Over 30 Years of Dedicated Service
Robert “Bob” Ogden, a resident of West Tisbury with his wife Jeanne and daughter Olivia.
Bob Ogden has served as Sheriff of Dukes County since taking the oath and being sworn in on January 4, 2017. Bob is a resident of West Tisbury, along with his wife Jeanne and daughter Olivia. Sheriff Ogden graduated from Westfield State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. His dedication to serving the people of Dukes County is evident in his 30+ years of dedicated work with the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office.
A passionate community advocate, Sheriff Ogden actively supports youth, Veteran and community services across the Island. Bob held the position of President of the Dukes County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association Inc. for over 20 years, and currently serves as an active member on:
- West Tisbury Democratic Town Committee (Elected 2020)
- Martha’s Vineyard Democrats
- MV NAACP
- Coalition to Create the MV Housing Bank
- Martha’s Vineyard Law Enforcement Council
- International Association of Police Chiefs
- Massachusetts Sheriff’s Association
- American Jail Association
- American Correctional Association
- Member of the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executive Association
- Completed National Institute of Corrections Sheriffs Academy
Prior to being elected as Sheriff, Bob acted as Director of the Drug Information Bureau for 22 years, with a range of duties including:
- Regional Drug Abuse Resistance Education Officer
- Grant Writer
- Community liaison for youth prevention services
- DARE Operation Challenge Ropes Course project coordinator, manager, maintenance, and counselor.
As Sheriff, Bob Ogden advocates tirelessly for the community, maintaining and enhancing the vital programs and services of the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office. Bob’s knowledge of Massachusetts General Law, as it relates to correctional regulations and practices, fuels his persistent and successful advocacy. Under Bob’s term as Sheriff, Chapter 111B was amended, citing Dukes County Sheriff’s Office as the regional entity for Protective Custody.
“Our Island community depends upon the services of the Sheriff’s Office; they deserve a Sheriff who is dedicated, proven, and capable. The Sheriff of Dukes County is faced with a formidable task in addressing the needs of an ever-evolving community and regional agency. The Sheriff must have the fortitude and ability to collaborate with local law enforcement, probation, fire, emergency agencies and community services to forge a regional partnership dedicated to the well-being of our community. As Sheriff, it has been an honor to meet these charges head-on. My experience and acumen make me uniquely prepared to serve as Sheriff of Dukes County for a second term. I am qualified and prepared to assume the task of operating our correctional facility, maintaining security and programming, serving civil process, operating and expanding our Community Corrections Center, and providing a progressive, inclusive, and modern 911 Regional Emergency Communication Center.”
— Sheriff Bob Ogden