Meet Jeff Connor

A lifelong Madison County resident and trusted law enforcement leader dedicated to integrity, transparency, and community safety.
Meet Sheriff Jeff Connor

A lifetime of service. A vision for the future.

Jeff Connor has devoted more than 40 years to law enforcement and public service in Madison County, Illinois. As a lifelong resident, he understands the local values, the communities, and the challenges facing citizens — and he’s ready to lead with experience, transparency, and unwavering integrity.

Early Beginnings

Jeff’s law-enforcement journey began in 1986 when he joined the Granite City Police Department — starting on patrol and quickly showing aptitude, determination, and leadership. Over the years he advanced through investigations, supervision, and command positions, eventually serving as Assistant Chief of Police before joining the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in 2014 as Chief Deputy. 

Leadership & Regional Collaboration

In addition to his responsibilities at the sheriff’s office, Jeff has served as Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis — a multi-jurisdictional investigative task force that spans Illinois and Missouri. Under his leadership, the squad has taken on some of the region’s most complex criminal investigations, demonstrating his professionalism, coordination skills, and commitment to justice. 

Education & Training You Can Trust

Jeff holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Lindenwood University and is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy (Session 244, Quantico). These credentials reflect not just years of service—but deep academic and practical preparation for leadership in public safety. 

Commitment to Madison County

As your Sheriff, Jeff Connor will build on this experience to:
• Strengthen community trust through outreach, neighborhood watch partnerships, and business collaboration
• Expand programs for young people — such as the Youth Academy — and launch a new Sheriff’s Academy for adult residents
• Protect constitutional rights, including strong support of the Second Amendment in accordance with regional values
• Manage departmental resources effectively and reduce unnecessary spending so taxpayers get value from their public safety investment
• Enhance law-enforcement recruitment efforts that reflect the diversity of Madison County and build up local talent

Life Outside the Badge

A dedicated husband and father, Jeff and his wife Elizabeth cherish their ties to the community, raising a family rooted in Madison County. He is also active in his local church, serves as a mentor and board member in youth-oriented civic organizations, and has built relationships across neighborhoods during his decades of service.

“My focus has always been simple: protect the people of Madison County with fairness, transparency, and unwavering dedication. Together, we can build a safer, stronger community.”

Sheriff Jeff Connor — Education, Career & Service

Education

  • Belleville Police Academy (1986)
  • Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice — Belleville Area College (SWIC)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice — Sterling College
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice Management — Lindenwood University

Career

  • FBI National Academy — Quantico, VA (2011)
  • Granite City Police Department (1986 – 2014)
  • Madison County Sheriff’s Office — Chief Deputy Sheriff (2014 – 2022)
  • Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis (1990 – Present); Commander (2020 – 2023)
  • Chairman of the Board of Directors — Major Case Squad (2023 – Present)
  • Commander — Cross-River Crime Task Force (2021 – 2022)
  • Madison County Sheriff (2022 – Present)

Community & Professional Service

  • Married 42 years; 3 children, 6 grandchildren
  • Lifelong resident of Madison County
  • Graduate — Granite City High School (1980)
  • Deacon — Calvary Life Church, Granite City
  • Member — Southern Illinois Police Association
  • Member — Illinois Police Association
  • Member — Madison County Police Association
  • Member — International Homicide Investigators Association
  • Member — Illinois Sheriffs Association
  • Former Criminal Justice Instructor — Belleville Police Academy
  • Former Board Member — Coordinated Youth & Human Services

Key Issues

  • Protect the constitutional rights of our citizens
  • Pro-Second Amendment
  • Enhance community relations with business and neighborhood watch programs
  • Reduce unnecessary spending through fiscal accountability
  • Expand the new “Sheriff App” to provide citizens with real-time resources
  • Enhance the mental wellness program for Sheriff’s Office employees
  • Work with local leaders and the Leadership Council of Madison County to make our county a better place to live
  • Increase recruitment of minorities in law enforcement to reflect our community

I am proud of my 40 years of experience in law enforcement and honored to serve as the 47th Sheriff of Madison County since being sworn in on December 1, 2022. I hope to bring four more years of proven experience, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of justice for our citizens.

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