Sheriff Chris Watkins

Sheriff Chris Watkins has extensive law enforcement experience, serving in various capacities within the Peoria County Sheriff's Office since August 2004, including roles such as Captain of Field Operations, Director of Courthouse Security, Investigations Lieutenant, Detective, and Deputy. Additionally, Sheriff Watkins has been involved in executive security with FAM International Security since October 2015. Prior military service includes four years of active duty as a Heavy Equipment Operator in the United States Air Force, followed by six years in the Air National Guard. Sheriff Watkins earned a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln College in 2023 and completed a program at Northwestern University in 2019.