The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office employs Field Deputies, Correctional Deputies and Telecommunication (9-1-1) Deputies. The staff of Deputies are employed through an application and testing process which is conducted “as needed” by the members of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Merit Commission. This Commission is a separate entity of Bureau County government. When necessary, the Commission will place governmental advertising within the local newspapers. This will provide pertinent information on the application process, duties, benefits and salary that is offered when employed by the Sheriff.

When you have successfully completed the application and required tests, you will be placed on an eligibility list as a candidate for Deputy Sheriff. This list will be used when it becomes necessary to employ a Deputy Sheriff. As a reminder, all Deputies must be (or become) a resident of Bureau County, be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age and meet any additional criteria that may be established by the Commission. You will be required to be physically fit, and capable of successfully passing the required fitness and academic (Police Academy) tests as prescribed by the State of Illinois Police Training and Standards Board. Failure to pass any of the required tests or inquiries may result in termination and or removal from the eligibility list. You will be subjected to a variety of additional requirements, which will include (but not be limited to) a polygraph exam, physical exam and background investigation. As a Deputy, you will be a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. The F.O.P. is a great organization, which will represent you in matters of your bargaining agreement, and will support you through your years of service to Bureau County.

Sheriff Thompson and the Commission would like to encourage all interested persons to apply and test for the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office. However, he would also remind those who wish to serve as Deputies, that Honesty, Integrity and Trust, when combined with maturity and common sense are the “Best” tools in law enforcement, and that is what he looks for in a Deputy Sheriff. We are here to serve our citizens of Bureau County.

Members of the Bureau County Sheriff's Merit Commission

Commissioner Mel Hult
Princeton, IL 61356

Commissioner Raymond White
Ohio, IL 61349

Commissioner Robert L. Johnson
Walnut, Illinois 61376