Patrol officers, jail staff let go

Last month's failed public safety referendum, coupled with the huge loss in sales tax revenue has led to a blow to law enforcement in Kankakee County.

It's the unincorporated areas of the county that will notice the reduced police effectiveness more so than those people in municipalities.

Seventeen patrol officers and 20 correctional officers are off the job, beginning today (Monday). Half of the county sheriff deputies and about one-quarter of the jailers are turning in uniforms and equipment. The Daily-Journal reports the lay-offs are the result of a $3-million cut in the county's operating budget.

Emergency 9-1-1 calls will remain intact, but administrators say many general calls from the public will be handled by automation rather than a live person. Many administrative personnel will be handling general police work.

A meeting last week with area law enforcement will find municipal police helping out when possible, but their local calls come before assisting in unincorporated areas.

94.1 WGFA