Endorsements

The Russell “BLUE-Print”

Rob is uniquely positioned to become one of the most qualified Sheriff’s in the history of Kane County. He has extensive experience in every applicable field of law enforcement including supervisory, administrative, community-oriented policing, special policing district, patrol, court security and corrections.

The top priority for every Sheriff is to keep you and your family safe. Rob Russell is committed to protecting your family as he would his own. Crime is unavoidable and the health and safety of our community is the most important issue for every voter as they head to the polls. That is why Rob Russell created the Russell BLUE-Print to protect Kane County families.

Expand the Forensic Crime Lab

While serving as County Coroner, Rob led the effort to secure over one million dollars in federal grant funding to begin construction of the Kane County Forensic Crime Lab. Currently, evidence is submitted to the state crime lab which takes months to get results due to the backlog. Bringing a forensic crime lab to Kane County will allow law enforcement to get suspected criminals off the streets faster. By waiting months for results under the current system, it allows suspects the time they need to evade capture. Any investigator will tell you that the passage of time is detrimental to getting cases solved. Evidence becomes harder to collect, witness statements become less reliable, and crimes become more difficult to solve.

An added benefit to the crime lab will be the revenue it will generate by assisting neighboring communities across the region. These funds will allow us to gradually expand the crime lab to offer additional capabilities and services. Most of us have loved ones in neighboring cities and counties. Giving them access to an expedited crime lab will make surrounding communities safer as well. Safe communities will increase your property value, appeal to businesses looking to relocate, and attract the best teachers to educate our children.

Responsible Budgeting

As Sheriff, Rob is committed to responsible budgeting that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our community while ensuring fiscal accountability. Rob is the only candidate with extensive successful county budget management, being a previous law enforcement county official. His approach focuses on strategic resource allocation to enhance law enforcement training, modernize equipment, and strengthen community outreach programs without burdening taxpayers. By implementing transparent financial practices, optimizing operational efficiencies, and seeking grants for innovative policing initiatives, Rob will ensure our sheriff’s department delivers exceptional service while maintaining a balanced budget. Together, we can build a safer Kane County through prudent and forward-thinking financial management.

Accreditation

As a candidate for county sheriff, pursuing accreditation for the sheriff’s office is a strategic move that delivers significant financial and operational benefits. Accreditation, through organizations (like CALEA or other organizations) makes Kane County more competitive for federal and state grants, such as those from the U.S. Department of Justice, which prioritize accredited agencies for funding equipment, training, and community programs. These grants, like the over $500 million awarded in 2024, reduce reliance on local taxes while enhancing public safety. By pursuing accreditation, we can focus on fiscal responsibility, promising to bring in resources to equip deputies and address county needs without increasing budgets.

Additionally, accreditation lowers insurance costs by demonstrating adherence to best practices, reducing liability risks from lawsuits or incidents. Studies suggest accredited agencies can save 10-20% on premiums, potentially saving tens of thousands annually for a mid-sized sheriff’s office. These savings can be reinvested into hiring, equipment, or community outreach. Accreditation also builds public trust and credibility, strengthening grant applications and community support. Accreditation will bolster a professional, transparent sheriff’s office that maximizes resources and minimizes costs, thus delivering efficient, high-quality public safety to residents. Rob has extensive experience and success getting offices accredited.

County Jail Incarcerated Individual Rehabilitation

Rehabilitating incarcerated individuals in county jails offers significant benefits for both the individuals and society. It is Rob’s opinion that Sheriff Hain has built an excellent foundation for this to continue and possibly expand. By providing access to education, vocational training, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation addresses the root causes of criminal behavior. These programs equip incarcerated individuals with skills and coping mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of reoffending upon release. For instance, educational and job training programs can improve employment prospects, helping incarcerated individuals reintegrate as productive citizens. Moreover, addressing mental health or addiction issues fosters personal stability, breaking cycles of crime driven by untreated conditions. This not only improves incarcerated individuals’ quality of life but also enhances public safety by lowering recidivism rates, which studies show can drop significantly with effective rehabilitation—some programs report reductions of 20-40%.

Beyond individual outcomes, rehabilitation in county jails is cost-effective and strengthens communities. Incarceration is expensive, with counties spending thousands per incarcerated individuals annually; recidivism compounds these costs. Rehabilitation programs, while requiring upfront investment, save money long-term by reducing repeat offenses and the need for prolonged incarceration. For example, a 2019 study found that every dollar spent on correctional education saves up to five dollars in reincarceration costs. Additionally, rehabilitated individuals are more likely to contribute positively to their communities, supporting local economies and family structures. By prioritizing rehabilitation over purely punitive measures, jails can transform lives and create safer, more cohesive communities.

Lloyd Robert “Rob” Russell is a seasoned law enforcement officer, law enforcement administrator and public servant who has significantly impacted Kane County, Illinois, through his roles as a sheriff’s deputy, coroner, and now as a candidate for sheriff.

Rob’s career in law enforcement began in 1993 with the DuPage County Sheriff’s office. His experience included supervisory, administrative, community-oriented policing, special policing district, patrol, court security and corrections.  Rob was part of the national emergency deployment to Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina (2005), a SWAT Team member, and provided incarcerated individual education as an Instructor through the College of DuPage GED program, instrumental in helping over eight hundred incarcerated individuals successfully receive their GED.

In 2012, Rob was elected to serve as the Coroner of Kane County. His tenure as coroner is widely regarded as one of the most transformational in the history of Kane County. He lobbied for and secured over $2 million dollars in federal funding for the creation of a regional forensic lab right here in Kane County. Rob also advocated for and assisted with the design of a new coroner’s office and a state-of-the-art morgue facility which now provides a dignified space for descendants and their families. Rob also received high praise for successfully guiding Kane County through a worldwide pandemic with daily reports to the county board and general public.

Following his tenure as coroner, Russell announced his candidacy for Kane County Sheriff. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, integrity, and community engagement in law enforcement. Russell’s extensive experience in both law enforcement and as an administrative elected official, positions him as a candidate committed to enhancing public safety and community trust with proven, documentable results.

Rob was born in McHenry, Illinois and graduated from Harlem High School in Machesney Park, Illinois.  After high school, he attended Northern Illinois University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology/Criminology. Concurrently, he was also a student athlete, playing Division 1 Football, earning a full ride scholarship. Rob later added his Master’s Degree in Political and Justice Studies from Governor’s State University. Rob lives in Hampshire, IL with his wife of  35 years, Susan. Rob has four children and five grandchildren.

ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS, TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

Past Member of the following Kane County Task Forces:

• Major Crimes
• DUI
• Opioid,
• Elder Abuse
• Child Death Review Team

Professional Experience

• Past North East Multi-Regional Training (NEMRT) Committee Member
• Past President of the Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association (2019)
• Board Member of Nationwide Chaplaincy Service
• St. Louis Medicolegal Death Investigation School
• State of Illinois Coroner’s Certification
• Illinois Certified Peace Officer (active)
• Lead Homicide Investigator
• Certified Police Instructor
• Patrol, Court Security, Corrections Certified
• Community Oriented Police Certification
• Juvenile Officer Certification