Kendall Co. Sheriff Asks Citizens To Join In Fight Against Crime

KENDALL COUNTY, IL — Kendall County Sheriff Dwight A. Baird is asking residents to support a new imitative he says will make the community a safer place to live. "As Sheriff of Kendall County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention," he wrote in an open letter released Tuesday.

"My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live," the letter continues. "By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families, both young and old. It is imperative that we make progress toward reducing the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.

"In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significant improvements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances. An example of our plans and objectives includes:

• Provide state-of-the-art training opportunities for Sheriffs, Deputies, Jail Administrators and office staff.
• Continue our initiatives in specialized technical training and the latest crimeprevention measures.
• Involvement in civic-minded program and services, such as providing deserving young citizens with college scholarships where they can further their education, capture a heightened sense of belonging, and participate in constructive activities to build character and responsibility.
• Increased drug awareness through educational programs and services that will give individuals a fighting chance to lead more productive lives.
• We hope to see fewer incidents of spousal and child abuse by further developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters and local organizations to provide counseling and support.
• Maintain our goal to improve our correctional facilities, incorporating the latest security measures to remove more criminals from the streets.
• Integrate special rehabilitation programs that aim to help criminals by preparing them to become productive members of society.
• Implement productive activities that help children by redirecting them from illegal activity. This can be accomplished by providing relevant programs designed to occupy their time and attention more constructively. These are the type of efforts that can provide positive influences to enable our youth to become responsible citizens.

"I would also like to share another unique initiative with you, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association’s Associate Membership Program, a program supported by citizens and businesses committed to making our communities a safer place to live.

"This important program enables citizens to make a real difference toward the objectives previously mentioned. The Associate Membership Program is based on the premise that citizens and law enforcement officers can collaborate to have a direct impact on our communities. Through membership, citizens can help in a very practical way.

"I invite businesses and individuals alike to support our efforts by becoming members. Through your participation in this program, we can continue to provide the resources necessary to make a difference. It is important to note that unlike other organizations in our state, our Membership Program does not solicit membership by telephone.

"I strongly urge the residents of Kendall County to consider participating in this vital program — not only for its monetary support of law enforcement but also for the moral support that unites us in building a safer community," Baird concludes.

For more information about the program, officials say to visit www.ilsheriff.org or call 217-753-2372. For inquires by mail, write to 401 E. Washington Suite 1000, Springfield, Illinois 62701.

Image via Kendall County Sheriff's Office