The Partner | December 2022
Happy Holidays from the Lake County Sheriff's Office!
On behalf of Sheriff John D. Idleburg and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office - we would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season! Thank you to everyone working through the holidays to keep the community safe and equitable for all!
Lake County Deflection & Diversion Summit Recap
On Friday, December 9th the State's Attorney's Office, the Lake County IL Sheriff's Office, and the Lake County Opioid Initiative hosted the first annual Lake County Deflection & Diversion summit. Over 100 law enforcement leaders, clinicians, prosecutors, researchers, and community leaders attended. The summit focused on the research that demonstrates how mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and expanded housing play a crucial role in preventing crime.
Attendees discussed the importance of ensuring the use of diversion programs reach all communities in Lake County separate from financial background or demographics. By providing services to individuals in need of help, we can make Lake County a better and safer place. Click here for a full recap of the summit and here to learn more about some of Lake County's specific initiatives that aid in our deflection and diversion efforts.
Shop With A Sheriff Recap
Shop with a Sheriff was a great success this year! On Friday, December 16th our staff were able to put HUGE smiles on the faces of 75 Lake County kids! Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in this great event!
CJCC Quarterly Meeting - Date Change
If you couldn’t join us for our September Quarterly CJCC meeting, you can find the meeting minutes attached here! In light of the holiday season, we have rescheduled our next meeting to January 18th. Use this link to register so you don’t miss the chance to join this vital discussion on major topics that impact our local community.
Extreme Weather Preparedness
As we approach the coldest and harshest part of the year, we wanted to remind our community of the resources available to keep us all as safe and healthy as possible. Knowing how to prepare can ensure you and your family are out of harm's way during severe storms, flooding, extreme heat or cold and emergency situations. Here are some ways you can sign up to ensure you and your family are in the know when extreme weather is expected in Lake County.
Lake County, IL Warming Centers: live map
PADS Lake County:help@padslakecounty.org or 847-689-4357
National Weather Service: updated and accurate weather
Nextdoor: alerts that are specific to your neighborhood
Emergency Alert System (EAS): national public warning system that includes cell phone notifications
Emergency Closing Center: check here for closings in the area during extreme weather
IBHS Disaster Safety: preparedness tips
Lake County Skywarn: live radar forecasts
Latest Lake County Traffic Updates: Lake County road and traffic updates
Ready.gov: comprehensive disaster and emergency preparedness plan
Sheriff John D. Idleburg Takes Oath of Office
This month, Sheriff John D. Idleburg was sworn-in for his second term as the Sheriff of Lake County. Deputy Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes administered the oath of office at a ceremony held in the Lake County Boardroom. In his first term, Sheriff Idleburg and his team amassed a number of accomplishments to improve the sheriff’s office and provide greater safety and service to the Lake County community. Some of the accomplishments include:
• Formed a partnership with HIDTA to federally fund gang enforcement, and human and drug trafficking
enforcement in Lake County
• Increased the number of sheriff’s canines from four canine teams to ten canine teams
• Created a robust inmate programming system to help inmates cultivate their skills so they can be successful when released from jail
• Greatly expanded community outreach and external communications
• Redirected the efforts and focus of the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group, resulting in record drug
trafficking seizures each year, successfully dismantled a street gang, and seized hundreds of illegally
possessed firearms
• Worked with area police chiefs to expand the Crisis Outreach and Support Team – creating a rapid response team including a deputy/police officer and mental health clinicians to respond to mental wellness calls in progress
Sheriff Idleburg looks forward to working with his staff this next term to provide even more deliverables for the community. Sheriff Idleburg said, “I am incredibly honored by the trust and support of the community. I am grateful to continue leading the incredible men and women of our organization during this next term, and we will continue providing exceptional service to the Lake County community.”
You can help inform and engage the community about this work by forwarding this newsletter to three friends and encouraging them to sign up here.
The Safety and Justice Challenge strategies at Lake County, IL are proudly led and supported by:
Lake County Sheriff's Office
Lake County State's Attorney Office
19th Judicial Circuit Court
Lake County Public Defender's Office
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
This project was created with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, which seeks to reduce over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.