Sworn in on December 30, 2014 as Sheriff of Lake County, Gary native, John Buncich is no novice when it comes to the highest law enforcement official in the county. His tenure of service spans over 40 years, including 1995 when he was first elected sheriff. Buncich then served for two terms. The position of sheriff can only be held for two terms (eight years). Candidates are required to wait a term before seeking to be elected again. He was reelected in 2010, assuming office in 2011. In 2014 Buncich garnered an unprecedented fourth term.
In continuing to fulfill his commitment to service, Buncich has three priorities. The first is removing the cloud of scrutiny by the Department of Justice. Many infractions were discovered during his absence, resulting in several lawsuits coupled with visits and inspections. Buncich said that under his administration, many of the ills have been corrected and within the following months, the Department will no longer have to hover to ensure correction and compliance. He said he is relieved because the taxpayers of Lake County have expended far too much money to correct these problems.
Secondly, Buncich is committed to working closer within communities to provide safer environments. In a joint operation with the City of Gary, a homicide operation utilizing four officers from Gary and four from the Sheriff's Department has been created to intensify forces to work on cold cases. In other areas major crime task forces working with other law enforcement agencies have been put into place to work on street patrols and a variety of other issues.
Buncich believes that his job is not only about incarceration, but also being proactive. Within the jail he has established counseling for the inmates, chaplaincy, drug, alcohol and GED programs and also works with individuals on reentry training. Buncich said the recidivism rate is "ridiculous." Inmates are trained on how to put together a resume, filling out a job application and receive training for job interviews. His second chance program also helps inmates take advantage of the law that took effect in Indiana in 2013 to help get their records expunged so that they can gain employment and stay on the right path.
His proactive approach also includes a scared straight program for middle and high school students. Tours are given of the jail and the officers talk about the importance of education and obtaining diplomas.
The state mandated 911 countywide consolidation is nearing conclusion. Personnel have been hired and the facility will be fully operational in about 90 days when construction is completed.
Buncich said his job to ensure a safe environment for all citizens,' and that these tasks, "Although monumental, is all in a day's work."