Bartholomew County Sheriff - Sheriff Chris Lane

06/01/2026

Federal Grant Allows for Command Center Upgrades and Narcotics Enforcement Equipment

On 05/27/2026 Sheriff Chris Lane was happy to welcome Congressman Jefferson Shreve to the Sheriff’s Office. They discussed several community related matters however the purpose of the visit was to see the Sheriff’s Office command center.

Congressman Shreve through the Community Project Funding Grant was able to secure $40,000.00 for communications equipment and other upgrades in order to increase its functionality. With these upgrades the Sheriff’s Office command center will be able to function as a backup emergency 911 center in disaster scenarios as well as continue to serve as a command vehicle during critical incidents. The last critical incident being the juvenile drowning in Mill Race Park in April in which the command center served in its primary function, as a physical command/control location.

Along with the funding for the command center the Sheriff’s Office received $80,000.00 to purchase additional TruNarc machines. TruNarc is a machine that is utilized by law enforcement to quickly identify narcotics and illegal substances, including cutting agents, with a single test. Using laser technology, one test is able to detect up to 538 illegal substances, all while minimizing, and in some cases eliminating, the contact risk to officers. This is of paramount importance in that some substances can be absorbed through the skin, and do not require ingestion to cause serious harm. Within minutes this device can detect narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens and analgesics, including common illegal substances such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids.

Sheriff Chris Lane thanked Congressman Shreve saying, “Partnering with our elected officials on projects like this is critical to providing better service to the citizens of Bartholomew County. Whether it be enhancing our capabilities during critical incidents with a resource such as the command center or combatting the scourge of narcotics in our community with additional narcotics detection equipment, we always striving to better serve Bartholomew County. I’d like to thank Congressman Shreve for his work in securing this federal funding and bring it home here to Indiana.”

"Prepared communities are safer communities. The funding I’m advocating for will help upgrade the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s mobile command vehicle and better equip first responders when disaster strikes,” said Congressman Shreve. “These are the tools law enforcement and emergency personnel rely on in critical moments. Making sure they have what they need to protect Bartholomew County is part of my job. I’m grateful to Sheriff Lane and his team for the work they do every day to keep our communities safe."

05/31/2026

It’s going to be a HOT week at the youth academy, but don’t worry we are loaded up with plenty of drinks and snacks! Can’t wait to see everyone Tuesday! 🎉🎉

PSA for the parents — don’t worry the soda is NOT for the kiddos!

05/30/2026

We still have a couple of more slots for this great event. Reserve your spot now!

05/26/2026

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Partnership

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with ASAP and medical provider Quality Correctional Care, remains committed to addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges both inside the jail and beyond release.

Through this partnership, the following counselors and caseworkers provide 140 hours per week of mental health services within the jail:

Jamie Evans, LMHCA – focusing on Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT), recovery skills, life skills development, substance use treatment program, counseling, and transition planning.

Tim Ferguson, LMHC, LCAC – serving as the crisis management counselor and stabilization supervisor. He is also responsible for discharge planning and preparation of discharge treatment plans.

Jacob Campbell, Caseworker – leads the recovery skills class within the jail.

Dave Clark, Caseworker – leads the life skills class within the jail.

This collaborative approach helps provide inmates with the tools, support, and resources needed for recovery and successful reintegration into the community. Prior to an inmate’s release Jamie develops a transition plan that is shared with ASAP to help ensure continuity of care and ongoing services outside the jail.

“Through our partnership with ASAP and Quality Correctional Care, we are taking meaningful steps to address the mental health and substance abuse challenges that impact many individuals in our jail. By providing counseling, recovery programs, life skills training, and transition planning, we are helping inmates build a stronger foundation for successful reentry into the community while also improving public safety for Bartholomew County” said Sheriff Chris Lane.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office is proud to work alongside community partners who are dedicated to improving lives, strengthening recovery efforts, and supporting safer communities. Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress Quality Correctional Care

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

On behalf of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, we thank our fallen heroes and their families for their sacrifice. 🇺🇸

The front desk will be closed today. We will reopen normal hours tomorrow.

05/24/2026

We are glad to hear what sounds like a positive update on Deputy Samuelson’s condition. We continue to hope and pray for his full recovery.

05/22/2026

Please keep Deputy Jon Samuelson, his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We pray for his recovery.

𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂. 𝐇𝐞𝐞𝐠…

“La Porte County friends and neighbors, we are asking for our community to rise up, rally together, and lift Deputy Jon Samuelson and his family in prayer and support during this incredibly challenging time.

Now more than ever, we need our residents across the county to stand together in strength, faith, and support for one of our own. Deputy Samuelson has dedicated his life to serving and protecting this county, and we ask everyone now to stand beside him and his loved ones with prayer and solidarity.

Please keep Jon, his family, and the entire LCSO law enforcement community in your thoughts and prayers.”

05/22/2026

Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office Expands Commitment to Child Protection Through FBI Partnership and ICAC Growth


The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce Detective William Kinman Jr., a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, has officially been sworn in as a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Task Force Officer (TFO), strengthening local efforts to combat crimes against children and online exploitation.

As an FBI Task Force Officer, Detective Kinman will work in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies with a specialized focus on child exploitation investigations. His assignment enhances the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to investigate internet-facilitated crimes against children while improving coordination with national law enforcement resources.

“This partnership represents our continued commitment to protecting the children of Bartholomew County,” said Sheriff Chris Lane. “Detective Kinman’s appointment as an FBI Task Force Officer will strengthen our investigative capabilities and allow us to work even more effectively against those who prey on children.”

In conjunction with Detective Kinman’s appointment, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office also announced plans to expand its involvement in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The agency intends to assign two additional detectives to ICAC investigations, effectively doubling its commitment to protecting the youth of Bartholomew County from online predators and exploitation.

The expansion reflects the Sheriff’s Office’s proactive approach to addressing the growing threat of internet-based crimes targeting children. Additional personnel will increase the agency’s ability to investigate cases, conduct digital forensic work, and collaborate with partner agencies throughout Indiana and across the country.

“The safety of our children remains one of our highest priorities,” said Sheriff Chris Lane. “By expanding our ICAC participation and strengthening our federal partnerships, we are sending a clear message that crimes against children will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.”

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office encourages parents and guardians to remain engaged in their children’s online activity and continue conversations about internet safety and responsible technology use.

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Deputy Jail Commander, Captain Tim Burdine, on the successful completion of his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Public Safety from Indiana University.

This achievement reflects his dedication to professional growth, leadership, and continued commitment to serving our community and the corrections professional. Balancing work and family while pursuing advanced education is no small accomplishment, and we are proud to recognize his hard work and perseverance.

05/21/2026

Deputies just located two more pups running together on Deaver Rd near Pine St.

If these are yours, contact Bartholomew County Animal Care.