Sheriff

The Cook County Sheriff plays a central role in public safety, the court system, and jail operations for the Chicago area. If you live, work, or have a case in Cook County, understanding what the Sheriff’s Office does—and how to contact the right division—can save you time, stress, and confusion. This guide walks through the main duties of the Cook County Sheriff, explains how key departments work, and shows you how to use official resources for jail information, court services, community programs, and complaints, all in one place.

Understand How the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Works for Cook County Residents

The Sheriff in Cook County is responsible for maintaining public safety in unincorporated areas, running one of the largest single-site jails in the country, providing security in court buildings, and offering a wide range of community and support programs. The Sheriff also enforces court orders, manages specialized law enforcement units, and oversees pretrial programs like electronic monitoring.

The main entry point online is the official Cook County Sheriff’s Office website, where you can navigate to departments, services, and contact options from a single place. You can start at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office home page and then use the “Departments,” “How Do I?,” and “Contact Us” sections to drill down to what you need.

Sheriff Tom Dart has led the office with a focus on reform, public safety, and community engagement. Under his leadership, the office doesn’t just respond to crime; it also invests in training, mental health initiatives, alternative sentencing programs, and community outreach to address root causes of crime and reduce recidivism.

Explore Sheriff’s Police Services and Law Enforcement Support

See How Sheriff’s Police Protect Unincorporated Areas

By law, counties with more than one million residents must maintain a county police department. Cook County is currently the only county in Illinois that meets that standard, and its Sheriff’s Police Department is the third largest police department in the state, with more than 500 officers.

The Sheriff’s Police:

Provide police services to residents in unincorporated Cook County
Assist suburban departments through specialized units
Operate a centralized E-911 and radio dispatch center
Handle investigations, special victims cases, organized crime, and more

You can learn about the structure and functions of the department, including its divisions and specialized units, on the Sheriff’s Police Department page.

Understand Sheriff’s Police Divisions

Sheriff’s Police are organized into several principal divisions, each with a specific focus:

Field Operations (Patrol) – Includes DUI specialists, truck/traffic enforcement, court officers, crossing guards, emergency services, air support, school safety, and the police training academy.

Criminal Investigations Division – Detectives and crime scene investigators handle serious offenses, complex investigations, and evidence processing.

Special Victims Division – Focuses on vice, human trafficking, child protection, missing persons, and forensic services.

Organized Crime Division – Handles narcotics, organized crime, gun suppression, technology-related investigations, and extraditions.

Communications Operations Division – Runs E-911 and radio dispatch, and maintains a 24-hour warrant desk.

Operational Support Division – Manages records, asset forfeiture, impounds and tows, alarm permits, extra-duty programs, and evidence/recovered property.

These units not only respond to calls but also provide specialized services to other agencies across Cook County on a mutual aid basis.

Know When to Call Sheriff’s Police

The Sheriff’s Police provide:

Patrol services to unincorporated Cook County
Assistance to partner municipalities and agencies
Investigation of certain crimes, including organized crime and special victims cases
Support for E-911 dispatch in multiple communities

If you live in a municipality with its own police department, your local department may still coordinate with Sheriff’s Police on major cases, specialized investigations, or county-wide initiatives.

Navigate Cook County Jail and Corrections Services with the Sheriff

Get Oriented to the Cook County Department of Corrections

The Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) is operated by the Sheriff and is one of the largest single-site jails in the United States. It spans roughly 96 acres and eight city blocks on the West Side of Chicago.

The mission of the CCDOC is to:

Protect the safety of citizens, correctional staff, and individuals in custody
Provide centralized screening and classification for defendants
Maintain a safe, secure, humane, and efficient correctional environment
Ensure all operations are constitutionally sound and staffed by well-trained personnel

For policies, programs, jail divisions, visitation schedules, phone numbers, and more, go directly to the Department of Corrections section.

Use Jail Information and Individual-in-Custody Tools

From the jail pages and related sections, you can:

Look up an individual in custody
Review visitation schedules and rules
Find information on trust accounts and phone accounts
Learn how to send mail or funds
Access jail population data and program descriptions

There are separate phone lines for general information, individual-in-custody inquiries, and customer service concerns, all operated by the Sheriff’s Office. Always use the numbers listed on official corrections and jail-related pages to ensure you’re calling the correct division.

Understand the Electronic Monitoring Program

The Sheriff’s Electronic Monitoring (EM) Program is a pretrial monitoring option used as a community-based alternative to incarceration at the jail. Since 1989, it has allowed hundreds of thousands of individuals to remain in the community while their cases are pending, subject to strict conditions and GPS monitoring.

Key points about EM:

It is court-ordered as a condition of pretrial release or short-term sentencing.
Participants wear a GPS ankle bracelet 24/7.
The monitoring center tracks movements, tamper alerts, and compliance.
Essential movement (such as for basic needs) is scheduled on designated days and times.
Work and school movement may be approved with proper documentation and court orders.

The Sheriff’s Office sets clear rules on what EM participants can do, how to request movement for work or school, and what counts as tampering. EM-related movement requests are handled through dedicated contact channels and reviewed to support compliance and public safety.

Rely on Court Services and Civil Process from the Sheriff

See How Court Services Keep Courthouses Safe

Cook County has the largest unified court system in the United States, with multiple courthouses in Chicago and suburban areas. The Sheriff’s Court Services Department is responsible for security and law enforcement functions within these facilities.

Deputy sheriffs assigned to court services:

Provide security for judges, court staff, jurors, and the public
Transport and handle individuals in custody who appear in court
Screen visitors and staff at courthouse entrances for weapons and contraband
Enforce courtroom rules and respond to emergencies inside court buildings

You can review court-related services, including civil divisions and courthouse support, by visiting the Courts Department page.

Use Civil Process and Enforcement Services

The Sheriff’s court and civil divisions handle important legal processes, including:

Service of summonses, subpoenas, and other court orders
Eviction and foreclosure enforcement
Service and enforcement of orders of protection
Child support enforcement actions
Civil process lookups and e-file tools via dedicated Sheriff portals

If you’re a plaintiff, landlord, or attorney, the Sheriff’s Office provides detailed guides on eviction procedure, service of process, and related frequently asked questions. Many of these resources can be accessed through linked civil services pages or specialized portals on the Sheriff’s website.

Tap into Community Relations and Sheriff Outreach Programs

Engage with Community Relations Programs

The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t only enforce laws; it also invests in community-facing programs that support safety, education, and quality of life across Cook County. The Community Relations section highlights programs that serve youth, seniors, and families, and that are designed in collaboration with community members.

You can browse these initiatives on the Community Relations page, where the Sheriff’s Office showcases:

Programs serving underserved neighborhoods

Outreach focused on youth education and prevention

Senior services like cell phones for seniors and outreach programs

Special initiatives like recycling services, lightsaver programs, and wandering response support

Juvenile justice advocacy, scholarships, and awards

These programs aim to prevent crime, support vulnerable populations, and connect residents with resources before small problems become larger crises.

Access Community Support Services for Housing and Work

Community-based support is further expanded through Community Support Services, a department focused on rehabilitation, housing stability, and workforce opportunities. The department includes units such as:

Community Resource Center (CRC)
Sheriff’s Housing Assistance Resource Program (SHARP)
Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP)
Restoring Neighborhoods Workforce (RENEW)

These units are staffed by sworn officers and civilians with backgrounds in social work, mental health, advocacy, and leadership. Their shared goal is to reduce recidivism and give people concrete tools to stabilize their lives. You can learn more by visiting the Community Support Services department.

Use Training, 911, and Internal Oversight to Understand the Full Sheriff System

See How the Bureau of Training and Education Supports Professional Policing

The Bureau of Training and Education provides the training backbone for court, correction, and police personnel within the Sheriff’s Office. Instructors bring experience in first responder work, emergency services, and defensive tactics, and they focus on:

Leadership development
Professionalism and ethics
Specialized law enforcement skills
Meeting state and local training standards

The bureau offers academies and programs like the Basic Correctional Officer Training Academy, Basic Law Enforcement Police Training Academy, and P.O.W.E.R. test preparation, ensuring that deputy sheriffs and other staff are prepared for the demands of their roles.

Understand Cook County E-911 and Emergency Communications

The Sheriff’s Office operates a consolidated E-911 center that serves unincorporated Cook County and several partner municipalities, as well as the Metra commuter rail system. Civilian telecommunicators staff the center and handle:

Emergency 911 calls
Non-emergency calls for participating jurisdictions
Radio dispatch for Sheriff’s Police and partner agencies
24-hour warrant desk duties

Because E-911 services are integrated with Sheriff’s Police operations, dispatchers can quickly connect callers with patrol units, specialized teams, or other emergency services as needed.

Learn How the Office of Professional Review Handles Complaints

Internal accountability is managed through the Office of Professional Review (OPR). This office oversees criminal and administrative investigations when well-founded complaints about Sheriff’s Office employees are received.

OPR investigators:

Conduct thorough, fair, and timely investigations

Review conduct both on and off duty when it relates to Sheriff’s employment

Ensure compliance with Sheriff’s Office policies and all applicable federal, state, and local laws

Follow rules laid out in laws like the Uniform Peace Officers’ Disciplinary Act and state public safety reforms

If you believe a Sheriff’s Office employee has engaged in misconduct, you can file a complaint using the official channels listed on the Office of Professional Review page. Complaints can be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by OPR staff.

Solve Everyday Problems with the “How Do I?” Sheriff Resource Hub

Use the “How Do I?” Section for Common Sheriff-Related Tasks

Instead of searching all over the site, Cook County residents can use a central hub to answer many practical questions. The “How Do I?” section pulls together links to visit the jail, set up phone accounts, submit records requests, and more.

From the How Do I? page, you can:

Learn how to visit the courthouse or jail

Set up an individual-in-custody phone account or get trust account information

Submit a records request to the Sheriff’s Office

Request certification for U or T visas (for certain crime victims)

Access instructions to serve subpoenas on the Sheriff’s Office

File a Firearm Restraining Order (FRO)

Request movement or check movement status for Electronic Monitoring participants

Report suspected domestic violence, child abuse, or animal cruelty to the proper authorities

Find out how to get a towed vehicle or recovered property back

Access guides on evictions and service of process

This section acts like a self-service help center, giving you step-by-step guidance directly from the Sheriff’s Office, without relying on third-party websites.

Report Crime Tips and Safety Concerns

The Sheriff’s Office also maintains channels for reporting crime tips, including ways to submit tips anonymously through its own portals. If you have information about a crime in unincorporated Cook County or in an area served by Sheriff’s Police, you can follow the directions in the “How Do I?” and Sheriff’s Police sections to share that information with law enforcement.

Reach the Sheriff’s Office Directly When You Need Help

Use the Contact Page for the Right Sheriff Division

When you’re not sure which division to call, start with the official Contact Us section. The Sheriff’s Office provides a central mailing address, a general directory line, and multiple phone numbers for specific divisions like Sheriff’s Police, corrections, civil process, and key hotlines.

You can review and confirm those details on the Contact Us page. From there, you can also find links to press and communications contacts, frequently asked questions, and department-specific forms.

If you know your request is related to policing, jail, court services, community programs, or professional standards, the department pages and “How Do I?” tools will often point you directly to the correct phone number or online form.

Sheriff Departments, Addresses, and Phone Numbers

Cook County Sheriff’s Office – 3026 S. California Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60608 – General Directory: (312) 603-6444

Cook County Sheriff’s Police – Police Headquarters, 1401 S. Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Illinois 60153 – (708) 865-4700

Cook County Sheriff’s Police District 2 – Skokie, 5600 Old Orchard Rd, Skokie, Illinois 60077 – 708-470-7455

Cook County Sheriff’s Police District 3 – Rolling Meadows, 2121 West Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008 – 847-818-2730

Cook County Sheriff’s Police District 5 – Bridgeview, 10220 South 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, Illinois 60455 – 708-974-6727

Cook County Sheriff’s Police District 6 – Markham, 16501 South Kedzie Parkway, Markham, Illinois 60426 – 708-232-4946

Cook County Department of Corrections – 2700 South California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60608 – (773) 674-1945

Office of Professional Review – 3026 South California, Building 2, Fourth Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60608-5110 – (773) 674-7580

Cook County Sheriff FAQs

How do I find information about someone in custody or visiting the jail?

To look up an individual in custody, check release status, or see when you can visit, start with the Cook County Department of Corrections section on the Sheriff’s official site. From there you can access the individual in custody locator, visitation registration, and updated visitor guidelines all in one place. These pages explain identification requirements, what you can bring, and how to set up phone or trust accounts. Visit the Cook County Department of Corrections page and follow the links for “Individual in Custody” tools and visitation schedules.

Where do I go for court security, civil process, and evictions help?

Court security, serving summons or subpoenas, and enforcing eviction or foreclosure orders are handled by the Sheriff’s Court Services Department. If you need details on having papers served, using the Civil Process Service Lookup, or checking eviction procedures and updates, use the Sheriff’s Courts section. It centralizes information about courthouse security rules, prohibited items, courtroom services, and civil enforcement. Start at the Court Services page and navigate to Civil Services, Sheriff E-File, and eviction updates.

What community programs and support services are available through the Sheriff’s Office?

The Sheriff’s Office operates multiple initiatives aimed at prevention, rehabilitation, and neighborhood support. Community Relations runs education, senior services, youth outreach, and special programs like prescription drug take-back and wandering response. Community Support Services focuses on housing assistance, work alternative programs, and workforce initiatives for people reentering the community. To see current offerings, eligibility, and referral options, visit both the Community Relations section and the Community Support Services section.

How does the Electronic Monitoring Program work and where can I learn the rules?

Cook County’s Electronic Monitoring Program allows certain pretrial and short-sentence individuals to live at an approved residence under GPS monitoring instead of remaining in jail. The Sheriff’s site explains eligibility, equipment requirements, essential movement schedules, and how work, school, and one-time movement requests are handled and reviewed. For a detailed overview, including participant agreements and program videos, go to the Electronic Monitoring Program Placement page.

How can I file a complaint about Sheriff’s Office staff conduct?

If you believe a Sheriff’s Office employee acted improperly, complaints are handled by the Office of Professional Review (OPR). OPR conducts criminal and administrative investigations to ensure staff follow Sheriff’s Office policies and applicable laws. You can submit a complaint online using the Sheriff’s official form, which guides you through describing the incident and the employee involved. For the complaint portal and more information about how investigations work, visit The Office of Professional Review page at the OPR section of the Sheriff’s site.