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Sheriff · Kent County · 2026 Primary
The Sheriff is an elected official responsible for maintaining courthouse security, serving legal documents such as warrants and evictions, and transporting individuals in custody. In many Maryland counties, the Sheriff’s Office also serves as the primary law enforcement agency, conducting patrols and investigating crimes. This office is a key part of the local justice system, ensuring that court orders are enforced and the public is protected.
View all candidates in this raceDennis W. Hickman Jr. is the incumbent Sheriff of Kent County and is running for reelection in 2026. Public records show he has served as sheriff since December 2022. In 2025, county officials publicly debated the future of the Kent County Detention Center, including whether operations should be reduced, restored, or reorganized under county oversight, with Hickman’s office involved in that discussion. Public reporting indicates the county planned to address detention-center staffing and oversight through further resolutions and legal documents, but the exact long-term structure remained under discussion.
Detention Center Operations
Shifting county detention center operations under the Sheriff's Office and evaluating staffing levels including permanent shifts for staff.
“"It is our intention to move the operations of the detention center under the umbrella of the sheriff's office under Sheriff Dennis Hickman," Speaker 1, a staff member, said after the closed session.”
Staffing and Personnel
Evaluating staffing levels at the detention center and assigning staff to permanent shifts.
“Officials also discussed staffing changes and personnel moves. They said staffing levels at the detention center will be evaluated further and that a later decision will determine whether to fill vacant positions.”
Kent County officials announced after a two-hour closed session that they intend to move operations of the detention center under the umbrella of the sheriff's office under Sheriff Dennis Hickman. Officials also discussed staffing changes and personnel moves, noting that staffing levels at the detention center will be evaluated further and that a later decision will determine whether to fill vacant positions.
“Kent County officials said they will move the county detention center under the Kent County Sheriff's Office and approved the promotion of Sergeant Shepherd to director of operations.”
Source“Staff at the detention center will be assigned to permanent shifts, the speakers said.”
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