Protecting What Makes Hamilton County Strong

As I announce my candidacy for Hamilton County Sheriff, I want to share why I am running and the principles that will guide my leadership.

For almost 24 years, I have dedicated my life to public service, protecting the people of Hamilton County and leading with integrity, accountability, and professionalism. Throughout my career, I have served in leadership roles overseeing patrol operations, criminal investigations, public information, personnel development, hiring and recruitment, and community engagement. I have worked to recruit and develop talented professionals who reflect the values and diversity of the communities they serve, believing that a strong, representative workforce builds stronger relationships and better outcomes for everyone. Combined with my education in finance, business administration, and project management, these experiences have prepared me to lead a Sheriff's Office that is transparent, fiscally responsible, and committed to serving every resident.

I am proud to be running as a Democrat, but I also believe public safety should never be a partisan issue. Keeping our neighborhoods safe, protecting constitutional rights, managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, and treating every person with dignity and respect are values that transcend political parties. My oath has always been to the Constitution and the people I serve—not to a political ideology.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside—and supporting—public servants who did not always share my political beliefs because I believed they genuinely had the best interests of Hamilton County at heart. While we may differ on policy, I respect leaders who serve with integrity, professionalism, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to our community. Respecting one another despite our political differences is one of Hamilton County's greatest strengths, and it's something we need more of, not less.

As Sheriff, I will work to strengthen collaboration not only within the Sheriff's Office but also with our municipal police departments, fire departments, emergency medical services, state law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, schools, and community organizations. Public safety is at its best when agencies communicate openly, share resources, and work together toward common goals. I am committed to building stronger partnerships that improve public safety, increase efficiency, and foster mutual respect among all those who serve Hamilton County.

I also believe the Sheriff's Office should be more visible and accessible to the people it serves. Too many residents are unfamiliar with the wide range of responsibilities the Sheriff's Office performs beyond operating the jail and responding to emergencies. As Sheriff, I will create opportunities for Hamilton County residents to better understand the department's duties and responsibilities through increased community outreach, educational programs, public forums, and transparent communication. An informed community is a safer and more engaged community.

Hamilton County has earned its reputation as one of Indiana's safest communities because of dedicated public servants and engaged citizens. My vision is to build on that success by strengthening community partnerships, investing in our deputies, embracing transparency, being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and ensuring every resident feels safe, respected, and heard.

This campaign is not about political labels. It is about leadership, integrity, and service. It is about bringing people together, even when we disagree, to solve problems that affect our families and our future. I am asking for your support because I believe Hamilton County deserves a Sheriff who will uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional rights, strengthen partnerships across our community, and serve every resident with fairness, compassion, accountability, and respect.

Charles E. Hollowell, MBA, PMP

Democratic Candidate for Hamilton County Sheriff