Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A familiar face in Springfield law enforcement is the new Sangamon County sheriff. The Sangamon County Board approved Paula Crouch as the new sheriff on Wednesday by a vote of 23 to zero, with two members voting present. District 12 Board Member Marc Ayers and District 22 Board Member Gina Lathan voted present.

Chairman Andy Van Meter nominated Crouch and said, “We could not have found a candidate with more experience in the field work of policing.” Crouch is a lifelong Sangamon County resident who retired in 2023 after 24 years with the Springfield Police Department. She started her career in public service as a 911 dispatcher. Crouch said she has worked in various capacities throughout the department that involved a lot of community relations.

PODCAST | Hear new Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch talk with WTAX’s Joey McLaughlin on her background and vision for the department.

Spirited discussion about the nomination, prior to the vote, included concern raised by Ayers. He asked if a complete background check was conducted on Crouch by the selection committee including speaking to former supervisors. Van Meter confirmed a background check had been conducted by Terry Moody, who spent more than 30 years with the FBI.

Citizen Jenna Broom spoke prior to the vote during public comment and expressed her hopes that the new leadership will be a non-militant department under Crouch, and that new sheriff will enforce the assault weapons ban. When asked by District 18 Board Member Sam Cahnman if she will enforce registration of assault weapons, Crouch said her role is to enforce the laws of Illinois to the fullest of her ability. So, yes, she plans to enforce registration of assault weapons. Former Sheriff Jack Campbell, along with several other sheriffs in Illinois publicly refused to enforce the law, saying it was a violation of the Second Amendment.

Concerns were raised by both citizens and board members about hiring practices in the department. Crouch confirmed she will be taking a closer look at the practices to see if proper procedures have been followed during background investigations on prospective deputies and will look to update policies if needed.

Crouch takes over for Coroner Jim Allmon who has been serving as interim sheriff since the retirement of Jack Campbell at the end of August.