Appearing before his church members during the morning services at Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ, William “Bill” Benjamin announced his intentions to run for Sheriff of Marion County in 2018. Having served on IMPD for 28 years, Benjamin’s final years of service before his retirement were as chief over several divisions of IMPD. Benjamin cites his concern over the rise in violent crimes in Marion County along with a focused emphasis on maintaining a humane and safe jail with a special emphasis on education, mental health and increased focus on the prevention of suicides within the Marion County Jail as major reasons for his candidacy.
“Reclaiming togetherness and professionalism is vital to the operation of any sheriff’s department. The connection deputies have to each other and protecting Marion County requires I assure fair salaries and benefits for all MCSO employees,” Benjamin states. “We also must assure every inmate is treated humanely while in custody.” Concerned about the number of suicides of Marion County Jail inmates, Benjamin expresses his commitment to serving any mental health needs of the inmates while in custody.
“Marion County has the largest Sex Offender Registry in the state, and I will work with our prosecutor to assure we protect our children and communities by charging those who fail to properly register or change their address,” Benjamin said.
Benjamin filed his committee papers on Friday, May 26. This allows Benjamin to actively fundraise and discuss with citizens of Marion County his plans for the MCSO. Actual filing for Marion County Sheriff opens later. Benjamin currently serves as director of security for Tindley Schools. Benjamin is married to his college sweetheart, Kurt Benjamin, a vice principal at Pike High School and life-long educator, and they have two adult daughters, Cameron and Jeremie. State Sen. Greg Taylor and Chris
Boomershine (IMPD) are co-chairs of the committee, while Denise Hayden, a local attorney, serves as treasurer.
