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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q:  WHAT DOES TRIAD STAND FOR?

A:   An east coast TRIAD stated it should stand for "The Right Information and Direction".

 

Q:  WHAT IS S.A.L.T.?

A:   Seniors and Lawmen Together. (Organization members) At this time there are approximately 50 S.A.L.T. members throughout the County who help TRIAD.  Meetings are held in four different locations in the county, on the third week of each month.

 

Q:   WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO BE INVOLVED WITH TRIAD?

A:   For the programs, as a client - at least 60 years of age, S.A.L.T. members - any age.

 

Q:   HOW DOES THE TRIAD PROGRAM DIVIDE UP THE COUNTY?

A:   The S.A.L.T. committees are divided in four equal squares of Knox County, and are named Quads.

 

Q:  IS TRIAD A PROGRAM FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY?

A:   The whole County of Knox is involved in this organization. There are several counties around Knox that also have TRIAD's in place.

 

Q:  IS THERE A COST TO BE A MEMBER OF TRIAD?

A:   All programs are free for people 60 or older that live in Knox County.

 

Q:   HOW IS THE PROGRAM FUNDED?

A:   Although TRIAD is part of the Knox County Sheriff's Office, it is not financially funded through any agency. We solely fund ourselves, through donations, fundraisers, and a yearly raffle. Small grants are also applied for and received..

 

Q:  DOES TRIAD HAVE A BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

A:   TRIAD has a nine-member board, including Sheriff Jack C Harlan Jr, and TRIAD coordinator Deputy Jacque Dare.

 

Q:  HOW DO I MAKE A DONATION TO TRIAD?

A:   Donations may be sent to Knox County TRIAD, 152 S. Kellogg Street, Galesburg IL 61401.

 

Q:  HOW LONG HAS THE ORGANIZATION BEEN IN PLACE?

A:   A TRIAD agreement between the Knox County Sheriff's Office, local law enforcement, and Senior Citizen leaders was signed in June of 1998.

 

 These questions are outdated and are being revised.  Please see the Jail page for current information. 1/5/23

Q:   WHAT ARE THE VISITING HOURS AT THE JAIL?
A:   Visiting hours are Thursday, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. & Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
 

Q:   HOW LONG IS A VISIT AND HOW MANY PEOPLE MAY VISIT AN INMATE?
A:   Visits are 20 minutes long for State Inmates and 40 minutes long for Federal Inmates. Visits are done on a first come first serve basis. An inmate is allowed three (3) visitors at one time in the visiting room. All visitors are required to show a valid photo ID and sign-in prior to the visit. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to visit without prior approval from the Jail Administrator.

Q:   HOW CAN I PUT MONEY ON AN INMATE'S ACCOUNT?
A:   All money must be in the form of a money order or cashier's check. Payments can be mailed to the Knox County Jail or dropped off during visiting hours. Payments need to be made out in the inmate's name.

Q:   HOW CAN I SET UP A PHONE ACCOUNT OR STOP UNWANTED CALLS?
A:  The Knox County Jail uses the Securus Inmate Phone System which allows for an account to be created so that you may receive phone calls. You may also block your number from receiving incoming calls from the Jail. Call 1-800-644-6591 (24hrs) for additional information on the Securus phone system. Inmates may also purchase phone cards through the Jail.

Q:   HOW DO I POST BOND FOR SOMEONE?
A:  Bond can be posted 24 hours a day/7 days a week IF a bond has been set. Cash, Major Credit Cards (services charges apply), Money Orders and Cashier's Checks are accepted for bond payments. Money Orders and Cashier's Checks must be made out to the Knox County Circuit Clerk. The Knox County Jail also has a "Remote Bail" option. To use "Remote Bail" you will need to call the jail to receive the information you will need. There is a $15.00 service charge on all bonds.

Q:   WHAT CAN AN INMATE RECEIVE IN THE MAIL?
A:  All incoming mail is inspected before it is given to the inmates. Inmates can receive letters, cards, money orders/cashier's checks for their accounts and photos/pictures. Nudity and pornography are strictly prohibited. Inmates may also receive books that are shipped directly from a book store. Inmates are NOT allowed stamps, envelopes or writing utensils. All outgoing mail is inspected before it leaves the facility. Mail for inmates not in the Knox County Jail will be returned to the sender.

Q:  THE KNOX COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS ESTABLISHED A SEXUAL ABUSE HOTLINE AND EMAIL ADDRESS FOR INMATES AND CITIZENS TO REPORT SEXUAL ABUSE OCCURRING IN THE KNOX COUNTY JAIL.  DOES THIS MEAN THERE IS CURRENTLY A SEXUAL ABUSE PROBLEM IN THE FACILITY?
A:  No.  The hotline number and email address are provided in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, a Federal Law which requires that all correctional facilities provide inmates and citizens a way to report any allegation of sexual abuse through means other than the standard grievance process.  The Knox County Jail's Correctional staff have worked hard and will continue to do so to ensure that sexual abuse does not become a problem in the facility. 

Q: WHERE DO I GO TO POST BOND FOR SOMEONE?
A:
Use the intercom at the window in the foyer just inside the main entrance to the Sheriff's Office. The Administrative Secretary in the lobby does NOT take bond.

Q: MY CALLER I.D. SHOWS THAT I RECEIVED A CALL FROM (309) 345-3733, THE KNOX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
A:
(309) 345-3733 is the telephone number for the Administrative Office. If you call this number during normal business hours you will reach the Administrative Secretary. If you call this number outside of normal business hours you will reach the voicemail of the Administrative Secretary. This number will show up on your caller I.D. regardless from what extension the call originates. If a Deputy is trying to contact you they will leave their name and a contact number for you to call. If you cannot reach the Deputy at that number, you have two options: Call (309) 345-3733 and leave a message with the Administrative Secretary or call (309) 343-9151 and speak with the dispatcher who will contact the Deputy if they are on duty. Regardless of the number you call, you will need the name of the Deputy you are trying to contact or your message cannot be delivered.

Q: HOW DO I REPORT A CRIME OR CONTACT A DEPUTY?
A
: Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: (309) 343-9151 If you want to leave a message for a specific Deputy you can call (309) 345-3733 and leave your message with the Administrative Secretary. Keep in mind that the Deputy might not be on duty or in the office when you call and they might not get your message right away.

Q: CAN I GET AN ORDER OF PROTECTION FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE?
A
: NO. The Knox County Sheriff's Office only serves Orders of Protection issued by the courts. You can obtain the necessary forms to petition the Court for an Order of Protection at the Knox County Circuit Clerk's Office, located on the first floor of the Courthouse. Your private attorney can also assist you with obtaining an Order of Protection. If you do not have a private attorney you can contact the Victim's Advocate, in the Knox County State's Attorney's Office at (309) 345-3886 or Safe Harbor.

Q: WHEN AM I REQUIRED TO REPORT A TRAFFIC CRASH?
A:
Regardless of fault, a crash report must be filed by the driver of a vehicle if the crash involves death, bodily injury or property damage in excess of $1,500. If any vehicle involved in the crash is uninsured, a report must be filed for $500 or more. Notify the police immediately. Many towns and cities require a report if a crash occurs within their limits. Therefore, if an officer is not at the scene of the crash, a report must be made at the nearest police station as soon as possible. If in a rural area, the County Sheriff or Illinois State Police must be notified. If the driver is unable to make the report and there is a passenger, the passenger must make the report. A report also must be made to the Illinois Department of Transportation. This confidential report must be sent no later than 10 days after the crash. The form may be obtained from a police officer or automobile insurance agency. More information is available from the Illinois Secretary of State.

Q: HOW DO I MAKE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A DEPUTY?
A:
If you have a complaint against a Patrol Deputy of the Knox County Sheriff's Office, you may contact the shift Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant or Captain. If you have a complaint against a Correctional Officer you may contact shift Sergeant, Chief of Operations, Jail Administrator or Captain. If the complaint is against a Court Security Officer the complaint should be directed to the Chief of Court Security or the Captain.

Q: CAN I CLAIM A DEER THAT HAS BEEN KILLED IN A TRAFFIC CRASH OR BY OTHER MEANS?
A:
YES. Information on claiming dead or injured deer can be obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' link, Salvage/Road Kill Deer Reporting System .

 

Q: WHY ARE CELL PHONES NOT ALLOWED IN THE COURTHOUSE?

A:   The Chief Judge of the 9th Judicial Circuit issued a resolution prohibiting the patrons from bringing cell phones in the Courthouse.  In the 9th Judicial Circuit, no photos, videos or recordings are allowed to be taken in any courtroom.  Because of the volume of cases heard every day, it is not practical to monitor whether or not cell phones have recording capabilities, therefore, all cell phones are banned.

 

Q:   WHERE DO I GO FOR MY COURT HEARING?

A:   Check with your attorney in advance to see in which court room your case will be heard.  If you any further questions, ask one of the Court Security Officers.

 

Q:   WHERE CAN I GET COPIES OF A BIRTH CERTIFICATE, DEATH CERTIFICATE OR MARRIAGE LICENSE?

A:   The Knox County Clerks Office, located on the first floor of the Courthouse.

 

Q:   CAN I REGISTER TO VOTE AT THE COURTHOUSE?

A:   Yes.  You can register to vote at the Knox County Clerks Office, located on the first floor of the Courthouse.

 

Q:   I HAVE BEEN SUMMONED TO REPORT FOR JURY DUTY.  HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO SERVE?

A:   In Knox County, prospective jurors are required to report for jury duty for 2-3 weeks.  However, the length of service depends on the number of trials scheduled and the length of each trial which is dependent upon the type of case.

 

Q:   CAN I GET OUT OF JURY DUTY?

A:   NO.  Several years ago the Illinois Legislature amended the statute which governs jury duty and there are no longer any exemptions (even Judges must serve if their names are drawn).  However, in Knox County, the Circuit Clerk has the authority to change your service to a time more suitable for your schedule in the event a specific conflict.  For more information please contact the Knox County Circuit Clerk’s Office a (309) 345-3816.

 

Q:   WHERE CAN I GET AN ORDER OF PROTECTION?

A:   You can obtain the necessary forms in the Knox County Circuit Clerk’s Office, located on the first floor of the Courthouse.  Your private attorney can also assist you with obtaining an Order of Protection.  If you do not have a private attorney you can contact the Victim’s Advocate in the Knox County State’s Attorney’s Office at (309) 345-3886 or Safe Harbor.

 

Q:   HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT FORECLOSURE SALES?

A:   The Court Security Division conducts Sheriff’s Sales on the first floor of the Knox Courthouse, Monday – Friday at 1 p.m. These sales are scheduled by attorneys that represent the lending institutions.

 

The Knox County Sheriff's Office provides fingerprinting services for Criminal History Conviction Checks requested under the following Acts:

UNIFORM CONVICTION INFORMATION ACT (UCIA):

A request can be made by any individual or agency to obtain fingerprint base conviction information for any purpose.  The conviction information is that which has been collected and maintained by the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification.  Persons making Criminal History Conviction requests under the UCIA must provide the appropriate forms which can be obtained from the Illinois State Police.  The Knox County Sheriff's Office does NOT provide these forms nor submit them to the Bureau of Identification.  The $10.00 fee charged by the Knox County Sheriff's Office only covers the cost of taking the prints.  Other fees associated with UCIA requests must be paid directly to the Illinois State Police at the time of submission.  For more information on UCIA requests, download the Background Check Guide.

FEE APPLICANT FINGERPRINT PROCESS:

Through the Fee Applicant Fingerprint Process, Criminal History Checks on information maintained by both the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may be obtained in accordance with the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (AWA/AWV) and the National Child Protection Act/Volunteers for Children Act (NCPA/VCA).

AWA/AWV submissions are those made by (1) Governmental Social Service Agencies with child protection responsibilities, (2) Child Welfare Agencies and (3) Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools and State and Local Educational Agencies for the purpose of volunteer and employment screening.

NCPA/VCA authorizes certain nongovernmental organizations to conduct a fingerprint based national Criminal History Record Check to determine an individual's fitness to care for the safety and well-being of children, the elderly and people with disabilities.  This Federal Act allows organizations, designated as a "Qualified Entity", to make a fitness determination based on the National Criminal History Record Information provided by the FBI through the Illinois State Police.  There are specific criteria that "Qualified Entities" must adherer to in order to obtain FBI Criminal History Record Information pursuant to the NCPA/VCA.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office can only take Fee Applicant prints if the organization or business has first established an account with the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification.  Once a Fee Applicant account has been established, the Knox County Sheriff's Office will assess a $10.00 fee for taking the Live Scan fingerprints.  Live Scan is an inkless process by which the fingerprints are electronically captured and transmitted to the FBI through the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification.  All other fees associated with Fee Applicant processing will be deducted from the user account by the Illinois State Police.

For more information on the Fee Applicant Finger Print Process download the Background Check Guide or to see if your business or organization is a "Qualifying Entity", contact Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification at (815) 740-5160 or email questions to boi_customer_support@isp.state.il.us 

Other questions can be directed to Jail Administrator Louis Glossip or Chief Brad Abernathy at (309) 345-3760.