Indianapolis, Indiana - May 2002
There are over three thousand counties in the United States and almost every one of them has a sheriff. Today's sheriff is an elected official who serves as the chief law enforcement officer for a county. Though, there is really no such thing as a typical sheriff, they do all have certain roles in common.

Law Enforcement
Most sheriff's offices have a responsibility for law enforcement which includes the power to make arrests within their own county (sometimes the entire state), routine patrol functions, and specialized law enforcement activities.

Court Duties
Sheriffs are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the court.

Jail Administration
Most sheriffs' offices maintain and operate county jails, detention centers and related facilities. They supervise inmates, protect their rights, and provide their needs for food, clothing, and exercise among others.

Marion Co. Sheriff's Dept. Aims for Optimal Health Captain Albert Kennedy has been with the Marion County Sheriff's Department for over 21 years. He currently serves as the Assistant Personnel Commander. One of his jobs is to sign up new Merits into the Sheriff's Department wellness program. Sheriff Cottey Keeps Program Alive In place since the early 80's, the wellness program initially began as a screening tool to ensure that candidates would have a good opportunity to become career officers. With the forward-thinking efforts of two-term Sheriff Jack L. Cottey, the voluntary program has been kept alive and has realized an enrollment of "virtually 100 percent over the last decade" Kennedy says with pride. One of the goals is to "catch things early so there is less down time on the job and to keep the officers healthy so they can perform their job at an optimal level." What They Get All 411 Merits have the opportunity to receive: A pre-employment physical good for two years An annual physical exam (after the initial two year period) with guidance on lifestyle improvements $10 discount per pay on their health insurance premiums ($240 annually) Reduced membership rates at area fitness centers (including NIFS and YMCA)

Sheriff Jack L. Cottey

Capt. Albert Kennedy

Convenience is Key
Sheriff Cottey knows the program has led to the capture of a variety of medical conditions. "Through early detection, officers who have been diagnosed with medical conditions have been able to keep them under control." He also knows that most deputies would typically not make an annual physical a priority with their busy schedules-and certainly not if it included visits to multiple locations. "Having a convenient, thorough physical that's offered all in one visit makes a difference. They even get two reminder cards in the mail prior to their visit", states Kennedy.

Captain Kennedy is hopeful that the wellness program will be opened up to all county employees, not just Merits, in the future.

A New Breed of Sheriff
Marion County Sheriff's Department is striving to create a healthy, forward-looking department. Education, training, and health awareness will make all the difference.

Population served:	427,600
Area Protected:	287 square miles
# of Merit Officers:	411
Average age of Merits:	42
# of Reserves:	137
# of Run in 2001:	246,325

For more information on the Marion Co. Sheriff's Department, visit their Web site by clicking here.

© 2006 Public Safety Medical Services