Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Heidi Howe has received the national designation of Certified Jail Manager through the Jail Manager Certification Commission (JMCC), by authority of the American Jail Association (AJA). Lt. Howe is one of 357 jail professionals nationwide to have achieved this designation and the first in Northern Nevada.

This certification has been achieved through the successful completion of a rigid experiential background application and an intensive four-hour examination prepared by the JMCC and AJA.

Certification in jail management is a demonstration of competency and professionalism in the field. The jail manager’s certification documents the mastery of a strong level of knowledge in the specialty and demonstrates continuing education and growth.

Lt. Howe is currently the Executive Lieutenant assigned to the Detention Division. She has served in many assignments to include Detention Operations, Inmate Management Unit, Alternatives to Incarceration, Training and Compliance Unit and District Court. She is a former Commander of the Detention Response Team and served seven years as a Hostage Negotiator. Lt. Howe appreciates the opportunities that have been afforded her and is honored to serve the citizens of Washoe County.

Lt. Howe has over 20 years experience in law enforcement, with a focus on jail management. She is a member of the American Jail Association; the National Sheriff’s Association, the International Association of Women Police, and National Tactical Officers Association and is currently the Vice President of the Reno South Rotary. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrates 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 24th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process and traditional street patrols