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What Is National Night Out?

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

What You Need to Know Before Sharing First Day of School Photos

Documenting the first day of school is exciting for parents and kids. But oversharing can be risky.

Below is a great example from Williamson County Sheriff's Office

As we gear up for another exciting school year, we know many of you are excited to share those adorable back-to-school photos of your kids. While capturing these special moments is important, let's also keep our children's safety in mind when posting online.

Here are some tips on what to share and what not to share:

✅ What to Share:

• Smiling faces and happy moments!
• Fun outfits and new backpacks.
• General excitement about the new school year.

🚫 What NOT to Share:

• Last Names: Protect your child’s identity.
• School Names: Keep their school location private.
• Identifiable Landmarks: Avoid showing house numbers, street names, or specific locations.
• School Uniforms with Logos: These can reveal the school they attend.
• Personal Details: Avoid sharing your child’s grade, teacher’s name, or other identifying information.

Let's make sure our kids stay safe while we celebrate their new school year! Have a fantastic and safe start to the school year, everyone!

Practicing Safer Driving in School Zones

When you’re driving in a school zone, you need to follow a specific set of safety measures beyond lowering your speed. Certain actions that you wouldn’t give a second thought to in other traffic situations aren’t allowed in school zones, and that includes passing another vehicle, changing lanes and making a U-turn.

• Know the speed limit. Not all school zones have the same speed limit. Some speed limits are as low as 10 or 15 miles per hour, while others may be 20. Look for the posted speed limit and follow them.

• Put down the phone. Driving and mobile phones don’t mix. Not only can talking on the phone or texting in an active school zone earn you a hefty fine in many states — it can be deadly. Children may not pay attention as they cross a street, so it’s crucial that drivers are always alert.

• Watch for pedestrians. Crosswalks near school zones are particularly busy before and after school, but not all of them have crossing guards, and not all students will wait to cross at the proper time. (In fact, not all students will use crosswalks!) Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians crossing the road or walking in the road. Always give the pedestrian the right of way and follow any signals given by crossing guards.

• Go slowly past parked cars. Children can appear seemingly out of nowhere when they run out from between parked cars to cross the street. Drive slowly and keep your eyes active to scan for movement not just on the street and sidewalk, but between parked vehicles as well. In this situation, the right lane may not be the lane of least resistance. When you have a choice, the center or left lane may be a better option.

• Never pass a stopped school bus. No matter what state you live in, it’s illegal to pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload children. This rule includes passing a bus from either direction, so any time you approach a school bus that has stopped to pick up or unload children, you need to stop as well.

Source: drivedifferent.com

2024 SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES

Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute

For over 30 years, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association has been awarding scholarships for youth to attend the Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute (CGTI). CGTI is a 5-day youth leadership conference sponsored by the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA). It is an award-winning program that offers opportunities for teenagers around the state to learn about leadership, healthy choices and working with others to create better communities.

Throughout the week, participating teenagers will hear from renowned speakers from across the country, participate in discussion groups, and enjoy many activities that promote healthy lifestyles. The participants meet with their Community Action Team, which is a group of students from his or her geographical area that assesses the needs of the community and develops plans to address issues. The teens will learn to develop skills to advocate for positive change, make a difference in their community, communicate more effectively, and prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

Your Support & Membership Matters

Thanks to the generosity of our Association members, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association has sponsored thousands of young people throughout the state to expand their leadership skills.

This year we were able to provide 60 scholarships to send students to CGTI.

Photo Above: Keynote Speaker Lasada Pippen

Congratulations to Highland Action Team on receiving the CGTI Action Team of the Year Award!

All photos from Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute Facebook Page

We welcome you to explore all the information on how to begin a rewarding career in law enforcement. There are many ways you can serve and build a better tomorrow for your community, with opportunities as a Deputy, to a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator who dispatches essential services, or by becoming a Correctional Officer.

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association created this resource to break down barriers, expand understanding, and help connect individuals interested in careers in law enforcement with local officials involved in the hiring process.

Step Up & Serve is an initiative of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. Funding provided in whole by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Thanks to our Corporate ISA Membership Sponsors.

2024 ISA Conference & Training Schedule

Sheriffs Summer

Training Conference,

September 22-24, 2024,

Embassy Suites, East Peoria

Administrative Assistant’s Conference,

October 17 &18, 2024,

Holiday Inn & Suites, East Peoria

Holiday Inn & Suites, East Peoria

We would not be able to put our training and conferences on without our Preferred Vendors! The Illinois Sheriffs' Association would like to thank your vendors listed below!

LEVEL DIAMOND ELITE

LEVEL DIAMOND

LEVEL PLATINUM

NEWS FROM IL AND AROUND

THE COUNTRY:

Illinois Sheriffs' Association: August 13, 2024 Press Release

Healing paws: The rise of therapy dogs in law enforcement

By Katja Ridderbusch | Police1.com

You Don't Have to Choose Between Your Privacy and Social Media

By Allie Richmond | icanhelp.net

Plan to LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE posts from the ISA to help us spread the word about and educate others on public safety, policing and your rights that the ISA fights for!