Dukes Touts Accomplishments, But Smith Sees Reason For Change
By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — A crowded Warsaw City Council Chambers – with more people watching online and listening via radio – heard two candidates vying for Kosciusko County sheriff Wednesday, April 27, in what is likely to be the only joint appearance between the two.
Jim Smith, a deputy in the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, is challenging incumbent Sheriff Kyle Dukes for the Republican nomination in the May 3 primary.
The race for sheriff was one of three county races featured Wednesday, April 27, in the second of two candidate forums hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce before next week’s election. You can find the entire forum archived here.
Dukes won election four years ago in a primary victory over three others with a pledge to establish a multi-jurisdictional drug task force, build on a growing JCAP program and establish a social media presence.
But in four years, the sheriff’s office has also seen an escalation in damages inside the jail and struggled to prevent the movement of drugs, which has led to one inmate’s death and two recent overdoses.
In a cordial setting that did not allow for responses to the other candidate’s questions, each man set out their thoughts on issues without objection or reaction from the crowd, which was estimated to be more than 90.
Dukes said he achieved his top goal of bringing together various police departments specifically to investigate illegal drug activity. The result is the NET43 drug task force, which relies on the interaction between numerous departments.
The fact that the sheriff’s office and Warsaw Police Department were not coordinating efforts on drug investigations four years ago was a major concern for Dukes. He said the sheriff’s office enjoys good relations with almost all departments.
“I knew it had to change. I’m proud to say we all sat down with a cup of coffee and figured this thing out,” Dukes said.
Dukes noted that officials with the Nappanee Police Department have agreed to begin participating in NET43.
“NEt43 is making a huge difference in Kosciusko County … and we’ll continue to utilize this team approach.”
Smith also supports the NET43 approach.
“I’m a big fan of the unit,” Smith said, adding. “I do not see that changing under my administration.”
The decision by Dukes to rely on state statute to determine his salary has been an issue for Smith who points out that the current salary for Dukes (about $160,000) is more than what the governor makes and about $50,000 more than the average sheriff’s salary in Indiana.
After being elected, Dukes chose to base his salary on a formula under state statute rather than sign a contract with the county.
“When I came into office, I made it a priority to always follow state statutes in a lot more ways than just my salary,” Dukes said.
Smith pointed out that it would not be a violation of state statute if he chose to have a contract with the county for less money.
“I pledge that once elected, I’d like to go into contract with the county that is more in line with the average sheriff’s salary in the state of Indiana,” Smith said.
Dukes was first to be asked about jail conditions and thanked jail officers who oversee the facility.
Dukes did not address the issue directly about damages to sprinkler heads, plumbing, lights and tables.
“We do that absolute best we can and we’re going to take a proactive approach.”
Smith responded by pointing out that there had been a 252% increase in the cost of damages involving jail repairs in the past three years.
“It’s unacceptable in my opinion and we need to do a better job,” Smith said.
He proposed walk-throughs of the cells and better tracking of activities if he is elected.
Both candidates were asked about problems with drugs being sneaked into the jail, which has led to the death of one inmate and at least two recent overdoses.
Dukes said drugs in jails have been a problem in all jails and that the situation has been made worse with the popularity of fentanyl, which is highly lethal.
Current technology, including a body scanner used at the jail, is not alerting staff to all drugs entering the jail.
Smith proposed a drug interdiction K9 be used and proposed more walk-throughs by supervisors.
“Is it going to get everything? Probably not, but it’s definitely a proactive measure and a tool that we can use,” Smith said.
He also said he thinks more training in using the scanner could help.
Both candidates applauded the JCAP program, which works with inmates in preparing them for a better future once they are outside of jail.
Dukes pointed out that it’s the best program in Indiana and has a 59% success rate.
Smith said he would continue the program and would look to establish a service aspect to the program.
Both candidates were asked about transparency.
Duke pointed out he hired the county’s first full-time public information officer for the county and has established a social media presence to help the public keep up to date on issues and happenings.
Smith said he would continue with the emphasis on social media.
Smith said he is motivated by a servant’s heart and built his career through military service, work in law enforcement, with a fire department and participation in civic organizations.
“Because of that, I feel I have an ear to the ground and a good pulse on the community and what the needs are,” Smith said.
He also proposed to staff “meet and greets.”
“We going to be in every portion of this county,” he said.