Sheriff's Office

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and law enforcement in the region. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, it provides a wide range of services and functions to the public, including law enforcement, corrections, and emergency response services. The office works in close collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies to address criminal activity, maintain public order, and protect the residents of Franklin County. In this article, we will explore the services, divisions, and departments under the FCSO, providing a detailed overview of its responsibilities, programs, and how it contributes to public safety.

Leadership and Mission of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Dallas Baldwin's Role

Sheriff Dallas Baldwin leads the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office with a mission centered around preserving peace, ensuring public safety, and maintaining justice. As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for Franklin County, Sheriff Baldwin oversees the enforcement of court orders, manages the Franklin County Corrections Centers, and ensures the security of the courthouse. He and his dedicated staff work relentlessly to provide high-quality service and foster a secure environment for both the public and law enforcement officers.

Mission Statement and Core Values

The mission of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office is to serve the public with integrity, fairness, and professionalism. The office is committed to creating a safer and more secure community by reducing crime and promoting safety through its operations. Key values include accountability, professionalism, respect, and community-oriented policing.

Key Divisions of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is organized into several divisions, each responsible for a specific function in maintaining law and order in the county. These divisions ensure that all aspects of law enforcement and corrections are effectively managed.

Administration Division

The Administration Division handles the overall management and operations of the Sheriff's Office. This division coordinates with other law enforcement agencies, oversees budget management, and ensures efficient service delivery across the entire office.

Key Units under Administration:

Civil Process Unit
Internal Affairs Bureau
Real Estate Unit

Patrol Division

The Patrol Division is responsible for the core of law enforcement operations, including responding to emergency calls, patrolling communities, and investigating crimes. Deputies in this division work to prevent and respond to criminal activities, ensuring public safety across Franklin County.

Patrol Bureau Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-3300
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Investigations Division

The Investigations Division is tasked with solving crimes and managing more complex investigations. This division works on criminal cases, including those involving homicides, drug trafficking, and fraud. Detectives gather evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with prosecutors to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

Detective Bureau Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-3350
Fax: (614) 525-3349
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Corrections Division

The Corrections Division manages the county's detention facilities, including the James A. Karnes Corrections Center and the Jackson Pike Facility. The division's responsibility is to house individuals who are awaiting trial or have been convicted, ensuring their safety, security, and access to rehabilitative programs.

James A. Karnes Corrections Center Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 2551 Fisher Rd., Columbus, OH 43204

Jackson Pike Facility Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 2460 Jackson Pike, Columbus, OH 43223

Support Services Division

The Support Services Division provides essential resources and coordination for other divisions and the community. This includes handling high-risk situations and interacting with various agencies to ensure effective emergency responses. The division is under the direction of Chief Deputy Earl Smith, who brings decades of experience to managing critical situations.

Key Units under Support Services:

Fugitive Squad
Communications Center
SWAT Team
Dive Team

Security Operations Division

The Security Operations Division is primarily focused on ensuring the safety and security of county facilities, including courthouses and government buildings. Deputies in this division provide security, manage crowd control, and support other law enforcement efforts during public events or high-profile trials.

Specialized Programs and Services

In addition to its core functions, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office offers various programs that enhance community safety and provide support to residents. These programs include crime prevention, community outreach, and public education efforts.

Community and Business Security Programs

The Sheriff’s Office offers security assessments for both businesses and homes, helping residents and business owners identify vulnerabilities and take proactive steps to secure their properties. These assessments are designed to reduce the risk of crime and provide peace of mind.

Business and Home Security Assessment Contact:

Website: Business and Home Security Assessment

Citizens Academy and Volunteer Opportunities

The Citizens Academy is an educational program that allows residents to gain a deeper understanding of law enforcement operations. Participants get the chance to interact with deputies, learn about different divisions, and experience what it’s like to work in public safety. The Sheriff’s Office also encourages community involvement through various volunteer opportunities in support services and other areas.

Citizens Academy Contact:

Website: Citizens Academy

Crime Prevention and Education Programs

Programs like DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and Operation Street Smart educate the community, especially young people, on the dangers of drugs and crime. These initiatives provide vital tools for making informed decisions and resisting criminal temptations.

DARE Program Contact:

Website: DARE Program

Operation Street Smart Contact:

Website: Operation Street Smart

Public Records Requests

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office also handles public records requests, providing access to various law enforcement records, including incident reports, arrest records, and more. Residents can request public records in person or online, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Public Records Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-6096
Email: FCSO Public Records

Sheriff's Office Departments and Contact Information

Here is the contact information for key departments and divisions within the Franklin County Sheriff's Office:

Administration
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Patrol Bureau
Phone: (614) 525-3300
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Civil Process Unit
Phone: (614) 525-3343
Fax: (614) 525-4202
Address: 410 South High St., 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Public Records
Phone: (614) 525-6096
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Inmate Information
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Emergency Communications Center
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Detective Bureau
Phone: (614) 525-3350
Fax: (614) 525-3349
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Wanted Persons
Phone: (614) 525-7928
Address: 373 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215

James A. Karnes Corrections Center
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 2551 Fisher Rd., Columbus, OH 43204

Jackson Pike Facility
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 2460 Jackson Pike, Columbus, OH 43223

This comprehensive structure ensures that the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office remains a cornerstone in maintaining public order and safety throughout the county.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office FAQs

How can I request public records from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office?

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office provides access to public records, including investigation reports and criminal records. To request records, individuals must contact the Public Records Office, and fees will be charged based on the nature of the request. The cost for paper copies is 5 cents per page, and accident reports are $4.00 each. All payments must be made before records are released, and records can typically be obtained during regular business hours, excluding holidays. For further details on making a request, you can visit their official Public Records page.

How can I apply for a Concealed Carry Permit in Franklin County?

To apply for a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit in Franklin County, applicants must make an appointment, complete an application, and provide necessary documentation, including a valid ID and proof of completing a required 8-hour course. Fees for new applications are $67.00, while renewals are $50.00. Appointments are required, and applicants must submit to a background check and fingerprinting. For more details and to schedule an appointment, visit the Concealed Carry Permit page.

Where can I find inmate information for the Franklin County Sheriff's Office?

Inmate information, including current charges, case numbers, and visitation details, can be accessed online through the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The office provides a new automated inmate search tool that allows you to check inmate status and other relevant details. To access this information, visit the Inmate Information page.

What is the process for serving court documents in Franklin County?

To serve court documents in Franklin County, the Civil Process Unit requires two copies of the documents to be served, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. A fee of $15.00 per person, per address, and per case number must be paid via cashier’s check or money order. For specific information, including service details for out-of-state documents, refer to the Civil Services page.