Wayne County Sheriff's Office - IL

08/27/2026

We would like to make the public aware that Wayne City Schools were on a soft lockdown this morning (8/27/26) as a precautionary measure. The lockdown was triggered due to a call The Wayne County Sheriff's Office was responding to in Wayne City. Deputies were able to arrive and determine there was no danger and the school was notified and lifted the lockdown.

08/08/2026

We hope you’re hungry because we’ve got the crew loaded up and ready to serve! Starting today at 10:00am come get some delicious pork burgers and help raise money to keep our communities safe!

08/04/2026

We hope to see you this Saturday as we raise funds for the K9 programs for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Fairfield Police Department!

07/07/2026

***UPDATE***

After following up on multiple tips, Wayne County Sheriff's Deputies located and arrested Cody L. Massie on a Wayne County Warrant for Escape. In addition, Massie has new charges for Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. Thank you to those who provided tips in regard to this subject.

*All subjects posted are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

07/04/2026

As we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday, we honor the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of those who secured our nation’s freedom and all who have served to defend it over the past 250 years!

Happy Independence Day!! God Bless America!! 🎆🇺🇸

07/02/2026

Due to changes in Illinois law lowering the minimum age requirement for county Correctional Officers from 21 to 18 years of age, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Merit Commission will be accepting applications for individuals who are 18 to 20 years old until the close of business on July 10, 2026. Applications are available at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

Please Note:

▪️ If you are between the ages of 18 and 20, you are now eligible to apply during this special application period.

▪️ If you have already submitted an application this year and are 21 years of age or older, you do not need to submit a new application. Your existing application will remain on file and continue through the hiring process.

06/30/2026

🇺🇸 We’re excited to announce we are sponsoring a free swim to kick off the 4th of July weekend! Come out and cool off this Friday, July 3rd from 1pm-5pm! 🇺🇸

06/24/2026

The Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT) awarded a Safety Grant to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office on a recent technology upgrade within their facility that focuses on inmate safety. This improvement will assist Correctional Officers by remotely measuring health metrics using FDA approved technology that can rapidly notify staff of any potential medical distress being experienced by persons in-custody. The equipment has been installed and is currently being utilized by Correctional Staff within the facility.

Pictured from left: Wayne County Sheriff Chris Otey, Jail Administrator Sgt. Mike Miller, Josh Blackwell with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust & Assistant Jail Administrator Sgt. Dylan Toombs

06/10/2026

Congratulations to all! Thank you for your service to our community!

Congratulations to Judy Read, Brad Moore, Teresa Robinson, Jody Clark, Rod Greene, and Carroll Dugger on their recent retirement from the City of Fairfield. Mayor Gary Moore recognized the retirees and presented each with a plaque at the City Council meeting this evening. These retirees have a combined 170 years of service. Thank you all for your service……congratulations and best wishes to all of you!!!

05/27/2026

The Wayne County Sheriff's Merit Commission is accepting applications to update our hiring list for the position of Patrol Deputy. Applications are available at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and must be submitted by the close of business June 19, 2026.

REQUIREMENTS:
You must be a U.S. citizen, have no felony or criminal convictions that would prevent you from owning a firearm, have a valid state-issued driver’s license, minimum of age 21, a high school graduate or equivalent and clear a thorough background investigation.

All applicants must complete the POWER (Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report) test which will be held on June 20, 2026 at 9:00am at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Those passing the POWER test will be scheduled for the written examination at a later date.

BENEFITS:

HOLIDAYS: The position has 14 paid holidays annually plus an additional holiday in the years of the general election.

WAGES: As of December 1, 2025, the position has a starting hourly wage of $24.16.

LATERAL TRANSFER: Applicants who are experienced, meet hiring qualifications and do not require attendance at the Illinois Police Academy are eligible to transfer with up to 10 years of service to our department.

INSURANCE: Health insurance is provided by the County for this full-time position at a minimal cost of $50 a month, family plans are also available. A basic life insurance policy is also provided to the employee.

PENSION: The full-time position receives a pension in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund SLEP benefit.

VACATION/COMP TIME: The full-time employee will receive 1-week
full pay Vacation Time after completion of the first year of employment. Then 2 weeks after 2 years, 3 weeks after 7 years, 4 weeks after 15 years and 5 weeks after 20 years. Full-time employees with under 2 years of service can accumulate 2 weeks of Comp Time, those with over 2 years of service can accumulate 1 week.

PERSONAL: The full-time position will receive 3 personal days annually.

SICK TIME: The full-time position will receive paid sick time that accumulates at 1 day per month of service.

ABOUT THE WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail facility with a capacity of 34 inmates to serve Wayne County and its communities. The office has the security responsibilities for the Wayne County Court House. The office also carries out the duties of traditional law enforcement functions in Wayne County IL, a county of approximately 16,000 citizens spread out over 713 square miles. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is an equal opportunity employer.

Sheriff Chris Otey