Macon County Sheriff's Office

Macon County Sheriff's Office We are a Law Enforcement Agency located in Decatur, Illinois. Macon County elected the first African-American Sheriff in Illinois with the election of Roger E.

The Macon County Sheriff's Office was founded in 1829 with William Warnick serving as the first Sheriff. Sheriff Warnick was a personal friend of young Abe Lincoln when the Lincoln family lived in the general area of Warnick's tavern. Walker Jr. in 1998. Today, our agency takes pride in the many services we provide the citizens and we are a pro-active force within the community. Please explore our

website so that you can learn more about one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country. The Sheriff of Macon County is Jim Root. Sheriff Jim Root was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois. He graduated from Eisenhower High School and joined the United States Marine Corps. After completing his military service and receiving an honorable discharge, Sheriff Root received an Associate's Degree from Richland Community College. Sheriff Root began his Law Enforcement career in 1996 and attended the University of Illinois Police training Institute basic police training academy. Sheriff Root has held a variety of positions within the Macon County Sheriff's Office including working in the Patrol Division, working narcotics assigned to the Illinois State Police Drug Task Force, the Investigations Division, Patrol Supervisor, and Emergency Management Coordinator. Working through the ranks from Deputy to Detective, to Sergeant and then Lieutenant. Sheriff Root has also served on the Sheriff's office Special Response team for over 12 years. He is currently an instructor at the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center and has been since it opened in 2018 teaching fi****ms, active shooter response training and emergency management to new recruits. Sheriff Root married his wife Amy in 1998 and has four adult children.

After 31 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Macon County, Sergeant Joe Mannix is officially retiring from the...
06/05/2026

After 31 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Macon County, Sergeant Joe Mannix is officially retiring from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

Throughout his career, Sgt. Mannix has been a steady presence, a trusted leader, and a valuable resource. His experience, knowledge, and commitment to the profession have made a lasting impact on our agency and the people we serve.

Joe will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and ability to bring perspective to just about any situation.

While we are excited for Joe as he begins this well-earned next chapter, there is no question that his presence around the Sheriff’s Office will be missed.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Joe Mannix on his 31-year career, and I wish him a long, healthy, and enjoyable retirement.
Thank you for your service, Joe. You’ve earned it.

06/04/2026

***JOB POSTING***

Date Posted: 06/04/2026

We seek qualified individuals to join the Macon County Sheriff's Office Court Security Division. The details of the position are as follows:

Position: Court Security Officer
Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Monday- Friday
Wages: The starting salary is $46,117.94, with structured salary step increases covered under the CBA.

Applicant Requirements:
• 21 years of age
• Not have any physical or mental disability which would render them incapable of performing duties required of the position
• High School graduate or equivalent
• Be a citizen or legal resident
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Be fingerprinted and pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Pass an oral interview
• Pass pre-employment physical and drug test
• Live within 40 miles of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office
• Accepted into and complete Basic Correctional Officer Academy Training or equivalent training sufficient to obtain a waiver from ILETSB

Applications can be located on our website Employment (sheriff-macon-il.us) or picked up in person at 333 S Franklin St, Decatur, IL 62523 (Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm).

If you have any specific questions, please write to [email protected]. Please submit applications and resumes to [email protected] or in person to the attention of Chief Deputy Jedlicka. Please mark emails and dropped envelopes with “Court Security.” The selected applicant will undergo a probationary period under the Fraternal Order of Police Bargaining Agreement.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Applications will be accepted through 06/18/2026 at 4:30 pm.

Chief Deputy M. Jedlicka

SCAM ALERTThe Macon County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a phone scam targeting individuals with claims involv...
05/22/2026

SCAM ALERT

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a phone scam targeting individuals with claims involving a family member’s arrest.

In a recent incident, a victim was contacted by someone posing as a bondsman and told their family member needed money for release from custody. The caller obtained approximately $900 and later attempted to solicit additional funds through gift cards.

Please be advised:

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER contact you by phone to request money.

It is unlawful for bondsmen to operate in Illinois. Any caller claiming to be a bondsman requesting payment is a scam.

We will NEVER instruct you to send money via gift cards, wire transfers, or similar methods.

If you receive a call like this:

Do NOT send money or provide financial information.

Verify the situation by contacting our office directly using an official phone number.

Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.

Scammers rely on urgency and fear to pressure victims. Always take a moment to verify before taking any action.

Stay alert and help us spread the word to protect others in our community.

Today the Macon County Sheriffs Office along with the Decatur Police Department participated in the Cop On A Rooftop eve...
05/15/2026

Today the Macon County Sheriffs Office along with the Decatur Police Department participated in the Cop On A Rooftop event at Dunkin Donuts on Pershing Road. Over $1,000.00 was raised to help benefit Special Olympics Illinois and the wonderful work that they do. Thank you to everyone that came out and donated today and all of the participants from both agencies. We would like to give special recognition to Sergeant Chad Wayne of the Macon County Sheriffs Office who works hard every year to make this event a success.

Today marks a proud moment as MCLETC Class BCO 26-29 officially graduates. We were honored to have five of our Correctio...
05/15/2026

Today marks a proud moment as MCLETC Class BCO 26-29 officially graduates. We were honored to have five of our Corrections Officers successfully complete this achievement.

Please join me in congratulating Certified Corrections Officers Tyler Aubert, De’Andra Boston, Ken’nya Hentz, Reese Patton, and Timothy Tighe on this significant milestone.

C.O. Tighe distinguished himself by serving as class treasurer, graduating in the top 10% of the class, and successfully completing the Sheriff’s Challenge—an outstanding accomplishment. C.O. Patton was also recognized for taking on the role of class photographer, capturing the memories of this important journey.

We are extremely proud to have each of them as part of our team and look forward to the continued professionalism and dedication they bring to our facility.

Congratulations to all—well done.

Thank you to everyone at Growing Strong for bringing by these goodies for the Deputies during National Police Week. You...
05/14/2026

Thank you to everyone at Growing Strong for bringing by these goodies for the Deputies during National Police Week. Your recognition is greatly appreciated!

During National Police Week, we ask the public to join the Macon County Sheriff’s Office in recognizing the service, ded...
05/13/2026

During National Police Week, we ask the public to join the Macon County Sheriff’s Office in recognizing the service, dedication, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across our community and across the nation.

This week is a time to honor those who continue to serve, support the families who stand behind them, and remember the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. National Police Week is observed each May and includes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15.

Please join us in celebrating National Police Week and showing appreciation for the men and women who serve with professionalism, courage, and commitment.

05/11/2026

Looking for a job where no two days are the same and you actually feel like you’re helping your community?
Macon County Animal Control is hiring a Warden Dispatcher.
Pay is $32,760 per year an increase to $36,400 pending final contract ratification with AFSCME. The position has a Monday through Friday schedule so you get your evenings and weekends back.
If you’re calm under pressure, good with people, comfortable around animals, and can juggle phones, radios, and computer screens without losing your mind, this might be the right fit.
You’ll be the voice on the other end of the line when someone needs help, the lifeline for our wardens out in the field, and the person who keeps things moving inside the building.
Normal daytime hours.
Solid benefits.
IMRF pension.
Union position.
Apply in person at:
2820 E Parkway Drive, Decatur IL
Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Or grab an application online:https://www.sheriff-macon-il.us/Resources/9b553df1-638c-4bd0-a252-26e66571a31e/MCAC%20Employee%20application%202020.pdf

email applications to: [email protected]

05/08/2026

⚠️ Scam Alert ⚠️

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a phone scam involving a caller falsely claiming to be “Sgt. Davis” with our office. The caller told a citizen they had a warrant for their arrest for missing a grand jury appearance.

This is a scam.

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office does not contact people by phone to demand money, threaten arrest, or attempt to resolve warrants over the phone.

If you receive a similar call:
• Do not provide personal or financial information
• Do not send money or gift cards
• Hang up immediately

Scammers often use spoofed phone numbers to make the call appear legitimate. If you are unsure whether a call is real, contact the Macon County Sheriff’s Office directly at 217-424-1319.

Please share this post to help warn others.

Today, we celebrate the retirement of Lt. Jamie Belcher, who has devoted 30 years of service to the citizens of Macon Co...
05/06/2026

Today, we celebrate the retirement of Lt. Jamie Belcher, who has devoted 30 years of service to the citizens of Macon County. Throughout his career with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Belcher exhibited steady leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to public safety, earning the respect of his colleagues.

Sheriff Root presented Lt. Belcher with a retirement plaque and a commemorative key in recognition of his years of service and the lasting impact he has made on this office and our community.

Jamie will be missed by many, but we are excited for him as he embarks on this new chapter of his life. Please join us in congratulating him on his well-deserved retirement.

Address

333 S Franklin Street
Decatur, IL
62523

Telephone

+12174241321

Website

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