Four Republican candidates are running in the primary for Warren County Sheriff.
They include two law enforcement officers with the Sheriff’s Office — Jack Baskett and Jason Horner — and two with the Monmouth Police Department — Austin “A.J.” Cox and Steve Thompson.
Unless an independent candidate files to run in the general election later this year, the winner of the primary will run unopposed in the November general election.
The new sheriff will succeed Martin Edwards, who has served in the role since 2005.
The new leader of the Sheriff’s Office will also navigate the department’s move to a new law enforcement center that will replace the county’s aging jail.
The primary is Tuesday, March 17. Early voting is underway.
TSPR asked the candidates the following questions. Their answers are listed below in alphabetical order.
Why are you running?
Baskett: I have been with the Sheriff’s Office since August 2020, upon my retirement as a Secretary of State Police Investigator. I was approached by several members of the community with an interest for me to run for the position, with the retirement of Sheriff Edwards. I took this under advisement through prayer, friendships, and mentors.
Cox: I am running for Sheriff because I care deeply about Warren County. This is home to me. Even during the times when I was away, this was always the place I called home. It is where my family, friends, and roots are, and where I have spent my life serving others.
My goal is simple. I want every family in Warren County to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. Public safety is more than just enforcing the law. It is about trust, presence, and making sure people know their Sheriff’s Office is there when they need it. Parents should feel confident raising their children here, seniors should feel protected, and neighbors should feel comfortable looking out for one another.
I am running to help keep Warren County the great place it is today and to make sure it stays safe for the future. The challenges facing law enforcement are changing, and we need leadership that is prepared, accountable, and grounded in common sense. I believe the Sheriff’s Office should be professional, approachable, and focused on serving the community.
Seeing the smiles of the citizens of Warren County, my friends, and my family reminds me why this work matters. I am running to serve, to protect, and to give back to the county that has given me so much.
Horner: This office is at a turning point. We’re looking at a new law enforcement center and a very young staff coming up through the ranks. Warren County can’t afford a learning curve right now. The sheriff during this transition needs to understand how the jail actually runs, how court security and transports work, how patrol staffing holds together, and what really happens when policy changes hit real life. I’m not running for the title. I’m running because I’ve got nearly 20 years invested in the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and this is the next step in my career. I’ll be ready on day one.
Thompson: We live in a time of uncertainty. Today, division is more common than unity and our trust in institutions is fading. There is one thing that should never be uncertain, and that is our Constitutional rights. The American Constitution was created to guarantee and protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, but those freedoms are currently being threatened by an overreaching government. I'm not running to be a politician. I'm running to be a protector. As Sheriff of Warren County, my first duty will be to uphold and protect constitutional rights for every citizen of Warren County — without exception, and without compromise.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government forced lockdowns of businesses and churches. These lockdowns were unconstitutional and were ruled to be direct violations of the First Amendment (right to assemble) and the Fourteenth Amendment (right to due process of law). The government lockdown order severely and negatively affected many businesses, and some of our local businesses were never able to recover from their losses. As Warren County Sheriff, I will not allow this type of government overreach to happen again in our county.
America's Founding Fathers put great importance on the right to bear arms. It was of such great importance that this right is protected by the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. Our Founders knew that when a government has the ability to use force against its people, there is the potential for a tyrannical government. A system of checks and balances was created within our government through its three branches to prevent the development of a tyrannical government. Even with this safeguard, our Founders realized a separation of powers could still fail to protect American Constitutional rights, so they created the 2nd Amendment. With the right to possess arms, Americans are able to defend themselves against tyranny. As Warren County Sheriff, I intend to preserve our citizens' 2nd Amendment rights, and not enforce unconstitutional laws passed by the state of Illinois.
The Bill of Rights are not suggestions. They are sacred promises. Whether you're a farmer, a teacher, a business owner, or a veteran — your rights matter, and when I am appointed Sheriff, your rights will be defended.
What’s the biggest challenge facing the sheriff’s department, and how would you address it?
Baskett: The biggest challenge the next Sheriff faces, is the new jail complex. This is a project put forward by the county board with no input of any of the four candidates. An additional 8-10 employees will be required to run the facility, and adhere to IDOC guidelines. There will be a significant cost to the taxpayer with additional personnel.
Cox: In my opinion it is a few things. Manpower, retention and keeping our equipment up to date with state regulations. There was a time when being in law enforcement was a career people were proud to choose and proud to stay in. Today, many agencies are struggling to recruit and retain good officers, and departments are losing people to places where opportunities, pay, or equipment may be better.
If elected Sheriff, I will work directly with the county board and clearly communicate what our Sheriff’s Office needs to succeed. That means being honest about staffing levels, training needs, and equipment requirements so we can attract strong applicants and keep good employees at the Sheriff’s Office. I will also actively pursue grant funding to help offset costs, upgrade equipment, and assist with salaries whenever possible, easing the burden on local taxpayers.
Most importantly, I will be a Sheriff who leads by example and stands with the employees of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. I will not favor one group over another. I believe leadership means doing what is right, working together, listening, and supporting the entire Sheriff’s Office. Every deputy, correctional officer, and staff member plays a role. We are all the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and success depends on a good leader, and all of us working together.
Horner: The two biggest challenges right now are the new law enforcement facility and hiring and retaining good staff. A new building brings new policies, new procedures, and a lot of issues that have to be worked through. That process goes much more smoothly when you have experienced, dependable employees in place. Creating clear standards, strong leadership, and accountability is key. If we take care of our people and give them the support and direction they need, we’ll be in a much better position to make this transition successful.
Thompson: Warren County does not currently have 24 hour law enforcement coverage. There is a disproportionate amount of deputy coverage throughout the day. While there is heavy coverage in the morning there is sparse, and sometimes no coverage at all in the late evening and very early morning hours. This needs to change.
As a 21-year third-shift officer I know from experience that emergencies frequently happen during the late night hours. There is a need for immediate response from our deputies. I intend to balance out deputy shifts so that there is always an appropriate amount of coverage of Warren County. My deputies will be assigned to specific zones, with the explicit expectation that they are to remain within that zone unless there is a need for them to support another deputy. This act will greatly increase response times in the county.
Another great challenge facing the sheriff's department lies within the construction of our new jail. I have worked for different agencies during my career and this has given me the advantage of having diverse experiences with county jails. While in Avon, I utilized the Fulton County jail and became familiar with its processes. In Cary, IL I transported prisoners to the McHenry County jail. In recent years, when the Warren County jail was shut down, I transported prisoners up to Mercer County. All of these county jails are different sizes and have vastly different operating procedures, but I am knowledgeable of how each jail operates.
During my past 21 years with the city of Monmouth I have worked very closely with the Warren County Sheriff's Office and have become very knowledgeable of their operations. Of course, with our new jail, there will be a learning process for new staff and seasoned deputies alike. There will be new processes for all of us to learn.
With Martin Edwards retiring, Warren County will have a new sheriff for the first time in over 20 years. How would you handle the transition?
Baskett: Sheriff Edwards has been in the office for 20 years. His assistance with turning over the office will be beneficial. My 37 years of experience and networking, to include numerous Sheriff endorsements provides me with an outreach for guidance.
Cox: I have known Sheriff Edwards for more than sixteen years. He gave me my first opportunity as a correctional officer, which started my career in law enforcement. Over the years, we have developed both a strong working relationship and a mutual respect on a personal level. I value the experience and knowledge he has brought to the Sheriff’s Office and the foundation he has helped build.
I am confident that if I ever need guidance or insight, Sheriff Edwards is only a phone call away. At the same time, I am not afraid to step forward and lead. I am someone who understands the importance of asking questions, seeking advice, and learning from others, but I am also prepared to take responsibility and make decisions when needed.
If elected Sheriff, I believe the transition would be smooth and professional. I do not see the role as starting over, but as building on what already exists while continuing to move the office forward. Maintaining communication and continuity will help ensure stability for employees and the community alike.
My goal is to lead with respect, confidence, and accountability, while honoring the work that he has done and focusing on the future of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
Horner: Sheriff Edwards hired me, and he’s helped guide me through my entire career here. Because of that, I believe the transition from him to me would be very seamless. I’ve worked in every part of this office, corrections, court security, and patrol, and I currently serve as a night shift supervisor. I know how this office runs day to day, and that experience matters when you’re stepping into the sheriff’s role.
Thompson: As the next Warren County Sheriff, I would handle the transition from one sheriff to the next in a multitude of ways. I would begin by thanking Sheriff Edwards for his years of service and devotion to Warren County and ask him for any advice he may want to share.
Secondly, I place great importance on staff morale. I want all of my staff to know that their opinions matter. The Warren County Sheriff's Department will be run as a team focused on equality among its members. The Sheriff's Office will not be run based on personal connections, and promotions will be awarded based solely on merit.
During my first 30 days, I will meet with each and every staff member, individually, to learn if they have any concerns and then work together to resolve any issues. I firmly believe if a department has good morale, you will have an enthusiastic, highly productive department. I also would like to have each staff member set goals for themselves. The state of Illinois mandates much of the training that law enforcement officers complete. In addition to mandated training, I would be open to facilitating additional training for my deputies based upon their interests and career goals.
Collaboration is important in every career field, and in law enforcement it is essential. As Warren County Sheriff, I would reach out to other county sheriffs to see what issues they have encountered. I would like to form solutions to these types of problems before they even occur. I would also collaborate with other agencies to combine resources, as appropriate, to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Finally, there are state statutes that explicitly lay out the laws and responsibilities for sheriff's jails and operations. As Warren County Sheriff, I will run a department that's rooted in local values, and constitutional enforcement. I'll make sure every one of my deputies know that we are not above the people - we are among the people. We will focus on what matters: protecting our farms, our schools, our neighborhoods, and our families.
How would you balance public safety with limited resources in a rural county?
Baskett: As a current Sergeant in patrol, we have a young group of deputies who have bought into my vision of wearing multiple hats to provide the citizens of Warren County the best service possible through advanced training, adaptability, and proactive policing.
Cox: I will push through challenges and find solutions. When problems arise, I do not walk away from them. I face them head on and do the work required to get results. If that means making phone calls, sending emails, or reaching out to other departments for guidance, I will do that. If it means stopping what I am doing and working alongside deputies, correctional officers or helping court security to ease some of the burden put on them, I will do that. I am not above helping others so jobs get completed.
If the Sheriff’s Office needs equipment, I will look for ways to secure funding. That includes pursuing grants, building partnerships, and advocating for resources that help our deputies, correctional officers and court security do their jobs safely and effectively. If there are ongoing struggles within the Sheriff’s Office, I will not ignore them or hope they fix themselves. I will go to the county board, communicate clearly, and continue to speak up until those issues are addressed.
I am not someone who gives up when things get difficult. I believe leadership means accountability, persistence, and showing up every day ready to work. I will find a way forward, even when the path is not easy.
If elected Sheriff, I will lead by example, stay engaged at every level, and do whatever it takes to support the people who serve and protect Warren County.
Horner: Balancing public safety with limited resources isn’t new for us. We’ve always had to do more with less, and I’ve spent nearly 20 years working under those conditions. I’ve also written and secured tens of thousands of dollars in grants for things like in-car computers, vehicles, and equipment upgrades. Being proactive about funding and making smart decisions with taxpayer dollars is a big part of keeping our county safe.
Thompson: With limited resources in a rural community, public safety can be provided through proper staff management. As I mentioned previously, from my observations of the Sheriff's Department, shifts appear disproportionately staffed. It seems that some shifts are heavily staffed while there is limited to no coverage at other times. I intend to balance out deputy shifts so that there is always an appropriate amount of coverage of Warren County. I also intend to have deputies assigned to zones, with the explicit expectation that they are to remain within that zone unless there is a need for them to support another deputy outside of their zone. This act will greatly increase response times in the county. Related to this, I will have deputies spend a very limited amount of time within Monmouth city limits. The Monmouth Police Department has officers positioned and patrolling the city at all times. Warren County deputies need to spend their time in areas of the county that do not have coverage.
I intend to apply for grants to bring in more funds and equipment to the sheriff's department. I will also work closely with other agencies to share resources, as needed.
What do you think will be the next big change in the field?
Baskett: The continuing change in this field is providing deputies with top notch training for public interaction. There are many areas of technology, which continue to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
Cox: Law enforcement is always changing. Laws change. Equipment changes. Training standards change. The job never stays the same, and it never will. That’s the reality of modern policing, and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon.
I won’t pretend to have a crystal ball or claim I know exactly what every future change will look like. What I do know is this, change is part of the job, and good leadership means adapting to it the right way. When laws are updated, we follow them. When new equipment is introduced, we make sure it’s used properly and responsibly. When training standards evolve, we make sure our officers are prepared, confident, and doing things the right way.
I believe in staying informed, asking questions, and learning from others who have experience navigating change. That includes working closely with state agencies, prosecutors, other law enforcement leaders, and the community we serve. You don’t guess your way through change. You study it, you train for it, and you apply it correctly.
No matter what changes come down the road, my commitment is simple, we will figure it out, we will do it the right way, and we will always keep professionalism, accountability, and public trust at the center of everything we do.
Horner: It’s hard to point to just one big change, because law enforcement is always evolving. Technology, evidence handling, training standards, policies, and public expectations are constantly shifting.
If leadership doesn’t keep up with those changes, the whole office falls behind. The next sheriff has to be someone who understands that and is willing to adapt while still keeping strong, steady leadership in place.
Thompson: The next big change in law enforcement will be the advancement of technology. We are already seeing improvements in technology such as cameras that can run license plates automatically as vehicles travel along our roadways. Technologies such as these cameras greatly improve officer efficiency, safety, and response times.
While technological advancements can benefit the apprehension of criminals, we must also be cautious in not allowing technology to lead law enforcement down a path toward violation of citizens' constitutional rights. Before using technologies, we must weigh the pros and cons of their use. If the liabilities and/or drawbacks outweigh the benefits of using a technology, it should not be used. In this instance, law enforcement will then need to find other technologies to enhance their abilities.
With the increase in technology, we will also see criminals using these advancements to their advantage. We are already seeing an increase in cyber crime. Cybercrime is incredibly frequent, with new attacks occurring constantly. On average, a cyberattack happens every 39 seconds. This translates to a large number of attacks daily, with some estimates reaching 2,244 attacks per day. Furthermore, the number of victims is substantial, with a new cybercrime victim every 37 seconds.
Unfortunately, with cyber crime it is almost impossible to hold these criminals accountable. Prevention is key in protecting oneself against cyber criminals. As Warren County Sheriff, I will take a proactive defense on cybercrime. New scams will be posted and updated regularly on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page and other social media outlets. These scams will be addressed during my monthly interviews with the local radio station as well. I will also collaborate with facilities in our community that work with the elderly, such as the Strom Center, to keep the elderly community informed. In these ways, Warren County residents will be made knowledgeable of scams and how to prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime.
What do you think about the SAFE-T Act?
Baskett: The SAFE-T Act was detrimental to law enforcement. The no cash bail pre-trial release is harming communities. There were requirements put in place which cost several departments implementation, and being a small county with limited resources this was trying to meet a standard designed for Cook and the collar counties.
Cox: There are some limited positives in the SAFE-T Act, but in my view, they do not outweigh the negatives. I have seen cases where individuals remained in jail for extended periods based on a judge’s decision, often because the State’s Attorney’s Office worked diligently and went above and beyond to present strong cases. When that happens, the system works the way it should. Unfortunately, under current Illinois law, that is not consistent.
I have also seen repeat offenders, including thieves, drug dealers, and individuals charged with serious crimes, released in a very short amount of time. This creates real concern for public safety. When offenders are quickly returned to the community, it puts citizens at risk and places an unfair burden on victims. It also creates the false perception that law enforcement is not doing its job, which could not be further from the truth. Officers are doing everything they can within the limits of the law.
Law enforcement does not control the laws we enforce, but we see firsthand how those laws impact public safety. Based on my experience, the current system too often favors offenders over victims and communities.
To put it plainly, I am not a supporter of the SAFE-T Act, and I believe changes are needed to better protect the people of Warren County.
Horner: The SAFE-T Act includes some good things, especially when it comes to training standards and officer accountability. Most people in law enforcement would agree that those are positive steps.
Where I disagree is with cashless bail. Taking discretion away from local State’s Attorneys and judges can be counterproductive to public safety. Local officials understand their communities best, and that discretion is important.
Thompson: The SAFE-T Act (short for Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act) is a major Illinois law passed in 2021 that reforms many parts of the state's criminal justice system. One of its biggest changes is ending the traditional cash bail system.
The SAFE-T Act, as I see it, is a step in the wrong direction for law enforcement. The SAFE-T Act has made it much more difficult to detain offenders. In some cases, it has allowed those who are repeat offenders to continue committing the same crimes. The SAFE-T Act has also given offenders less incentive to attend their court dates. Because offenders are no longer required to post cash bail to be released before their trial, there is less immediate personal consequence for missing a court date. When offenders fail to attend their court date, it makes it much more difficult to hold them accountable for the crime(s) they have committed. Law enforcement efficiency is decreased significantly as officers must then devote additional time in locating these offenders to serve subsequent notices to appear in court.
I personally believe the SAFE-T Act has done nothing to increase public safety. Conversely, rather than increase public safety, the SAFE-T Act negatively affects law enforcement's ability to protect communities. This law seems to favor criminals and allows them the ability to delay being held accountable for their crimes.
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