Join our team

The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office is now hiring corrections, patrol, and reserve officers to serve our community.

About ECSO

The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office strives for a safe and secure community through implementation of premiere law enforcement and corrections practices. Our employees will always strive to serve our community through our core values: Service, Integrity, Respect, and Resourcefulness.

CORRECTIONS

Provide safety and services within the jail facility.

PATROL

Serve and protect those living in and traveling through Elkhart County.

RESERVES

Volunteer to assist our patrol division with staffing at critical times.

The Process

timeline

Complete Application

Complete the application online.

timeline

Physical Ability Test

All applicants must pass a physical ability test that measures the applicant's ability to navigate situations they could encounter on the job.

timeline

Written Exam

Applicants must receive an acceptable score on a standard written examination, which includes math, grammar, spelling comprehension, and sentence structure.

timeline

Background Check

To uphold the integrity of the Office, all applicants must undergo an extensive pre-employment character background and criminal history check, as well as polygraph and drug tests.

timeline

Interview

The Elkhart County Sheriff's Office expects the highest standards of performance, ethical conduct, and truthfulness of all officers — on and off duty. All applicants will be interviewed to ensure their values align with those of the Office.

timeline

Oath of Office

Welcome to the team! Applicants who have been extended a job offer will take an Oath of Office to affirm their commitment to faithfully and impartially carrying out the duties of the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office.

SHERIFF JEFF SIEGEL

 “One of the reasons I’ve always liked being a part of the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office is due to the diversity of the population we serve, as well as, the vast difference in the geographic areas in the county. We work in the urban areas in our northwestern corner and the rural farming communities in the south. The citizens we serve are also very supportive of our efforts to serve. I am frequently thanked by community members and also asked, ‘what can we do to assist your agency?’ Even though we wear brown, I feel that Elkhart County truly ‘backs the blue.'”

Chief Deputy Sean Holmes

 “My family has served the Elkhart County community at the Sheriff’s Office since 1967. I joined in 1994 and it has been a great career. As I finish out my service in the next few years, I can genuinely say that this has been the most satisfying career I could have chosen. The service and team-oriented environment at the Sheriff’s Office has provided me with purpose and direction. The opportunities that the agency has made available to me have been many. These opportunities are available to anyone who has the drive to learn and serve. If someone is looking to serve others, in an environment that promotes advanced and proper law enforcement and correction’s standards, the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office is where you should be. “

CAPTAIN JIM SMITH

INVESTIGATIONS

“Police Officers often encounter people when they’re at their worst or at a very low point in their lives, either they are the ones who are in trouble or they have been victimized.

One of the most satisfying aspects of working as a law enforcement officer is the unique opportunity to show people a better way. They are usually a captive audience and, if treated kindly and with respect, they might be open to what you have to say. How you treat people can have a huge impact in someone’s life. It isn’t always about the life and death decisions, the day to day contact with people are just as important.

CAPTAIN MICHAEL CULP

ADMINISTRATION

“Being a member of the Sheriff’s Office has been truly rewarding.  I am proud to work for an agency that focuses on serving the community.  The positive feedback and stories shared with me over the years have emphasized how important it is to serve your community while treating others with honor and dignity.  I am proud of this tradition and being able to serve others through the Sheriff’s Office.”

CAPTAIN DAVID LANZEN

CORRECTIONS

“At ECSO we are truly focused on providing service to our community, and doing it according to the best practices for our profession. We have a strong commitment to teamwork among our divisions, and in working with other agencies to meet the community’s needs.”

CAPTAIN BRIAN HOLLOMAN

PATROL

“In 1995, I joined the ranks of the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office and I’m proud and honored to say that. The benefit that jumps out to me, on a personal level, is that the agency offers me the opportunity to serve the community, hoping to impact at least one person in a positive way. On a larger level, service with the Sheriff’s Office allows me to serve the entirety of Elkhart County while providing a sense of variety and freedom without the confines of working for a city or town agency.”

"One of the reasons I've always liked being a part of the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office is due to the diversity of the population we serve, as well as, the vast difference in the geographic areas in the county. We work in the urban areas in our northwestern corner and the rural farming communities in the south. The citizens we serve are also very supportive of our efforts to serve. I am frequently thanked by community members and also asked, 'what can we do to assist your agency?' Even though we wear brown, I feel that Elkhart County truly 'backs the blue.'"

Testimonial Item

Sheriff Jeff Siegel

"At ECSO we are truly focused on providing service to our community, and doing it according to the best practices for our profession. We have a strong commitment to teamwork among our divisions, and in working with other agencies to meet the community's needs."

Testimonial Item

Captain David Lanzen

Corrections

"Being a member of the Sheriff’s Office has been truly rewarding. I am proud to work for an agency that focuses on serving the community. The positive feedback and stories shared with me over the years have emphasized how important it is to serve your community while treating others with honor and dignity. I am proud of this tradition and being able to serve others through the Sheriff’s Office."

Testimonial Item

Captain Michael Culp

Administration

"I am finishing up my 26th year with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office and am proud and honored to say that. The benefit that jumps out to me, on a personal level, is that the agency offers me the opportunity to serve the community, hoping to impact at least one person in a positive way. Working in Elkhart County also gives a sense of variety and freedom without the confines of working for a city or town agency."

Testimonial Item

Captain Brian Holloman

Patrol

"Police Officers often encounter people when they're at their worst or at a very low point in their lives, either they are the ones who are in trouble or they have been victimized.

One of the most satisfying aspects of working as a law enforcement officer is the unique opportunity to show people a better way. They are usually a captive audience and, if treated kindly and with respect, they might be open to what you have to say. How you treat people can have a huge impact in someone’s life. It isn’t always about the life and death decisions, the day to day contact with people are just as important."

Testimonial Item

Captain Jim Smith

Investigations

Are you eligible to join our team?

Take the quiz to find out!

Name
Email
Are you a high school graduate or equivalent?

Do you have a valid driver's license?

Are you 18 years or older?

Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?

Can you pass a polygraph and background check (criminal and credit) as well as a drug screen?

FULL BENEFITS PACKAGE

COMPETITIVE PAY

PAID VACATION, HOLIDAY & SICK TIME

HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT FUND

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

CAREERS

Now recruiting dedicated men and women

Are you looking for a job that is exciting and makes a difference? You have found the right place. Join the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office and start your career today.

800 INMATES

safely housed at the Elkhart County Correctional Facility

Earn While You Learn

opportunities for you to begin working while you learn the job

200+ employees

protecting and serving Elkhart County every day

405.7 sq miles

of Elkhart County land within ECSO's jurisdiction.

67,930 calls

responded to by patrol officers each year

QUESTIONS?

Ask us about joining our team.