Dear neighbors,

My name is Paula Crouch, and I proudly serve as your Sheriff of Sangamon County. I’m a lifelong resident of this community, and I’ve spent nearly 30 years in public safety because I believe in protecting what matters most: our families, our neighborhoods, and our way of life.

My career began as a 911 dispatcher and led to 24 years with the Springfield Police Department, where I rose to the rank of lieutenant. I’ve served on the front lines—responding to crises, investigating serious crimes, and protecting the most vulnerable. Whether working on the Crimes Against Children Task Force or as part of the Hostage Negotiations Team, I’ve always believed in upholding the law with strength and integrity—and treating people with fairness and respect.
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As Sheriff, my mission is clear: to enforce the law without compromise, hold offenders accountable, and build a department that our citizens can trust. That means cracking down on violent crime, targeting drug trafficking, and ensuring our deputies have the training and tools they need to do the job right.
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But I also know that true public safety goes beyond arrests and patrols. It’s about building relationships, responding to mental health crises with compassion, and being visible and present in the community. It’s about empathy, trust, and working together to solve problems and correct the wrongs of the past. I’ve made it a priority to lead with both firmness and empathy—because our citizens deserve law enforcement that is tough on crime and rooted in service.
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​​As your Sheriff, my priorities are straightforward: keeping our communities safe, strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and residents, and ensuring our department is equipped to meet the challenges of modern policing.
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I live in rural Williams Township with my husband and our two children, and I care deeply about the future we’re building here. I’m running to continue delivering the safety, accountability, and leadership Sangamon County deserves.
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I would be honored to earn your vote—and your trust.

Sincerely,
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Paula Crouch
Sheriff, Sangamon County