Who We Are
The Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office is a progressive and forward-looking agency that employs approximately 140 employees. These public servants work in four divisions: Administrative, Field Services (Patrol and Investigations), Special Services (Civil, Training, and Information Technology) or the Jail Divisions.
The Black Hawk County Jail is one of the largest jailing correctional facilities in the state, managing 272 residential beds and an average daily inmate population of approximately 250.
Our full-service Patrol and Investigations divisions boast several state-of-the-art advances in crime detection and deterrence applications. From in-car computers to infrared and thermal imaging technology, the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office employs the latest innovations to better serve the citizens of our county.
It is the mission of the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office
to provide professional, high-quality and effective law enforcement, correctional and court support services in partnership with the communities we serve. We, the members of the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, believe that our work has a vital impact on the quality of life in our county. To demonstrate our commitment to our profession, on and off duty, we subscribe to the following values;
Pride
The office recognizes that its employees are the vital component to the successful delivery of law enforcement, corrections and court support services. We believe we can achieve our highest potential by actively involving our employees in problem-solving and outwardly demonstrating our support for and pride in our staff.
Integrity
Integrity is defined as being honest, moral, upright and sincere. Public trust can only exist with our integrity and respect for one another. At the very foundation of the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office is the expectation of the highest level of integrity in its employees.
Professionalism
Recognizing the changing and diverse needs of the communities we serve, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office promotes and encourages a policy of professional individual excellence, which is passionately delivered and enhanced by continuing education, training, and administration support. This commitment is evidenced by the expected outward demonstration of that professionalism to our citizens.
Fairness
The sheriff’s office members shall uphold laws in an ethical, impartial, courteous, and professional manner while respecting the rights and dignity of all persons. We shall strive to achieve a balance between enforcement and community needs which reflects both the spirit and the letter of the law. We support an organizational climate of mutual trust and respect. We endeavor to always be fair and impartial in our decisions and responses to issues that fall within the confines of our assigned duties.
History of the Sheriff’s Office
In August of 1853, an act of the Iowa state legislature granted permission for the territory's citizens to form a county known as Black Hawk County. At the same time, an election was held, and John Virden was elected the first Sheriff of Black Hawk County. Since that time, the sheriff's office has grown and experienced many changes. We occupied the first Black Hawk County Courthouse in 1857. The $27,000 facility was located on the east side of the Cedar River between East 7th and East 9th Street. We enjoyed one of the longest Iowa elected official's tenures in Sheriff H.T. "Cap" Wagner, which spanned 18 terms and 36 years. Our sheriff's office history is strong and distinguished.
In the minds of many Americans, the role of the sheriff ended with the taming of the Wild West. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Today, the Sheriff of Black Hawk County administrates approximately 140 employees, a 272-bed jail facility, and a nearly 15-million-dollar budget.
The sheriff’s office provides law enforcement coverage to the entire county but specifically focuses attention on those unincorporated areas of the county, as well as contracted services with certain cities in the county. This coverage includes the services of Patrol, Investigations, Civil Process, Crime Scene Investigations, K-9, S.W.A.T., Traffic Accident Investigations, and much more.
The sheriff’s office looks proudly upon our past service to the residents of Black Hawk County, but anxiously anticipates the challenges that the future brings to the concept and function of law enforcement. Our agency continues to be focused on providing outstanding service and proactive efforts to ensure the safety and security of Black Hawk County.
Regardless of the concerns that the future presents, the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office will be responsive to the needs of our citizens. No matter what else changes, the sheriff's focus will continue to drive our agency forward, striving to personify our motto: "Excellence in Law Enforcement".
Sheriff Nathan Neff
Sheriff Nathan Neff began his career with the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office in August 1994. He has worked as a deputy in both the jail and patrol divisions, then worked his way up the ranks as a patrol sergeant, lieutenant, and captain during which time he served as the jail administrator. Nate has also served as a K9 handler, Field Training Officer, and a member of the SWAT Team.
Nate graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a double major in criminology and sociology and earned his Masters in Public Safety from the University of Virginia. He is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command as well as the FBI’s National Academy.
Nate was elected to the office of Sheriff in November 2024 and began his term on January 1, 2025.
KWWL Article Sheriff Thompson Retirement
Previous BHC Sheriffs
Sheriff's Name | Years in Office |
|---|---|
| Anthony T. Thompson | 2009-2024 |
| Michael Kubik | 1988-2009 |
| Wendell H. Christensen Jr. | 1974-1988 |
| Robert A. Aldrich | 1968-1974 |
| Elmer Hightower | 1957-1968 |
| H.T. "Cap" Wagner | 1921-1957 |
| David B. Henderson | 1914-1921 |
| F. M. Shores | 1908-1914 |
| J. D. Caldwell | 1903-1908 |
| W. M. Law | 1895-1903 |
| Hirem B. Hoxie | 1887-1895 |
| William W. Edgington | 1883-1887 |
| George W. Hayzlett | 1873-1883 |
| W.H. Brown | 1861-1873 |
| John Elwell | 1857-1861 |
| Benjamine F. Thomas | 1855-1857 |
| John Virden | 1853-1855 |