Retirement brings changes to Reid Health Police Department leadership

March 10, 2025 -- A career in local law enforcement that has spanned four decades has come to an end as Jeff Cappa has retired from his role as chief of the Reid Health Police Department (RHPD).

Cappa led the department for more than two years after serving as the assistant chief for the previous three. Altogether, he has been in law enforcement for more than 40 years, including eight as the Wayne County sheriff.

He also has served as president of the Indiana Sheriff's Association and was appointed by then-Gov. Mike Pence to the Law Enforcement Training Board for the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

"I've appreciated my time working for Reid Health and with the Reid Health Police Department team as we've strived to provide the most professional, accountable, and compassionate service every day," Cappa said.

During his time as chief of RHPD, Cappa and his team:

• Expanded training opportunities
• Enhanced the agency's reporting system with new software to bring RHPD online with local law enforcement partners
• Improved procedures for the collection and handling of evidence
• Purchased and implemented bar coding for evidence, which allows it to be tracked and audited internally and with the Indiana State Lab
• Trained an officer to be a nationally certified property and evidence specialist through the International Association for Property and Evidence
• Purchased new equipment to enhance officer, staff, and patient safety

"Chief Cappa has continued to build on the RHPD legacy left by his predecessors," said Pam Jones, Reid Health Vice President/General Counsel. "Under his leadership, the department has implemented policies and procedures that have increased efficiency and enhanced the law enforcement capabilities of our officers.

"Chief Cappa has served with integrity and will leave a lasting legacy on the RHPD."

"I've appreciated my time working for Reid Health and with the Reid Health Police Department team as we've strived to provide the most professional, accountable, and compassionate service every day," -- Retiring RHPD Chief Jeff Cappa

Moving into the chief role is Dennis Perkins, who has served as the assistant chief under Cappa. Brian Bolin, who previously was a captain for RHPD, takes over the assistant chief position.

Perkins has been with the department since 2019, having worked for 20 years at the Connersville Police Department before joining Reid.

"It has been an honor to have worked with Chief Cappa and to have the opportunity to learn from his expertise," Perkins said.

"I'm honored to be named the next Chief of Police for the Reid Police Department. I'm eager to continue advancing the department toward being one of the finest -- if not the finest -- hospital police departments while ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within the hospital."

"I'm excited to welcome Dennis as the next Chief of the Reid Health Police Department," Jones said. "He'll bring his years of law enforcement experience and his own unique leadership style. I look forward to working with him and supporting his priorities for the department, including initiatives to enhance the safety of our Reid Health team members, as well as enhanced training of our RHPD officers."