Compliments & Complaints

Compliments & Complaints

Compliments & Complaints

The Holmes County Sheriff's Office is a full service law enforcement agency, an arm of the courts, and the custodial keeper of those who break the law. It is the mission of the Holmes County Sheriff's Office to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Holmes County, to preserve the peace, and to prevent crime and disorder while constantly guarding personal liberties as prescribed by law. This must be done with honor and integrity, conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards to maintain public confidence.


The Holmes County Sheriff's Office recognizes that it cannot fulfill its mission without community support. It is, therefore, imperative that a dialog characterized by mutual trust and open communication is maintained between the Sheriff's Office and the community. This communication must include a willingness to continually examine and modify policies and procedures to assure that the mission of the Sheriff's Office is accomplished in a manner compatible with the best interests of the community.

  • Citizen Complaint Process

    The Detective Bureau of the Holmes County Sheriff's Office reports directly to the Chief Deputy and has the responsibility of investigating certain complaints of misconduct against employees of the Sheriff's Office. Depending on the nature of the complaint, cases are investigated by either the Detective Bureau or are sent to the employee's direct supervisor for investigation.


    Note: Complaints about the underlying reasons for a traffic citation or criminal arrest must be resolved by the court and cannot be investigated as a complaint against a Holmes County Sheriff's Office employee.

  • How to File a Complaint

    • Pick up and complete a Holmes County Sheriff's Office Citizen Complaint form. Forms are available at the Sheriff's Office or you can submit the form online. You can also file a complaint by calling (330) 674-1936.
    • The complaint will be immediately referred to the employee's supervisor for investigation or to the Detective Bureau. If a supervisor is named or involved in the complaint, then the complaint will be referred to the Chief Deputy.
    • Once a complaint is reviewed, the supervisor investigating the complaint will contact you within a reasonable amount of time.
    • If the complaint is forwarded to the Detective Bureau for investigation, the complainant, witnesses and employee may be formally interviewed.
    • After an investigation is complete, the disposition of the complaint will be summarized and sent to the Sheriff for review. You will be notified of the outcome of your complaint.
    • When an anonymous complaint is made against an employee and there is no independent corroborating evidence, the complaint shall be classified as unfounded.

    If you suspect an employee of committing a crime, you must contact the agency with jurisdiction of where the crime occurred.


    Any questions or concerns about complaints against Holmes County Sheriff's Office employees can be directed to the employees immediate supervisor.

  • Ohio Revised Code 2921.15

    Ohio Revised Code 2921.15 | Making false allegation of peace officer misconduct.

    • As used in this section, “peace officer” has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.
    • No person shall knowingly file a complaint against a peace officer that alleges that the peace officer engaged in misconduct in the performance of the officer’s duties if the person knows that the allegation is false.
    • Whoever violates division (B) of this section is guilty of making a false allegation of peace officer misconduct, a misdemeanor of the first degree.
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