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The sheriff’s office wanted to inform residents of Lawrence County that the Lawrence County supervisor of assessments will be conducting county wide reassessments of property in the following townships: Lawrence 2024, Bridgeport, Lukin & Christy 2025, Allison & Denison 2026, Bond, Petty & Russell 2027. For questions please contact the supervisor of assessments at 618-943-2719

MARCH 23, 2020

A Whole of Illinois Approach

As we face an unprecedented and growing public safety threat, know that the dedicated first responders in law enforcement will answer the call. Nothing is more important to Sheriffs, deputies, chiefs and officers than the health and safety of our neighbors we serve. But, in the days and weeks ahead, we ask that you don’t make the jobs of first responders harder.

The environment is rapidly changing. It is important that citizens follow the advice of their local, regional, state and national health care professionals. While this safety challenge is global in nature, we can all expect our daily lives to be disrupted and impacted. 

This is a time for all of Illinois to come together. The members of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association are in contact with one another to implement best practices, share resources and support our communities. Together, Sheriffs urge calm, compassion and care.

But we also want the public to know that law enforcement will continue to patrol our neighborhoods and enforce the law. We will not accept disorder, misconduct or criminal acts. Offenders will be held accountable. 

Decisions about incarceration for crimes committed during this emergency period will be done in coordination and consultation with the judicial branch. The imposition of bail, which is always at the discretion of the local Judge and local States’ Attorney, will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Our priority, as always, is to discourage misbehavior and ensure that our communities are safe through reasonable criminal justice measures.

For individuals within the criminal justice system. To protect everyone’s health, the Illinois Department of Corrections and Sheriffs across Illinois have made adjustments and limited visitation at local jails and correctional facilities. These measures are temporary and will be reevaluated upon the advice of health professionals.

Do not make the jobs of first responders harder during this period of time. Remember every health care worker, officer, paramedic and deputy have a family at home they are concerned about too. We are in this together. 

Be reasonable and responsible. Follow the direction and requests of health officials. Remain vigilant, take precautions and use your best judgement. If at any time you need assistance, your first responders are a call away. 

Jim Kaitschuk is the executive director of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and an active deputy with a local Sheriff’s office.  

RUSSELL L ADAMS, LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF

News Release – March 2, 2020

 New Coalition Forms to Oppose Elimination of Cash Bail

Includes labor, law enforcement groups

Springfield, Ill.— A new coalition of law enforcement organizations formed today to oppose efforts in the General Assembly to end cash bail. Throughout this year’s legislative session, the Coalition for Public Safety will speak with a unified and strong voice on this and other criminal justice issues.

“The Coalition unequivocally and unanimously oppose eliminating cash bail. Elimination is not the way to make the criminal justice system more equitable, and it is not the way to make our communities safer, ” said Jim Kaitschuk, executive director of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. “As the General Assembly debates other law enforcement issues this year, the Coalition will speak with one voice on how it can best help first responders and keep our communities safe.”

Founding members of the Coalition include: Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, Chicago Lodge 7 Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

This session, there has been a renewed push in the General Assembly to follow other states that have recently eliminated cash bail, despite the dangerous incidents that have occurred. Just days after New York ended cash bail, there was a rash of individuals who were arrested. While they were let out awaiting trial, they committed significant crimes again like murder. Since then, crime numbers are up nearly 17 percent.

“There’s a reason doctors don’t regulate pilots and pilots don’t regulate lawyers,” said Sean Smoot, Director and Chief Legal Counsel for PB & PA of Illinois. “Our organizations are on the front lines of the criminal justice system and when issues affecting that system come under consideration we should be involved and at the table.”

“When the safety of the citizens we spend our careers protecting is put in danger due to failed experimental criminal justice reform initiatives, such as the recent bail reform experiments, it becomes our responsibility to step up. We have to let the public know that their basic civil rights are perceived to be not as important as the civil rights of those who are arrested for having committed criminal acts,” said Kevin Graham, President, Chicago Lodge 7 Fraternal Order of Police.

Ed Wojcicki, the Executive Director for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police said: “We are very concerned that the voices of victims of crimes are going to be set aside, and that many innocent victims who had the courage to call the police will have to live in fear of offenders being set free and committing more crimes. We have to stand with the victims of crimes.” “Cash bail is a layer of protection for law-abiding citizens, but it’s also an effective way to keep police from having to chase down the same offenders multiple times,” said Illinois

Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “Budget cuts have stretched police forces to the limit. So why are we even seriously considering a proposal that adds unnecessary, dangerous duplication to an officer’s daily shift?”

“One of the most dangerous duties law enforcement officers face is going after bail jumpers, because those people have graphically demonstrated that they have no respect for our system of laws that protect the public,” said Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council Executive Director Shawn Roselieb. “Why would anyone want to make a cop’s job more difficult or dangerous than it already is?”

Ed Wojcicki             Jim Kaitschuk             Sean Smoot                Shawn Roselieb

ed@ilchiefs.org      jim@ilsheriff.org     ssmoot@pbpa.org   sroselieb@fop.org

217.523.3765          217.753.2372              217.523.5141            217.698.9433

Illinois Sheriffs’ Association

Sheriffs: New State Policy Allows Convicted Felons Evade Federal Authorities

Local Officials Warn That Radical Policy Shift Endangers Local Communities

KANKAKEE, Ill. — Illinois Sheriffs are raising alarms that a recent policy change by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) allows dangerous felons to be released back into Illinois communities. This is occur-ring despite valid requests by federal immigration authorities to transfer the convicted felons to a designated holding facility while the individual’s immigration case is reviewed and adjudicated.
In 2019, 223 individuals were transferred to the Jerome Combs Detention Center in Kankakee after serving time at an IDOC facility for their felony convictions. This occurred via a notification from IDOC at the re-quest of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Starting in January 2020, IDOC stopped notify-ing federal authorities and instead allowed these individuals to be released immediately from the correctional facility into Illinois communities where they had been serving their sentence.
“The public needs to know that this policy shift results in convicted felons being released back into our coun-ties and neighborhoods without notice—despite federal authorities asking that they be transferred to another facility in the judicial system,” said Sheriff Mike Downey of Kankakee County.
More troubling to the sheriffs and law enforcement is that there is no notice or warning given to local or fed-eral authorities when the individuals are released.
“The State of Illinois is helping convicted felons get a head start on evading federal authorities who simply want to do their job,” said Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp. “The lack of coordination is raising the stakes that a dangerous or violent altercation will occur in our communities between a recently-released felon, who knows that immigration authorities are looking for them, and any law enforcement officer. This policy undermines the rule of law, endangers our local communities and puts the lives of our first responders at risk.”
A review of the transfers completed in 2019 by the Kankakee County Sheriff Office found that the individuals requested by ICE and transferred to the correctional facility had been convicted of committing the following crimes in Illinois:
36 individuals were found guilty of sexual offenses against minors, including crimes against individuals as young as 5 years old;
11 individuals were found guilty of murder, attempted murder or intent to kill or injure;
19 individuals were found guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault;
33 individuals were found guilty of a criminal offense involving a weapon;
50 individuals were found guilty of drug offenses involving a substance other than cannabis; and
55 individuals were found guilty of felony-level traffic offenses including aggravated DUI, having a fourth DUI or a DUI resulting in death.
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association urges Gov. Pritzker to reconsider the policy and enable IDOC to coordinate with its partner in law enforcement and criminal justice.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN 2020

In response to the increasing number of people wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime, we will be sending out annual renewals for Associate Members of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. Membership renewals go out in the mail in early January. If you are not a current member and would like to become part of this program, you may become a member for as little as $25, while businesses can show their support for a $50 contribution. The funding provides critically important technical resources, training, and legislative support on key criminal justice issues. 

Contributions are tax-deductible, and unlike other organizations in our state, the Membership Program does not solicit membership by telephone. 

The membership program was formed to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement and to help local law enforcement officers protect the lives and property of citizens. 

“As the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships in this country continues to escalate, programs such as this continue to grow in importance,” said Jim Kaitschuk, Executive Director of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. “I encourage everyone receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us by becoming an Associate Member. It is a valuable investment in the future.” 

CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

COMING SOON: APPAREL TO COMMEMORATE FALLEN OFFICERS

The ISA Website Store will open in February and will feature t-shirts and hoodies that commemorate the 6 fallen officers from Illinois in 2019. The design was created by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office. The 6 stars on the knight’s shield represent the 6 fallen officers. 

Prices: T-shirts are $20 and Hoodies are $40 (additional charge for 3XL, 4XL and 5XL)

Sizes: Adult small thru 5XL

Color Options: White, Black, Gray and Blue

This design will only be available for a limited time!

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2020 RECREATIONAL CANNABIS IN ILLINOIS

As the 2020 new year rang in, recreational cannabis officially became legal in Illinois. With legalization comes new changes. Becoming familiar with the changes will help ensure proper enforcement of the laws that are now in full effect.

Below is a quick summary of what the new recreational cannabis laws include:

·     Lawful personal possession limits defined as 30 grams cannabis leaf, 500mg THC-infused products, and 5 grams cannabis concentrate (non-residents limited to half amounts)

·     Illegal to purchase, deliver, or possess cannabis outside of the newly regulated and licensed cannabis cultivators and dispensaries

·     Illegal (a civil violation) to grow cannabis without an Illinois medical cannabis card

·     Illegal to consume recreational cannabis in public (excluding any private residences)

·     Transportation of cannabis must be within a sealed, odor-proof and child-resistant container [625 ILCS 5/11-502] 

·     Exclusion of cannabis paraphernalia as illegal drug paraphernalia 

·     Cannabis use illegal wherever smoking is unlawful under the Smoke-Free Act

·     Minimum age 21 to possess cannabis (possible driver’s license suspension if younger than 18-20 and driving while possessing [unlawful for anyone under age 18 to possess any cannabis]); Juvenile Court Act amended to prohibit taking minors into municipal lockup, jail, or corrections facility for underage consumption or possession of cannabis (cite with a civil law violation only)

·     Cannabis in Rental Property seen as a violation of the landlord policy and not a violation of law

·     Cannabis illegal in Federally Funded Public Housing (US Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] is subsidized with federal funds and cannabis is still illegal under federal law)

·     Cannabis use for Law Enforcement on duty or off duty is at the discretion of law enforcement agencies

·     Roadside chemical testing for DUI of cannabis not validated for use, thus the use of currently accepted indicators in the investigation of cannabis DUI

·     The new changes also include the Cannabis Expungement Provision which automatically expunges arrest records and convictions for the possession, delivery, or intent to deliver less than thirty (30) grams of cannabis under certain conditions

To read all changes to the law in entirety, please CLICK HERE

Springfield Illinois 62701                                              4/29/19

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association announced a statewide Officer Safety and Scott’s Law Safety Initiative in early April.  This traffic detail was to be highlighted from 4/12/19-4/19/19.  Many Sheriff’s offices from around the State had already acted prior to the initiation of this announcement due to the importance and clear need to enhance our traffic enforcement activities.

Scott’s Law is (625 ILCS 5/11-907) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-907) (c) Upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, when the authorized emergency vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, blue, or red and blue lights or amber or yellow warning lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:

        (1) proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least 4 lanes with not less than 2 lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or

        (2) proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.  Sheriff’s Offices from across the State participated in this effort.  As of the time of issuing the release the ISA has reports from 35 different offices.

The ISA has received activity reports from 36 counties at the time of this release.  Sheriff Deputies issued 441 Scott’s Law violations, 827 speeding, 289 electronic devices, 84 seatbelt, 10 felony arrests, 87 suspended/revoked/no valid, 13 DUI, 14 drugs, 31 warrants, 3 stolen cars, and 425 other violations.   A total of 1864 citations and 866 warnings were issued.

While this month was a focal point of many law enforcement agencies, this will continue to be at the forefront of our efforts.  The accidents, injuries and deaths that have occurred as a result of these violations are avoidable.  We will do our part in keeping the roads safe.  We ask that all of you do as well.

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association was founded in 1928. The ISA provides essential training and development for Sheriffs and their support teams.  We also create, encourage and support various civic and youth-oriented programs. Through community outreach and the monetary support of its various memberships, the ISA continues to strengthen several important initiatives for our youth.  The ISA is also a tremendous advocate for reasonable legislation regarding criminal justice to ensure the safety of the community and the officers that serve them.

Keeping lives safe and the well-being of our children are two of the most important investments we can make. Our sincere thanks for the commitment of our men and women in uniform along with the loyal support of citizens and businesses throughout Illinois. Together, we are making a difference!

Move Over, Slow Down and put down the phone.  Help us all save lives.

Alert Phone Scam:

LAWRENCE COUNTY CITIZENS ARE RECEIVING SCAM PHONE CALLS REGARDING LOVED ONES BEING IN ACCIDENTS OR INCARCERATED. THE SCAMMERS ARE ASKING FOR LARGE SUMS OF MONEY TO GET YOUR LOVED ONES OUT OF TROUBLE FROM THE ACCIDENT OR OUT OF JAIL. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION. GET THEIR PHONE NUMBER AND TELL THEM YOU WILL HAVE TO VERIFY THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR LOVED ONE AND YOU WILL CALL THEM BACK. THIS SHOULD END THE PHONE CALL.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4/1/2019

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association is advising all Illinois county residents that there is currently underway a phone campaign fraudulently using the name and phone numbers of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association never solicits by phone but does conduct a direct mail campaign throughout the state of Illinois endorsed by the individual Sheriffs across Illinois. This mail piece goes out in February each year.

Telemarketing fraud costs billions of dollars each year.  Phone solicitors who want you to “act immediately” or are offering a “too good to be true” opportunity are most likely fraudulent.  Remember that if you have any doubts or are highly pressured – Just Hang Up. 

You have the right to ask for the following information:

1)         The name, address and phone number of the organization for which they are       soliciting.

            2)         The name, address and phone number of the telemarketing firm.

            3)         The percentage of every dollar paid to the telemarketing firm.

            4)         Insist on something in writing prior to making a pledge or commitment.

If you cannot get the answers to these questions do not hesitate to hang up the phone.  After all, it is your money.

Although, there are some legitimate organizations that use telemarketers for their fundraising efforts the Sheriffs of Illinois, through the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, are adamantly opposed to police groups and associations using telemarketers in their fundraising efforts.  Again, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association never solicits by phone.  Should you receive a call from someone saying they represent your local sheriff or the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and are asking for donations contact the Sheriffs Office immediately or gather as much information as you can from the caller and report it to the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association at ISA@ilsheriff.org

Contact:

Illinois Sheriffs’ Association

Phone 217 753-2372 Fax 217-753-2405

REMEMBER THESE TELEMARKETING TIPS:

• Offers too good to be true usually are. Ask to receive the “unbelievable deal” or the “amazing prize offer” in writing so you can read it carefully before making a commitment.
• Never give out your personal information over the phone or Internet unless you have initiated the contact. Legitimate business callers will never ask you for this information over the phone.
• If a caller asks you to pay for an offer in advance or asks for your credit card number or Social Security number, tell the person you don’t give out personal information over the telephone.
• Remember that legitimate telemarketers won’t be turned off if you use these techniques. They will appreciate dealing with an educated consumer. It’s not rude – it’s shrewd!