Sheriff

Sheriff Ruth Ann Dickerson

Sheriff Ruth Ann Dickerson is a 35-year veteran of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office, dedicated to serving and protecting the community since 1983.

Career & Leadership

• 1986 - Earned Missouri POST Law Enforcement Certification, becoming a certified officer.
• Progressed through the ranks from Civilian → Deputy → Sergeant → Lieutenant → Captain of Business Operations.
• Served as Captain of Business Operations for 23 years, overseeing:
  • Daily operations of the Sheriff's Office.
  • Budget management and grant writing.
  • Supervisory duties & law enforcement responsibilities.
• Member of the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad, now serving on the board.

Impact & Achievements

• Secured millions in grant funding, enhancing public safety through:
  • COPS Grant - Added Patrol Officers to the county.
  • VAWA STOP Grant - Provided an Investigator specializing in Domestic Violence, Rape, and Assault cases.
  • Additional equipment and resources for law enforcement.
• Pioneered the first full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) in a local district in 2018, addressing growing safety concerns in schools.

Awards & Community Involvement

🏆 First recipient of multiple Timothy J. Ruopp Outstanding Law Enforcement Awards (1986 & 2008).
🤝 Active in community service, serving on multiple boards and committees.
🌎 Lifelong Cape Girardeau County resident, devoted mother, grandmother, and outdoor enthusiast.
🏕️ Enjoys camping and spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends.

Sheriff Dickerson's dedication to law enforcement and her community-driven leadership have left a lasting impact on Cape Girardeau County.