The Shakman Decrees do not protect every position in the Sheriff’s Office from political considerations. Certain positions in the Sheriff’s Office that are policymaking positions, and often, those of their assistants, are exempt from the protection of the Shakman Decrees. Currently, there are 176 positions that are exempt, but this list is subject to change. The Sheriff’s Office may from time to time add or delete positions from the Exempt List, provided that, prior to the termination of the SRO, such changes must be approved in writing by the Plaintiffs’ Counsel in the Shakman Case and the judge overseeing the litigation. After the Sheriff is dismissed from the Shakman litigation, a procedure has been implemented regarding how to amend the Exempt List, involving the agreement of the Director of Personnel, the Director of OPR and the Compliance Officer in the Sheriff’s Office.
Click here to view the current list of exempt positions. The names of the incumbents occupying the positions on the Exempt List are posted in the Department of Personnel.