Welcome to the SJC Sheriff's Department

Article XVII, Section 4 of the Michigan constitution provides that each organized county shall elect a Sheriff, who shall serve for a four (4) year term and whose duties and powers shall be provided by Law.

Mark Lillywhite was elected to serve his first term as Sheriff in 2021. Sheriff Lillywhite is a 25 year employee of the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office and has served in nearly every capacity during that time. He served the department and community as the Undersheriff from 2009 through 2020. Sheriff Lillywhite is married and raising three children in Flowerfield Township.

The Sheriff is first and foremost, a peace officer under Michigan Law. By constitution and Stature, the Sheriff is charged with enforcing the laws enacted by the Legislature under the police power of the state, and with discharging the executive law enforcement power for the preservation of public peace within the county.

As an elected official, the Sheriff is directly responsible to the citizens of St. Joseph County for the provision of effective and acceptable law enforcement services, as well as the safe and effective operation of the jail.

ROAD PATROL APPLICATION with MI Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Waiver & Authorization for Release of Information

Looking for information on Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW)? That page is located under the County Clerk's Section of the St. Joseph County website.