In Fayette County, law enforcement isn’t just about enforcing the law—it’s about knowing the community, responding with care, and adapting to a changing landscape. At the center of this effort is the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, a department tasked with a wide range of responsibilities that go far beyond patrol cars and courtrooms.

Chief Deputy Bivins, second in command to the sheriff, helps oversee the day-to-day operations across divisions. From the detective bureau to the jail, each unit plays a role in fulfilling the office’s core mission: keeping the peace, serving the courts, and protecting the people.

Statutorily, Ohio’s 88 sheriffs share the same legal obligations, but each county shapes its own approach. In Fayette, that means managing everything from serving court papers to registering sex offenders, arsonists, and violent offenders. One of the most critical duties is operating the county jail—ensuring that inmates are cared for, fed, and kept safe while in custody. It’s a responsibility that reflects the department’s broader philosophy: protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

Public safety challenges in Fayette County mirror those seen across rural Ohio. Property crimes and drug trafficking remain persistent concerns, and while the county isn’t as densely populated as metropolitan areas, it still faces the full spectrum of law enforcement calls—from traffic crashes to major investigations. With Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 14 stretched across three counties, the Sheriff’s Office often steps in to fill the gaps.

Serving both incorporated and unincorporated areas, the department maintains contracts with municipalities like Jeffersonville, Milledgeville, and Octa to provide law enforcement within their limits. Washington Court House, the county seat, operates its own police department, but the Sheriff’s Office remains a vital presence throughout the region.

One of the department’s most active strategies in combating drug-related crime is its membership in the 23 Major Crimes Task Force—a multi-county initiative focused on investigating drug offenses and other serious crimes. Within the jail, programs like Faith and Recovery Mission offer support for inmates struggling with addiction, reinforcing the department’s commitment to rehabilitation as well as enforcement.

Community policing is more than a buzzword in Fayette County—it’s a lived reality. Many deputies are lifelong residents, and their familiarity with the county’s rural communities helps foster trust and responsiveness. Whether it’s a routine patrol or a crisis call, deputies strive to engage with empathy and professionalism.

Transparency is another cornerstone of the department’s operations. Like other sheriff’s offices across Ohio, Fayette responds to public records requests and follows clear protocols for determining when case information can be released. It’s a system designed to balance public access with legal responsibility.

Among the department’s proudest recent initiatives is its partnership with Miami Trace Local School District. The collaboration reflects a broader goal: building strong relationships with schools, families, and youth to support development and safety from an early age.

Looking ahead, the Sheriff’s Office is preparing for growth. As industries move into the county and the population expands, the department is focused on scaling its services to meet rising expectations. That means investing in personnel, infrastructure, and community engagement—ensuring that Fayette County remains safe, supported, and well-served.

For residents, the message is clear: the deputies who serve them are not just enforcing laws—they’re responding to people in moments of crisis, offering help, and working toward a better future. Public support plays a vital role, and the department continues to value the trust and cooperation it receives from the community.

In a county defined by both tradition and transformation, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office stands as a steady presence—committed to justice, rooted in service, and ready to grow alongside the people it protects.