Cook County Board 2026 Budget Hearings Office of the Sheriff

Cook County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee Meeting 
October 29, 2025 

Sheriff’s Department: Thomas Dart 
Proposed 2026 Budget: $814,655,918    Proposed 2026 Positions:          5,466.3
Actual 2025 Budget:       $750,891,179    Actual 2025 Approved Positions    5,721.0
Difference            + $63,764,739    Difference:                  (254.8)

• Sheriff Dart mentioned that the reduction in FTEs was primarily due to the move of the electronic monitoring program to the Chief Judge’s Office. 
• He did indicate that the policing side might be problematic in that towns having budget problems use the Sheriff’s Office (SO) more often (e.g., Harvey). Commissioner McCaskill asked for information on how much helping underserved communities like Harvey costs and how it impacts SO. Answer – about $2M. It impacts SO significantly when it’s not planned. This can result in overtime. In contrast, using the example of Harvey, the SO knew that it was necessary unless State stepped in so could plan for it.  . He also explained overtime number in that he can often have 200+ absentees in a day. Staff needs to call in only two hours in advance of absence. This results in personnel being on job longer while replacements are called in. Commissioner Degnan suggested using technology to schedule staffing of courtrooms.
• Electronic Monitoring: The switch to the Chief Judge’s Office (CJO) continues. Expectation is completion within six months, though some still left with Sheriff. Commissioner Gainer questioned whether data was captured under the program that informed Sheriff Office decisions and focus and whether that would continue under CJO. Dart indicated they definitely used data and CJO representative indicated that would continue and possibly be expanded. 
• Mental health calls: Dart advised that officers were trained in dealing with mental health calls and de-escalating situations. Individuals were directed to support services. Issue was to how to get information to public so use of law enforcement less involved. Suggestions included using a special phone number (e.g., 988) for public, more information to public. Commissioner Trevor asked whether the Sheriff’s Office worked with township. Dart indicated not. SO also has access to Illinois Department of Human Services in emergencies.
• Helicopter: Use has stopped two carjackings and two armed robberies. Also can be used to patrol expressways with license plate capture to stop shoulder riders and speeding. Dart advised that in one day of this use, the fines covered a week of fuel for the helicopter, so has revenue value trade off. There has been no quarterly report on helicopter since only in operation since October 1. Commissioner McCaskill asked if SO was getting real time information and if communities could tie into that rather than using a Skydio service, which is expensive. Dart indicated it was possible.
• Retail theft: Working with businesses, SO has recovered $6M and broken up organized theft rings. Dart advised that problem will continue because where once they could concentrate on ground operations with “fences” being used, now stolen goods are put online.
• ICE: SO working with Chief Judge; signage on restrictions and process posted outside courthouse. Adhering to Trust Act. ICE not allowed in courthouse; SO does not transfer people unless there is a criminal warrant signed by judge and clerk stamp. Officers have been trained on immigrant sanctuary issues and updated so to adapt to changing circumstances. Commissioner Trevor asked about training and issues in unincorporated Cook County. Dart indicated there was little activity lately but they were keeping eyes on the situation. Adherence to procedures issues reviewed by Office of Professional Review. SO has offered suburban police training on Trust Act responsibilities. Sheriff Dart responded to Commissioner questions about requests from ICE to SO. He advised that there had really been none.
• Body cameras: In response to Commissioner Stamps questions, Dart explained that purchases had been divided into three trenches, with the 2026 allocation the last; all appropriate staff will have body cameras as of next year; started with most important level (i.e., street officers) and moved up from there. In response to Commissioner Vasquez’s question, he advised that body cameras are to be on when involved in action. Cameras are leased so can keep up with technology; maintenance, storage, repairs will need to be budgeted. 
• Domestic Violence/Orders of Protection:  Commissioners Stamps and McCaskill had questions. Dart advised process for serving Orders of Protection, including using tech support to help locate subject, advised 20 FTEs had been added to unit. Explained that problem was powers of SO in serving papers. Officers are not allowed to enter private facilities (e.g., home) without permission, so subject can just not answer door to SO. Extra funding needed; possible separate unit; get intel services involved; sending info to officers on street helps speed process, aids efficiency of service. grid
• Detainee Release and Jail Time: Commissioner Scott was concerned about detainees being discharged late at night and not being able to access transportation home or connected to services. The Sheriff explained that 90% of people in system are connected to some program and SO makes sure they have some sort of support or ride home. Question was why so late at night. The system still in use for judicial authorization to release is still in paper form. Commissioner Vasquez asked about published reports that the Odyssey program electronically cover this. Dart explained that the Odyssey program does not provide an order signed by a judge with the clerk’s stamp that is needed to release a detainee. Commissioner McCaskill asked about a comprehensive plan to reduce jail time; 15 people in jail awaiting trial for 10 years, 181 waiting for 5 years. Dart responded that it was more a Judiciary issue than the SO.

Miscellaneous: 

• Commissioner Stamps suggested making the SO budget public and use Infographics to simplify.
• Commissioner Degnan asked about 911 call center and involving more municipalities. Dart indicated municipalities tend to be territorial so may not join. 
• Commissioners Anaya, Aguilar questioned line items where no longer requested funds. Response was that some were moved to different departments, merged with other units or had title changes.

Observer: Hollis Burgess