Merit Board Mission Statement

The Cook County Sheriff’s Merit Board is bifurcated by Law and Regulations to assure fairness in the hiring and promotional practices of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and to provide equality and justice in the statutorily founded disciplinary process.  The Cook County Sheriff’s Merit Board, by virtue of the authority vested in it by law, is responsible for the pre-hiring certification of Candidates to become eligible for appointment to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office as Correctional Officers. The Merit Board conducts tests which consist of written examinations, physical ability testing and other examinations in order to establish a certified roster of candidates for the position of Correctional Officer. The Merit Board has the authority to conduct hearings on disciplinary matters involving Sheriff’s Office employees with Merit Status subsequent to their one-year probationary period.