Indiana § 36-8-10-3 - Sheriff's merit board
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 36-8-10-3 — Sheriff's merit board, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-8-10-3. Sheriff's merit board
Sec. 3. (a) The fiscal body of each county shall, by ordinance, establish a sheriff's merit board to be known as the _________________________ county sheriff's merit board (inserting the name of the county).
(b) The board consists of five (5) members. Three (3) members shall be appointed by the sheriff, and two (2) members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the county police force under procedures established by the sheriff's merit board. However:
(1) an active county police officer;
(2) a relative (as defined in IC 36-1-20.2-8) of an active county police officer; or
(3) a relative (as defined in IC 36-1-20.2-8) of the sheriff;
may not serve on the board, either as a member appointed by the sheriff or elected by the county police force. Appointments are for terms of four (4) years or for the remainder of an unexpired term. Not more than two (2) of the members appointed by the sheriff nor more than one (1) of the members elected by the officers may belong to the same political party. All members must reside in the county. All members serve during their respective terms and until their successors have been appointed and qualified. A member may be removed for cause duly adjudicated by declaratory judgment of the circuit court, superior court, or probate court of the county.
(c) As compensation for service, each member of the board is entitled to receive from the county a minimum of fifteen dollars ($15) per day for each day, or fraction of a day, that the member is engaged in transacting the business of the board.
(d) As soon as practicable after the members of the board have been appointed, they shall meet upon the call of the sheriff and organize by electing a president and a secretary from among their membership. Three (3) members of the board constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The board shall hold regular monthly meetings throughout the year as is necessary to transact the business of the sheriff's department.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: subsection (a) formerly 17-3-14-1 part; subsections (b), (c) formerly 17-3-14-2.]
As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.61. Amended by Acts 1981, P.L.315, SEC.7; P.L.310-1989, SEC.2; P.L.184-2015, SEC.18; P.L.84-2016, SEC.182.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 36-8-10-3
What does Indiana Code § 36-8-10-3 cover?
Section 36-8-10-3 ("Sheriff's merit board") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 36-8-10-3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 36-8-10-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 36-8-10-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.