Become a DeputyDispatcherCorrectional OfficerHero
Become a Deputy, Dispatcher, Correctional Officer & Hero
Benefits for you, your community, and beyond.
When you join our team to step up and serve, you’re becoming a key player in the ongoing mission to enhance the well-being and safety of all Illinois residents. Whether you’re looking to make a difference as a frontline officer, dispatcher, or deputy, together, we can make a lasting impact. Let’s work toward building a brighter, more secure future for our community.
Real Illinois sheriff’s office employees describe what drew them to public safety, the variety of roles inside Illinois’s 102 county sheriffs’ offices, and the daily impact of making a difference every shift. The video features sworn deputies, correctional officers, and 9-1-1 telecommunicators across Illinois — the three primary careers under the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association’s Step Up & Serve campaign. Whether you’re starting out, switching careers, or transitioning from military service, there’s a path for you.
View video transcript
0:00 — A Calling to Help People
The ability to help people immediately is something very unique to law enforcement. You can make a difference with every shift you work, every day you work.
0:14 — Many Paths, One Mission
My aspiration in life really is to help out in any way that I can. That’s why I chose this line of work. Serving the community is the best part of this job. You know what do you want to do really at the end of the day, because there’s a lot of different things that we do. Whether you’re working on the street, you’re working in investigations, you’re working in a drug unit. We have a boat team, a dive team, canines, drones, traffic reconstructionists. You know, we have a civilian staff and there’s support staff. We have a correctional division. I did three years as dispatch. I honestly think that has made me a better deputy.
0:46 — All Backgrounds Welcome
We welcome any type of background. If you seek this career, we’re gonna provide you with all the tools and resources in order to be extremely successful and do more things than you could ever think of. We’re stepping up and saying, “I’m gonna do everything I can to bring about a positive change.” Those are the people that we need in this profession, that are driven to help others and protect others.
1:00 — Daily Impact
Every time you put the uniform on, it is a gift. At the end of the day, you know that you made a difference going to work that day, and sometimes you may have saved a life. I’m proud to be there, proud to be working, proud to be serving. And we need more dedicated people who’s willing to protect and serve this country.
1:20 — Step Up and Serve
You never know, this might be the one thing you wanna do for the rest of your life. This might help you go to the next step of what you wanna do in your life. Law enforcement is an honorable profession. I hope you join the team and step up and serve. This is where you belong. Step up and serve. It’s a wonderful profession to be a part of and to help your community.
Serve the community and impact other peoples’ lives.
Be part of a team that works to achieve something greater.
Earn competitive compensation and excellent benefits.
The Step Up & Serve Campaign is an initiative of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association to provide information about the numerous career opportunities available in law enforcement. Each of Illinois’ 102 counties has an Office of the County Sheriff. Hiring policies, process, job descriptions, and qualifications will vary from office to office. All Illinois County Sheriff’s Offices are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) does not have authority or involvement over any hiring decisions.
