Every new sheriff faces big challenges with the transition. The path may be a little easier than usual for incoming Sheriff Daniel Klatt. Before leaving the department in 2017, he had 16 years’ experience with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, giving him familiarity with almost all aspects of the job.
Klatt’s journey to the election gave him plenty of time to prepare. He won the Republican primary on May 24, 2022, and did not need a run-off despite a crowded field of candidates. He did not have an opponent in the general election in November and spent those months assembling the team he would need.
Pam Webb agreed to serve as administrative assistant, and she brings 25 years of experience to a complicated position. “She handles so much of the office,” Klatt said, as he listed duties including process serving, finances, audits, and working with the quorum court. “She’s the backbone of the department,” he said.
The new sheriff had similar praise for Chief Deputy Alan Hoos. “He’s been chief deputy before, and it’s nice to know he can take charge, and we’ll be on the same page,” he said. Klatt also mentioned Lt. Bruce Belin, who brings 40 years of experience to his role in charge of patrol deputies.
Even with a first-rate team in place, sheriff’s departments often lose deputies to higher-paying city departments. Klatt said he will work to create a positive environment, “where people want to come to work.” Deputies will have the training and support they need as members of a professional department.
Klatt hopes the public will get a sense of that professionalism, too. “I listened a lot while I was campaigning, and I plan to mold the department into what the people expect to see,” he said. The sheriff plans to issue a periodic newsletter to update the county on CCSO’s operations, and expects to use social media, also.
In an interview after his first week of service, Klatt pledged to work closely with the county’s police departments. He began attending quorum court meetings before taking office, and said he will make it a priority to work closely with the justices of the peace.