Sheriff's Work Alternative Program (SWAP)

What is SWAP?

The Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) reduces jail overcrowding by providing an alternative to incarceration. A similar work alternative program operates in the juvenile court system.

Judges can sentence non-violent offenders (charged with DUI or other traffic offenses) to SWAP. This allows them to perform community service instead of serving time. SWAP provides free manual labor to municipalities, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. Simultaneously, offenders learn transferrable work skills and gain experience in manual labor.

Supervised by trained sheriff’s deputies, SWAP crews perform a variety of public works projects such as cleaning parks, viaducts and streets seven days a week.

How do I register for SWAP?

Offenders sentenced to the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program must call a SWAP office within 24 hours of leaving court.

Misdemeanor and traffic case defendants must register in person at a SWAP office within thirty days from the court date.

Felony cases have one year from the court date to register in person at a SWAP office. 

Fees can be paid by credit card at any registration site. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Money orders are accepted at the Maywood office only. Offender fees and work schedule are reviewed at time of registration.

Participants will be advised of and receive a copy of all rules and regulations at their orientation session.

If you have any questions call SWAP office direct line:

Daley Center: 312-603-2480

Maywood: 708-865-6510

The documents needed to register:

• Court Order
• Picture I.D.
• Full time students must bring student I.D.
• 16 or under must have a parent or guardian with them
• Children are not permitted

SWAP Registration Offices

Offenders must report no later than 7 a.m. and bring their SWAP I.D.

Work locations:

Chicago – 4545 W. Cermak Road, Chicago Illinois
Skokie Court – 5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois
Rolling Meadows Courthouse –  2121 Euclid Ave., Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Maywood Courthouse –  1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Illinois
Bridgeview Courthouse –  10020 S. 76th Ave., Bridgeview, Illinois
Markham Courthouse –  16501 S. Kedzie Ave., Markham, Illinois