(1). Original notices and petitions, garnishments, orders, sheriff sales, room and board reimbursements, evictions, protective orders and restraining orders, involuntary  commitment of persons with mental illness and /or substance abuse, duties related to condemnation of private property and the execution and return all writs and other legal processes issued by lawful authority.

(2). The Sheriff’s Office patrols the 480 square miles of the county and is the chief law enforcement for the cities of Lime Springs, Chester, Elma, Protivin, Riceville, and all other unincorporated areas of Howard County.

(3). The Sheriff’s Office provides 24 hour dispatching of Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS Services within Howard County.

(4). The Sheriff’s Office is located in the Howard County Law Enforcement Center.

(5). The Sheriff's office is a member of South Central Iowa Drug Task Force and all full-time employees are members of the Iowa State Sheriff's and Deputies Association.

The IowaVINE system is a service through which victims of crime can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding the custody status of their offender and to register to receive telephone and email notification when the offender’s custody status changes.

The toll-free number for Iowa VINE is 888-7-IAVINE or (888)742-8463 this service is provided to assist victims of crime who have a right to know about their offender’s custody status.