Welcome to the Kenosha Sheriff's Department
Sheriff David G. Beth
Born in 1960 in Kenosha County, David Beth attended Paris Elementary and Salem Central High School. David continued his education at UW Parkside, Gateway Technical College and Northwestern University for Accident Reconstruction.
David Beth’s first full-time job was as a Product Designer in the Engineering Department at Snap-On Tools in Kenosha. July 5th 1982 started a career with the Kenosha Sheriff’s Department that would cover over half of his life. David started as a Deputy Sheriff working all three shifts in the Patrol Division. He was the last deputy hired in what was the "Old Sheriff’s Department", and the newest to enter what is now the home of the Kenosha Sheriff’s Department, the Public Safety Building. David was one of the youngest deputies ever hired at the age of 21.
In 1989 David was chosen by then Sheriff Alan Kehl, to be Kenosha’s first DARE Officer. DARE grew into the Public Relations Division largest program with thousands of students being taught ways to remain drug free yearly. David had to opportunity not only to teach the Elementary School program but also spearheaded the Middle and High School curriculums as well.
In November 2002, David was elected by the citizens of Kenosha to be its 58th Sheriff. As Sheriff, he is in command of 310 employees and a budget of over $26 million. During 2004 the Detentions Facility will see a renovation that will up the current inmate capacity from its current 757 to 877 prisoners.
Chief Deputy Charles R. Smith
A life long resident of Kenosha, and educated in Kenosha schools, Chief Deputy Smith enlisted in the United States Army in 1969. After basic training at Fort Campbell and Military Police Training at Fort Gordon, he was sent to Vietnam where he served with the 720th Military Police. Upon returning in December 1970 he was assigned to Fort Hood Texas, where he served with the 518th Military Police until January 1972.
Chief Deputy Smith joined the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department on July lst, 1974 as a Deputy Sheriff, during which time he worked as a Jailer, Radio Desk Officer, and Patrol Deputy. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on March 21st, 1982 and worked as a Patrol and Detentions Supervisor. On August 16th, 1987 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served in the capacities as Jail Administrator and Patrol Shift Commander, as well as Director of Planning, Research and Training. He also served as the department's Tactical Team Commander. He was promoted again on March 2nd, 1993 to the rank of Captain and served as Commander of Field Operations for the department. On June 1st, 1993 he was promoted for the fourth time to his current rank of Chief Deputy where he serves as second in command and is charged with administrating the daily operations of the Department
