About the Sheriff

Sheriff James Mendrick brings experience, knowledge and expertise to the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office from his 24 years of serving the citizens of DuPage County. He has risen through the ranks to head the Sheriff’s Office in the second largest county in Illinois, which has 400 sworn and 100 civilian employees.

Jim was hired in 1996 as a Patrol Deputy and through his career was promoted to Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Major, Administrative Chief and finally elected Sheriff. Jim studied Criminal Justice at Lewis University and completed the School of Police Staff & Command at Northwestern University. 

During his time at the Sheriff’s Office, he was instrumental in many facets of the agency, but as Sheriff he has fostered the culture of “Hope and Purpose” and focused on the improvement and wellbeing of citizenry.

Since taking office in December 2018, Sheriff Mendrick has partnered with the DuPage County Health Department to institute Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) for inmates fighting Opioid addiction and promoted the use of Deterra system to keep dangerous medication out of our medicine cabinets and waterways.

Under the leadership of Sheriff Mendrick, 36 neighboring police agencies united in September 2019 to form an unprecedented sharing of resources and manpower under the shield Multi Emergency Response Investigations Team (MERIT).

To supplement the increase manpower, Sheriff Mendrick who previously oversaw the K-9 unit more than doubled the number of highly trained dogs available to assist our MERIT teammates throughout the county.

In less than a year, about 10% of the correctional facility population have graduated from one of the Sheriff’s workforce inmate job training programs. The Sheriff has also utilized the latest technology, including the installation of a new body scanner to further secure the facility and limit contraband into correctional facility.

Being a good steward of the environment, is also important to the Sheriff as illustrated through his multiple partnerships with community groups SCARCE and the DuPage Conservation Foundation.

Jim’s goals continue to focus on improving our community through active participation in cross agency training and partnerships. Jim believes that the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office is in need of meaningful reform with new ideas, innovative programs, and proven leadership. Along with years of experience that will help create a safe and constructive work environment, Jim is bringing a fresh perspective to the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office to provide a safer and stronger DuPage County for our residents.