Tazewell County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff
Jeffrey Lower
Welcome to the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office Website. The Sheriff is the Chief Law Officer of the County and the sole Law Enforcement Official elected by the people. Many believe that the Office of the Sheriff is the main keeper of accountability between Law Enforcement and the Public. In the spirit of accountability and responsiveness, we are pleased to provide this publicly accessible site on the World Wide Web. We want you to take a look at who we are and our role in Serving and Protect.
The strength of the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office isn’t found in a building or a badge — it’s found in the people who serve this community every day.
Today is National Employee Recognition Day, and we’re proud to recognize the men and women of the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.
At our Employee Recognition Banquet in January, employees from across the office came together to celebrate the dedication it takes to serve the people of Tazewell County. Deputies, Correctional Officers, Jail Clerks, Control Room Operators, Civil Process Clerks, Bailiffs, and our administrative and support staff all play an essential role in the mission of this office.
The Sheriff’s Office is a 24/7 operation. Nights, weekends, and holidays included, there are always members of this office on duty — responding to calls, operating the jail, supporting the courts, and keeping everything running behind the scenes.
Several employees were also recognized with awards for their outstanding service over the past year. Their dedication reflects the professionalism and teamwork that define the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.
Please join us in congratulating our award recipients and thanking all of our employees for their continued service to Tazewell County.
#NationalEmployeeRecognitionDay
#TazewellCountySheriff
#LawEnforcement
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Illinois Route 26 via Illinois Route 116 is now open.
Illinois Route 26 via Illinois Route 116 is now open. ... See MoreSee Less
Illinois Route 26 via Illinois Route 116 is closed due to a crash
Road Closure Notice: Illinois Route 26 via Illinois Route 116 is closed due to a crash. Please find an alternate route. We will provide updates when the roadways reopen ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨
The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public that we will NEVER contact you by phone to request payment or money for any reason.
Scammers may:
• Impersonate members of our office
• Claim you owe fines or fees
• State you missed court or have a Warrant
• Threaten arrest if you don’t pay immediately
• Demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards
These calls are fraudulent.
If you receive a call like this:
✔ Do NOT provide personal or financial information
✔ Hang up immediately
✔ Contact your local law enforcement agency to report the incident
Please share this post to help protect friends and family in our community. ... See MoreSee Less
Arrest Made Following Child Exploitation Investigation
Tazewell County, IL - The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office arrested
Wesley D. Ratliff, 34, of Marquette Heights, Illinois, for multiple felony offenses related to the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, as well as additional charges involving the solicitation and exploitation of a minor.
Ratliff was taken into custody on February 26, 2026, and transported to the Tazewell County Jail for processing.
The investigation was conducted by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, which participates in the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting children and pursuing those who exploit minors.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ... See MoreSee Less
**Fatal Traffic Crash in Rural Manito, IL**
Tazewell County, IL - On February 24, 2026, at approximately 9:35 PM, deputies were dispatched to investigate a reported traffic crash in the area of Bluff Road in rural Manito, IL. Upon arrival, deputies found a single vehicle that was fully engulfed in flames along Bluff Road, approximately 1/10 of a mile south of Sky Ranch Road. The Foreman Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.
Investigators have determined that the vehicle was occupied by a deceased, unidentified individual. Due to the extent of the fire, the occupant's identity has not yet been confirmed.
The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office and the Tazewell County Coroner's Office are conducting an ongoing investigation into the traffic crash. ... See MoreSee Less
This past weekend, the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office ARTIC Unit proudly took the plunge in support of Special Olympics, and we are incredibly grateful for the community’s generous support. Thanks to that encouragement and participation, we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $1,550 for the athletes! This achievement reflects the strength of our community and its commitment to inclusion and opportunity. We also want to extend our sincere thanks to our team members for their dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the athletes we serve. ... See MoreSee Less
📣 Attention Tazewell County High School Seniors! 🎓
Are you planning to attend college next year? Don’t miss your chance to apply for the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship! 💼📘
The ISA scholarship is open to graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and academic achievement. Scholarships help support your college journey — but you have to apply! No printer? No problem!
Stop by the Sheriff's Office and grab a printed application today!
🔗 Learn more & apply here:
www.ilsheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-2027-ISA-College-Scholarship-Application.pdf
📅 Deadline: Friday, March 13th — Applications & Essays must be turned in or Post-Marked by this date!
Have questions? Reach out — we’re here to help! 💙🚓
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www.ilsheriff.org
www.ilsheriff.org
Make the play of the day: Designate a sober driver. 🏈 Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. ... See MoreSee Less