The Rhode Island State Sheriffs Department has traveled a rocky path over the past decade or so.

In 2003, the state police issued a blistering report that described it as a dysfunctional organization with plummeting morale. The report portrayed the department as poorly run with little accountability for the issuing of court subpoenas, overtime or mileage reimbursements.

It came as proceedings to fire then-Executive High Sheriff James P. DeCastro were under way. In April 2003, DeCastro, who previously owned a lawn mower repair shop with his father and had no law-enforcement experience, was removed from the job.

Democratic Gov. Bruce G. Sundlun had appointed him Bristol County sheriff in 1994. At the time, DeCastro was chairman of the Democratic Town Committee. In 2001, under Republican Gov. Lincoln C. Almond, DeCastro was promoted to executive high sheriff, overseeing the force responsible for statewide courthouse security.

In June 2003, Governor Carcieri swore in former East Providence Police Chief Gary P. Dias to succeed DeCastro. Dias’ father had been a deputy sheriff in Providence County.

Dias had his own troubles three years ago, when Family Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr. complained that a lack of staff in the sheriff’s department had forced court delays that could have left judges with no choice but to release potentially dangerous juveniles.

At the time, Dias said the department had about 23 sheriffs out on long-term illness, injury or military leave.

kmulvane@projo.com