, OH
Delaware County, OHIO, Sheriff's Office

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Jeffrey Balzer, Sheriff
Site Not Monitored 24/7 The office of Sheriff has become the oldest law enforcement position in the country. Col.
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-Administrators of the Sheriff's Office page reserve the right to remove comments that violate policy, as per the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office. Policy found at http://delawarecountysheriff.com/about

-This page is monitored regularly, but not 24/7. Please call 740-833-2800 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
-Any information or comments posted on this page are subject to public records disclosure. ABOUT US:
Established in the early 1800s, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has an extensive set of responsibilities to those it serves. By statute, the office must provide corrections/jail on a countywide basis, common pleas court services, and full police protection to the unincorporated areas of the county. Sheriffs are elected on the county level by the people they serve. Solomon Smith was elected the first sheriff of Delaware County in 1808. Today, the position of Sheriff is the only remaining law enforcement office filled through the election method. Delaware County’s first jail was built in 1878 at a cost of $25,845. Originally on West Central Avenue, today the jail is located North east of downtown Delaware, on U.S. Highway 42 North. In each of Ohio’s 88 counties, the Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer. In the 1960s, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office established the County Mounted Deputy Sheriffs, Inc. Mounted deputies can access areas where traditional police vehicles cannot due to space limitations or congestion. In Delaware County, the mounted patrol is funded largely by private donations. In 1972, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office assumed the additional responsibility of Emergency Medical Services. Later, specialized firefighters and paramedics would take over this duty. The Canine Unit, established in 1993, is responsible for searching and locating drugs and missing or wanted persons. The Sheriff’s detective bureau is responsible for conducting all criminal investigations. The weight enforcement division ensures that commercial vehicles are not violating set weight limits. The Drug Task Force and Tactical Unit are multijurisdictional units which operate under the Sheriff’s Office. Common day sheriff’s deputies have many additional responsibilities beyond the scope of traditional law enforcement. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has ten school resource officers (SRO) in four public school districts. SROs provide safety services to the school and work to prevent juvenile delinquency through close contact and positive relationships with students. The Office also provides background checks and fingerprinting and issues all Carry Concealed Weapons licenses. The Records Division is tasked with the responsibility of maintaining and filing all reports taken by the Sheriff’s Office. Among other things, records clerks also maintain control of all criminal and civil warrants and protection orders. All appraising, advertising and selling of seized homes and businesses is the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office. When you call 9-1-1, you will likely speak with a Sheriff’s Office employee. In Delaware County the team of dispatchers answers calls, not only for the Sheriff’s Office, but for 12 additional municipalities in the county. To learn more, visit:
Delawarecountysheriff.com

09/28/2026

😂🍁 : This Monday Funny will have you "falling" over!

What is a deputy’s favorite sweater?

👮‍♂️ *A pull-over!*🚔🧥

Happy Monday! 😎

09/26/2026

🏅2026 Ohio Gold Star Awards: Honoring Excellence, Inspiring the Future.

Congrats to our long-time Dispatcher Sarah Gantt for being 1 of only 9 finalists in the statewide Dispatch Trainer of the Year award. Over 90 nominations were submitted! We couldn't be more proud of her nomination and the dedication she brings to our communications center every day.

Sarah exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding dispatcher and trainer. From completely revamping our training process and maintaining exceptional documentation to continuously seeking better ways to serve our team, her commitment to excellence shows in everything she does.

She’s trained countless new dispatchers, supported supervisors, and always brings a positive attitude that truly lifts the whole team. Her work ethic, dedication, and genuine care for this profession shine through in everything she does.

Congratulations on this well-deserved statewide recognition, Sarah 💛🖤 {And congrats to the statewide winner, Samantha, from the Summit County Emergency Communications Center!}

09/25/2026

🐾 FURRY FRIDAY: That’s a Wrap!

And just like that, the 2026 Delaware County Fair is pretty much in the books! 🎡💛

From our deputies and dispatchers to our Explorers, K9s, volunteers, families, and all of YOU who stopped by to say hello—we had a pretty “paw-some” week, even with the weather! 🐶☔

We’ll see you next year—come rain or shine (but it better be shine!). 👋

09/24/2026

A few weeks ago, while on duty, Deputy Whitley came upon a motorcycle crash. She immediately assessed the situation and administered first aid, including applying a tourniquet. In her own words: "I wouldn't have been able to to this without all the training I have received from the Delaware County Sheriffs Office."

Unbeknownst to Deputy Whitley, Orange Township Fire Department Chief McNeil was also stopped in the traffic nearby. He got out to assist and was impressed to see Deputy Whitley’s composure and the way she put her training into action.

At a recent Patrol Roll Call, Chief McNeil presented Deputy Whitley with his personal fire department challenge coin in recognition of her actions.

We’re proud of Deputy Whitley for being prepared to step up when it mattered most; and grateful to Chief McNeil for recognizing her efforts. This is what teamwork and training are all about. 👏🚔🚒

We’re also happy to share that the patient was released from the hospital.❤️

09/23/2026

📱 | 👉 Know the risks. Know what to do. Know where to turn.

The internet can be a great place to connect, learn & have fun—but it’s important to know the red flags & protect your personal info.

We’ve put together internet safety resources for kids, teens, parents & adults, covering everything from cyberbullying & gaming to scams, sexting & ID theft.

Explore resources: www.DelawareCountySheriff.com/internet-safety

09/22/2026

You don’t owe anyone a “yes” just because they’re your friend.
Peer pressure isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s the feeling that you need to go along with the group—or risk being left out.

Whether it’s drinking, va**ng, risky driving, or sharing photos you know you shouldn’t, you always have a choice.
👉 Trust your gut.
👉 Have a backup plan to get home.
👉 Know who to call.
Real friends don't make you prove yourself.

09/22/2026

🏅2026 Task Force Commander of the Year: Lieutenant Dereck Keller!

Please join us in congratulating Commander Dereck Keller of the Delaware County L.E.A.P. Drug Task Force on being named the 2026 Task Force Commander of the Year by the Ohio Task Force Commanders Association!

This recognition highlights Commander Keller’s dedication to professionalism, collaboration, and the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and related criminal activity.

The Delaware County Drug Task Force (L.E.A.P. — Law Enforcement Against Pushers) works across jurisdictions to identify and investigate drug traffickers, disrupt criminal networks, and reduce the availability of illegal drugs in our community.

Thank you, Commander Keller, for your leadership and commitment to protecting people, their property, and their rights. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

09/21/2026

!

Being funny is cool—making someone feel small isn’t. Jokes should never come at someone else’s expense. Bullying can happen anywhere, but you’re not alone. School Resource Officers are here to listen, help & make sure students know they have someone in their corner. 💙

Don't get us wrong, we’re all for the jokes—but nobody gets hurt by our posts… except maybe your dignity when the pun is really bad. 😂

09/21/2026

It's hard not to horse around when we're having fun at the fair, so here is one for your Monday Funny!

Why did the goat win first place? 🐐🏆
Because it was simply the G.O.A.T.! 😂

Nothing bleats a little fair fun! 🎠🎪

Address

1776 State Route 521
Delaware, OH
43015

Telephone

(740) 833-2810

Website

http://www.delawarecountysheriff.com/

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