The Wayne County Sheriff's Office operates from offices in the Wayne County Justice Center, which was constructed in 1977.  The Wayne County Justice Center includes a multi-jurisdictional communication center providing radio communications to local law enforcement agencies and fire departments, in addition to specialized services for the hearing impaired community, National Weather Service and Disaster Services Agency. In August 1989, Wayne County became an enhanced 911 community to better serve its citizens.  Every division of the Sheriff's Office is staffed 24 hours a day.

Wayne County Justice Center

Corrections Division

The Corrections Division operates all adult detention facilities in Wayne County under the jurisdiction of the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. The Wayne County Jail has been recognized as one of the best designed and most secure detention facilities in Ohio.   In addition, the Wayne County Jail has been awarded numerous Certificates of Excellence from the Ohio Department of Corrections and The National Corrections Association of Health for their continual excellence in compliance with state standards.

The Wayne County Jail offers several rehabilitation programs to inmates.  Currently, services are offered for alcohol and drug addiction, mental health counseling, GED, physical education, a work release program, community work programs and religious services.

Patrol Division

The Patrol Division is responsible for providing primary police service to the unincorporated villages and townships within Wayne County.  Each deputy is trained in the areas of first aid, firearms, human relations, patrol techniques and procedures, domestic violence, mental illness, alcohol abuse, narcotics, gambling, vice, juvenile delinquency, traffic control, accident investigations, and all phases of criminal investigations.

In addition, sheriff's deputies are responsible for serving arrest warrants generated by Wayne County Common Pleas Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, Municipal Court and Small Claims Court.

A staff of deputies are assigned to follow-up investigations of serious crimes reported to the Sheriff, and assist other jurisdictions upon request.

Civil Division

The Sheriff is responsible for serving summonses, subpoenas, civil and criminal decrees originating from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and all other county courts.

In addition, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office administers all sheriff sales, orders of executions and distribution of funds.

Wayne County Discipline and Rehabilitation Center

The philosophy of the facility

The Pay To Stay Program concept is a sentencing option available to judges in Wayne County.  The program is designed for convicted, non-violent offenders in lieu of serving time in jail/prison. The offenders sentenced to the program would generally be sentenced to jail and released daily for "work release" privileges  and rehabilitation as directed by the court.  In addition, the Pay To Stay Program will enable each offender to complete all court ordered counseling, such as AA/NA meetings, GED classes and continue to work while paying restitution to their victims and paying the court costs

Sheriff Maurer realizes that since the offender will have to "pay" to stay at this facility, contacts have been established within our community to assist with job placement for these individuals prior to sentencing.

The minimum time spent in the facility will vary depending on the sentencing judge.  Each volunteer resident entering the facility will agree upon and sign a contract acknowledging all rules and restrictions of the facility.

Residents who are unsuccessfully released from the facility do not receive jail credit for the time spent in the facility.

The classification/status of the offenders served by the facility

Each resident of the facility will be convicted non-violent felons or misdemeanors.

Consequence of offender non-compliance with facility regulations

Residents who violate the rules and regulations will be dealt with accordingly. Policy and procedures will be established outlining any violation of the facility.  If unsuccessfully released from the facility, residents will be immediately arrested and taken to the Wayne County Jail.

Operation of the facility

The Wayne County Sheriff and his appointed staff are responsible for the daily operations of the facility.  In addition, the Wayne County Sheriff is responsible for the security and supervision of the facility.

The facility site is owned by the Wayne County Commissioners and operated by the Wayne County Sheriff.

The year 2000 saw the first full year of business for the Discipline and Rehabilitation Center. Two hundred and ninety-four residents spent a total of 15,950 days at the DRC. Using the figure of $70.00 per day for housing inmates outside of Wayne County, the DRC saved the county in excess of 1.1 million dollars. 

Director Ron Dessecker, Program Manager Ada Franks and Secretary Karen Graham are committed to this program and want Wayne Countians to be proud of their Discipline and Rehabilitation Center.

Through Substance Abuse, Treatment, Education and Prevention Services, (STEPS), we were able to find a person willing to head up an AA group that meets at the DRC. It is a “closed” meeting each week for an hour that our residents may attend. If a resident is not familiar with the concept of AA, this group allows the resident to get comfortable attending AA with people they are familiar with before attending an outside group meeting.

Dormitory Security Area

                

The Center tries to have the residents get involved in volunteerism in our community. They donated numerous hours to area agencies that needed help. Among agencies they volunteered at were: The Free Clinic and the Orrville Salvation Army. At Christmas, the residents made crafts designed as toys or jewelry to be given to children through People to People Ministries. This project was funded through the Wayne County Sheriff's Reserve Unit and Jail Chaplain Anderson.

Teamwork is essential to be successful in any endeavor, and that teamwork comes from the Sheriff, Wayne County Judges, The Wayne County Commissioners and the many companies in the Wayne County area. Without the cooperation of all, this program would only be a pipe dream.