I work here in Kokomo, but I live in Miami County. I see all these post about new Sheriffs and was wondering if anyone knew for sure what was going on in Miami County. I know they are building a new jail and it has everyone up in arms, but any word on who will be the next guy to run it?? And when do the people running make it public anyway?

Looks like either no one knows anything about Miami County, or no one cares. This is a Not In Kokomo forum.......hummm

I talked with some MCSD guys the other night and here is the latest. There are 2 troopers with their names in the hat. One is Stinson (retired and now Jail Deputy) The other is Miller (active ISP Detective) Then there is the retired chief of Peru and former head of the Miami County Drug Task force. So far that is the only ones saying for sure they are running. In past elections in Miami County there has been as many as 6 or so candidates, so it could get very interesting in our neighbor to the north. In the last election when so many ran they ended up with a guy with no law enforcment experience that lasted one term. History has supported troopers here, but the retired chief from Peru is also a business owner and well known in the community. More later as it develops

Is the Miller on here related to the Miller that is going to run for sheriff in Miami County?? Any one know?? If so that wouldnt be good news.

Sgt. Tim Miller of the State Police is absolutely no relation to mark miller of kpd.

This is good news for Tim Miller Isp, if they were related it would cost him dearly. But I do have a question. In the military it is a long way from the rank of Sgt to General. I know there are many ranks between Sgt. and Chief or Sheriff. Why do these guys think that holding the middle manager rank of Sgt is enough for them to hold the top job?? Unless they have other top level training or schooling it just doesnt seem like enough. Isnt that really the problem we have been seeing in other local law enforcement? Not enough top level training and or experience?? Just a thought, I dont even know these guys but it seems odd.

You bring up some very good points. This does seem to apply here in Kokomo as well. When we see road officers promoted to top level postitions ( Baker) with out going through the rank structure it always fails. There are levels of management for a reason, there are rank structures for a reason. When people skip over those levels they do not seem to get the proper grasp on admin. work, and they then have to learn on the job. That cost us time and money and very seldom works. I say that if they have not come up through the ranks there is usually a reason. And if you combine that with little or no advanced training you have the perfect mix for a disastor. This is not only true for local law enforcement but for any business or industry......

Ranks, although same titles, vary from agency to agency. A sergeant on one department may have the same responisbilities as a Captain on another, or vice versa. Once again, THE PERSON needs to be consiered, not from what Department they come from or what rank they hold. Whatever happened to life experiences as well?

Though I see your point about Sgt job being differant from agency to agency, I still say that there is a rank structure in place. If a candidate is qualified and capable, he/she will probably raise above the middle rank of Sgt. And life experience is very important as well, and that is where experience and advanced training would come into play. We all need the best candidate available, with a balance of all the mentioned areas. Education, Training and Experience. With a good amount of all 3 that person would be a good choice for Chief or Sheriff.

History has already shown us that the most qualified candidate is not usually the one elected anyway. The voters seldom take the time to check into the candidates background or credentials, they vote for the Popular guy. That is why the sheriff job has been passed around over the years to all sorts of characters. Maybe that will change, but I dont see it anytime soon.