The Hocking County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing the highest quality of law enforcement services to the people who live, work and visit our County. We will constantly evaluate and improve our effort to enhance public safety with the goal of improving the quality of life within Hocking County, while at the same time maintaining respect for individual rights and human dignity.

Hocking County has a population of about 30,000. The County's total area is about 423 square miles, this includes 774.35 roadway miles.

The County was organized on March 1, 1818, from land given by Athens, Fairfield, and Ross counties. Its name originates from the Hocking River, which flows through it from Fairfield County to Athens County.

Before Ohio achieved statehood in 1803, The Office of Sheriff was filled through appointment by the Territorial Governor, Arthur St. Clair. The first Sheriff on record in Ohio was Colonel Ebenezer Sproat. Sproat served from 1788 to 1802. "First to Serve Since 1788" is the motto on many Ohio sheriff's vehicles. This is a reference to the service of Sheriff Sproat. Sheriff Sproat died in 1805 and is buried in Washington County, Ohio.

Smartphone Apps

The Hocking County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce the launch the the HCSO Smartphone App. Stay up to date on the latest news, announcements, and activities by downloading the app on your Apple or Android phone.

Smart911

To better serve the residents of Hocking County, Sheriff North has elected to use the Smart911 system to communicate with residents. Go to Smart911.com and sign up to receive alerts powered by Smart911. These alerts help inform you of weather, traffic, and other emergencies in your community. Receive alerts from state and local authorities across the country, even in locations where Smart911 is not yet available in the 9-1-1 center.