Patrick "Chris" Hensley

I started out as a jailer at the sheriff's department. I would observe the jail and inmate activity to maintain order and safety. After a year as a jailer, I was promoted to criminal investigator. I held that position for five years and during those five years I investigated all different types of crimes including burglaries up to murders. In 2002, I was assigned to the SEMO Drug Task Force where I worked for 14 years. I worked with local, state and federal investigators assisting in the dismantling and prosecution of drug trafficking organizations that smuggled drugs into Missouri from Mexico. I also conducted covert and overt drug investigations. In 2017, I was appointed Chief Deputy at the sheriff's department. I used my experience and training to assist deputies with their investigations, utilized grants to purchase new technology such as infrared cameras to locate lost children or fleeing felons and body worn cameras for the deputies. I was a member of the Southeast Missouri Major Case Squad where I helped investigate numerous death investigations and murders, wrote and served countless search warrants.