Sheriff Neil is a lifelong resident of Hamilton County and a second generation law enforcement officer. He currently resides in Sayler Park with his wife, Kim.

A graduate of Western Hills High School, Jim continued his studies at the University of Cincinnati where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. In 1981 he was hired into the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in the Corrections

Division. He continued his education and training while working full-time and earned his Master's degree from the University of Cincinnati in Graduate Studies and Research, graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command program at Northwestern University in Chicago, and completed more than 4,000 hours of job training and education through the Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Neil has over 30 years with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the National Sheriff's Association's Medal of Valor, the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association's Medal of Honor, the Fraternal Order of Police's Act of Bravery, the Hamilton County Police Association's Police Officer of the Year, and the U.S. Department of Justice F.B.I. Bomb Data Center Certificate of Appreciation, among others. With his extensive training and work experience in the Corrections Division and Enforcement Division, Sheriff Neil rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Jim proved himself to be a leader in the organization, which led to several special assignments, including Hazmat Technician, Commander of the Bomb Squad, Commander of the Patrol Academy, and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Instructor, just to name a few.

Sheriff Jim Neil is committed to public safety and serving the citizens of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Our county is very diverse, and faces numerous challenges. Sheriff Neil understands we all need to do our part, and is anxious to partner with citizens, businesses, civic groups, elected officials and other leaders in law enforcement to ensure our county continues to thrive and move in the right direction.