As a boy growing up in rural Sangamon County, I was raised to believe people should watch out for their neighbors.  I adopted this same philosophy as Sheriff of Sangamon County for the past 16 years. I believe policing is more than just arresting criminals and enforcing the law — it is about uniting the community with the criminal justice system.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office sends a clear message that crime and criminals are not tolerated nor welcome in Sangamon County.  Since I became sheriff in 1994, homicide, burglary, theft, sexual assault and auto theft are down.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the community in numerous crime prevention initiatives. Programs such as the Citizens’ Police Academy and self-protection seminars for women and families have educated the community and empowered each and every citizen of Sangamon County to have a stake in their community and safety.

Among my accomplishments, I developed and implemented programs and units to stay a step ahead of crime and remain proactive.  The Crisis Intervention Team enables the sheriff’s office to appropriately respond to and resolve incidents involving the mentally ill.  A specially designed drug unit targets methamphetamine manufacturers and users while fugitive warrant and violent crime and gang units continue to remove violent criminals from the streets and prevent crimes against persons and property.

Though I have accomplished many goals during my tenure as Sangamon County Sheriff, I continue to look to the future and strive to make the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office a leader in the law enforcement community.  We are in the process of developing an integrated county-wide computer and a new STARcom radio system to enhance response times and officer safety.  I also am dedicated to furthering the professionalism of the sheriff’s office and ensuring deputies are properly trained and equipped to provide the highest quality of public service.

It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Sangamon County as Sheriff for the past 16 years. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office is an example of excellence for other law enforcement agencies.  I am not asking for your approval, but rather your permission to serve with you as Sheriff of Sangamon County for another four years.  A vote for me is a vote for the community and a vote against crime.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Neil M. Williamson