County Commissioners approve new reimbursement contract for law enforcement hires

New law enforcement officers hired by the Marshall County Sheriff's Department will now be required to sign a hiring contract that could obligate reimbursement of training and employment costs if they leave within three years of being hired.

The change comes in response to a recent update in state law. Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel informed the commissioners that Indiana Code § 5-2-1.6-10 (2025) now requires public employers to provide written notice to individuals entering into an employment contract for law enforcement training. The notice must inform new hires of the potential requirement to repay employment and training costs if they leave within a specified period.

Under the new policy, if an officer leaves Marshall County before completing three years of service, the sheriff's department can seek reimbursement for a range of costs. Those costs include qualifying examinations, basic training course fees, specialized training provided within the first year, the cost of supplies and equipment that cannot be reused, and the officer's base salary and benefits during the first year of employment.

The responsibility for reimbursement depends on where the departing officer goes. If the officer leaves for a position in the private sector, that officer is personally responsible for repaying the county. If the officer takes a law enforcement position with another public employer, that new employer assumes responsibility for the reimbursement.

County Attorney Sean Surrisi drafted the Contract of Reimbursement of Law Enforcement Officer Employment and Training Cost, which must be signed prior to an officer's hire date. The contract outlines a sliding scale for reimbursement based on how long the officer remains employed:

During the first year of employment the county can recover 100% of costs. After year one but before the end of year two the county can recover 66% of costs. Before completion of the third year the county can recover 33% of costs.

The Marshall County Commissioners approved the new contract on a 2-0 vote. Commissioners Klotz and Faulstich were present at the meeting, while Commissioner Bohannon was absent.