Message from the Sheriff
School's Out & Summer's Here!
As we approach summer, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department is gearing up for a busy time of the year--as school dismisses and our neighbors get outside to enjoy barbeques, festivals and other outdoor events. We also want to take this time to give a big congratulations to all our area graduates and wish them the best of luck in the future, whether that is away at college, into a career, or somewhere in between!
As always, we would like to remind everyone to drive cautiously as children will be out playing, riding bikes, and enjoying the summer weather.
Of course, summer weather usually means higher temperatures, so remember these tips to beat the heat:
Take frequent water breaks Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle Seek medical attention immediately for any signs of heat-related illnessWe would also like to remind everyone traveling in a vehicle to always wear their seat belt and never drink and drive. Seat belt usage is the most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Do not drink and drive - instead, call on a designated driver to get you home safely. Not only do you risk your life when you drive impaired, but you are also putting other drivers and passengers you share the roadway with at risk, too.
While you are traveling our roadways, boating, camping, or fishing, please remember to practice safety at all times. Mind the speed limits and always be on the lookout for children at play and crossing the streets.
Click here to read about the “CDC’s Eight Tips for Safe and Healthy Summertime Work and Play.”
The Jackson Sheriff's Department hopes everyone has a great, safe & healthy summer! Congratulations again to our graduates!
Sheriff Rick Meyer
The Indiana Office of the State Fire Marshal is offering a Reward up to $5,000 for any information that leads to a conviction in two Jackson County fires.
On February 23rd, 2022 a structure fire was report on West County Road 300 N Freetown, IN. Just a few hours later February 24th, 2022 there was a second structure fire reported in Medora, IN. Both properties were owned by the same individuals, and are being investigated as Arson. If you have any information related to these fires, please contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, by calling the Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628 or email at Tips1@dhs.in.gov, and you may remain anonymous. Please click on the reward poster link for additional information.
SEX OFFENDER ARRESTED IN BROWNSTOWN FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER
Brownstown, Indiana (January 3, 2022) - Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer announced today that a registered sex offender was arrested over the weekend for multiple violations of the sex offender registry.
Richard Blocker, 49, was arrested on Friday, December 31, 2021, and transported to the Jackson County Jail on a charge of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a lever 6 Felony.
Lt. Adam Nicholson of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department is responsible for tracking compliance with the registry. According to the probable cause affidavit, dispatch contacted Lt. Nicholson to provide information that Richard called 911 to report his girlfriend had fallen and reported his address as a location on High Street in Brownstown.
The location of the residence violated the registry requirement that a registered sex offender against children cannot live within 1000 feet of a daycare, school, or public park. It was in proximity of Saint Peters Lutheran Daycare, Saint Peters Lutheran School, and Brownstown Central Middle and High schools.
Registered sex offenders are required to report any changes to their address, phone number, vehicle registration, and employment to the Sheriff's Department within 72 hours of the change. The probable cause affidavit alleges Blocker failed to do so in violation of all of those requirements.
"I commend Lt. Nicholson for his work in making this arrest. We have the sex offender registry for the purpose of keeping children in our community safe and so residents can be aware of their surroundings. We will continue to be vigilant in making sure the registered offenders living in Jackson County are accounted for," said Sheriff Meyer.
Blocker remains incarcerated at the Jackson County jail pending an initial hearing.
All charges filed in this case are merely allegations and all suspects are considered innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
Merry Christmas
As the Christmas approaches, I want to personally take this time to acknowledge our outstanding staff and thank them for their vital contribution to this office and our community. I want to thank each and every one of our deputies and civilian staff for their hard work and encourage you to do the same when you see them.
Their hard work and dedication to our office and community is something we are all very thankful for - not just during the holiday season, but all year-round. I believe it is very important to show our appreciation to those who have been vital to our organization's success.
I would also like to acknowledge our community for their tremendous support and efforts to help make our area a safer place to live and raise a family. We truly value your input and assistance and are happy to know our website is an important information resource to so many of you.
When considering traveling home for Christmas, please keep in mind that COVID-19 is still existent in the world and in our community. For more information on how to remain safe during your travels, read this CDC article: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
If you are considering traveling for a Christmas, visit CDC's Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. For those who will be celebrating Christmas with loved ones, it's important to remember how to celebrate as safely as possible. To learn more about safer ways to celebrate Christmas, read the CDC's most recent guidance here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html
Have a Merry Christmas.
Sheriff Rick Meyer
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is now hiring for the position of Merit Deputy. Starting pay for Deputy will be $20.42 on January 1st, 2022 and $21.13 after 6 months of employment. Merit Deputies are required to be 21 years old and have a High School Diploma or GED.
The hiring process may include all or some of the following: Physical agility test, written examination, department review board interview, background investigation, Merit Board interview, and voice stress test.
Applications can be picked up at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department located at 150 E SR 250 in Brownstown, IN Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. or by visiting our web-site at www.jacksoncountysheriffin.org under links & resources tab.
Application deadline is December 30th at 4:00 p.m.
if you have any questions contact Sheriff Rick Meyer, Chief Deputy Dustin Steward or Lt. Adam Nicholson at 812.358.2141 or email
A Time to Give Thanks
As this Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to serve with such an outstanding group of people. The Jackson County Sheriff's deputies and administrative support staff are dedicated, hard-working, and committed to serving the citizens of our County. I encourage you to give them a friendly smile or a kind word to let them know you appreciate them as much as I do. I am truly fortunate to have them by my side.
I would especially like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the residents of Jackson County. Your efforts to enhance safety and cooperation with our office help make our County a great place to live and work. I am thankful for the assistance you provide through the crime tips hotline, website, and in person. I sincerely appreciate your commitment to the safety of our community.
My commitment to the citizens of this County has never been stronger. I will continue to work with you to improve the quality of life for each resident we serve. The support you've shown to me and the entire Sheriff's Office during 2021 has been overwhelming. I am very thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sheriff Rick Meyer
Safety Tips for Halloween
Halloween is approaching! With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, we want to offer guidance and information regarding how to have a safe (but still fun!) Halloween.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) has several recommendations for low- and moderate-risk activities to allow children to remain safe while still having the fun and excitement that comes with Halloween.
Lower Risk Activities include:
Carving pumpkins with your family or outside with others, at a safe distance. Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt, keeping a safe distance from others outdoors. Having an at-home trick-or-treating activity, where your children find hidden candy around the home or from family members.
Moderate Risk Activities include:
Trick-or-treating where children can grab individually wrapped goodie bags of candy from the end of driveways or edge of yards. Go to a haunted forest with one-way paths and social distancing.
For more information about having a safe & fun Halloween during COVID-19, visit CDC.gov: https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2021/9/30/22699031/trick-or-treating-cdc-updates-halloween-covid-rules
With a little preparation, communication, and diligence, Halloween can be a safe and enjoyable evening for all. Of course, we will be on patrol and available to you and your children should you need us. As always, dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer