Sheriff’s Department marks 250th anniversary

By Crystal Vandegrift, Staff Writer

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department was honored last week with a resolution from the Board of Supervisors marking the department’s 250th anniversary.

Since 1988 Sheriff Thomas Jones has led the department through an array of changes that have not only increased safety in the county but generated revenue.

Currently, Jones is the longest serving sheriff in the Commonwealth.

Sheriff Jones says he has seen a lot of changes over the years in the law enforcement field. However, he pointed out that mental health issues in the criminal population is one of the biggest challenges he and his officers face each day and they are currently working to develop strategies to combat that.

In addition to other programs that have been developed during Sheriff Jones’ watch, in 1995 when faced with the possibility of the jail being closed, the sheriff’s department initiated the work release program, and began housing inmates from other counties, which generated income for the county.

Currently, the Charlotte County jail houses 40 to 70 inmates and operates with 35 full-time and five part-time employees.

“I have been fortunate to have great people working for me and to have the support of the community. They are the two things a sheriff needs,” said Jones.