Justice
Fair and equal enforcement, with the same constitutional standard applied consistently and without favoritism.
Brad Sandefur
For Cook County Sheriff • Leadership for Unity, Safety, and Justice
Experience. Accountability. Service.
Experienced law-enforcement leadership for the future of the Cook County Sheriff's Office.
Since 1990
Cook County Sheriff's Office career
30 Years
Years of supervisory leadership
17 Years
Years serving as a shift commander
Master's
Criminal Justice with forensic psychology cognate
Meet Brad Sandefur
A safer Cook County starts with us and includes leadership that knows the job.
Brad Sandefur has built his career around law enforcement, supervision, training, investigations, corrections, and public service. His vision is a Sheriff's Office that is prepared, professional, fair, accountable, and connected to the communities it serves.
His experience includes service as a correctional officer, police officer, tactical officer, investigator, academy instructor, supervisor, and shift commander. Before beginning his Cook County career, Brad served as a United States Marine.
Six Commitments
The values that will guide the office.
These six commitments are the foundation of Brad’s plan to build a safer, stronger, and more trusted Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
Community
Open dialogue, public-safety partnerships, and stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement.
Safety
A Sheriff's Office focused on preparedness, reliable operations, enforcement, and the practical needs of deputies in the field.
Mental Health
More appropriate diversion and treatment options for people whose mental health or learning challenges call for care rather than incarceration.
Training
Expanded cross-training, arrest-procedure preparation, stronger field readiness, and professional development across assignments.
Service
A professional culture that values responsibility, discipline, public trust, and the people who depend on the Sheriff's Office every day.
Early Service
United States Marine Corps
Before joining the Cook County Sheriff's Office, Brad served in the United States Marine Corps.
1990
Cook County Sheriff's Office
Brad began his Sheriff's Office career in 1990 and has served across multiple operational assignments.
Operations
Corrections, policing, tactics and investigations
Brad has served as a correctional officer, police officer, tactical officer, investigator, academy instructor, and supervisor.
Leadership
Supervision and shift command
Brad brings 30 years of supervisory leadership, including 17 years serving as a shift commander.
Training
Federal and professional training
Brad has trained with the United States Secret Service, FBI, and Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Education
Criminal justice and forensic psychology
Brad holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice with a forensic psychology cognate and is a Ph.D. candidate.
Brad's Plan
A clear plan for a stronger Sheriff's Office.
Brad's plan focuses on practical changes that strengthen public safety, professional standards, accountability, operational readiness, treatment options, and trust throughout Cook County.
SAFE-T Act and pretrial policy
Brad supports major changes to the SAFE-T Act and Pretrial Fairness Act, with stronger public-safety
safeguards and more effective handling of repeat offenders.
Mental health and addiction treatment
Brad supports mental health diversion when appropriate, expanded residential psychiatric capacity,
and longer-term residential drug-rehabilitation options so people can receive meaningful treatment
instead of repeatedly cycling through the justice system.
Training and field readiness
Brad will prioritize more cross-training, broader arrest-procedure instruction, and stronger preparation
for specialized and street assignments so deputies are equipped to respond safely, confidently, and professionally.
Merit Board and hiring standards
Brad supports restructuring the Sheriff's Merit Board, strengthening pre-hire investigations,
and placing greater emphasis on relevant professional qualifications for leadership and investigative positions.
Discipline, accountability and due process
Brad will insist on clear professional expectations and objective disciplinary procedures for sworn staff,
while protecting fair due process when an employee's career or credibility is at stake.
Operations and interagency cooperation
Brad will work to streamline release procedures, improve operational equipment and transportation readiness,
strengthen arrest-processing capability, and build effective cooperation with law-enforcement agencies
operating within the U.S. Constitution.
The Vision
Unity and justice are not competing goals.
Public safety works best when the community can trust the people enforcing the law and deputies can trust the leadership, training, standards, and tools behind them.
A stronger Sheriff's Office protects the public, respects people, prepares its officers, and holds itself to a standard worthy of Cook County.
01
AccountabilityClear standards, objective processes, responsible leadership.
02
CompassionRecognize when treatment and diversion are the safer answer.
03
CommitmentPrepare the people doing the job and give them the tools to do it well.
04
CommunityMake dialogue, trust, and neighborhood safety part of the daily mission.
Support the Campaign
Help build a safer Cook County.
Your support helps Brad reach more residents, bring the campaign into more communities, and share the vision of Safety For Everyone throughout Cook County.
- Support community outreach and voter engagement
- Help expand campaign visibility across Cook County
- Give Brad the resources to take the message directly to residents
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Hear From Brad
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Why Brad Is Running for Cook County Sheriff
Hear Brad share his experience, his priorities, and the leadership he believes Cook County needs.
Join the Campaign
Let's build a safer Cook County together.
Donate, Volunteer, and Spread the Word. Invite Brad to a community conversation, request an interview, or contact the campaign directly.