Commissioner FAQ:
Can You Have the Sheriff Arrest the Drug Dealers on My Street?

The Perry County Commissioners have no directive authority over the operations of the Perry County Sheriff’s office. The sheriff is an elected official with responsibility to investigate crimes and arrest criminal suspects.

The Board of County Commissioners is the budgeting authority over the sheriff’s office. We receive the Sheriff’s budget request each year and determine whether the request can be supported by projected county revenue. County Commissioners do not have law enforcement oversight or authority.

I am always available to take calls or questions from our county residents and can pass on concerns to the Sheriff but have no ability direct the activities and focus of the Sheriff’s office. 

By Ben Carpenter

Ben Carpenter has served as one of three Perry County Ohio Commissioners since 2016. A former director of Perry County's Soil & Water District, Ben champions responsible use of county funds and land. He and his wife Katrina live on Ben's original family farm just outside Somerset, Ohio where they raise grass-fed Black Angus and Longhorn cattle.