Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office

Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for numerous and diverse services. Writs and warrants are executed, and summons and subpoenas are served.

In addition to providing direct law enforcement and public safety service to all citizens in unincorporated Jo Daviess County, the Sheriff’s Office also supplements and assists other law enforcement agencies in the County as needed. The Sheriff, the chief principal law enforcement officer of the County, is the only full-time elected County law enforcement official provided for by the Illinois Constitution. The Office of the Sheriff goes back in history to old-world Europeand was brought by early settlers to this country where it has evolved into an all encompassing law enforcement agency. The Sheriff’s Office works closely with and provides assistance to the social service agencies in the County: Riverview Center, DCFS and Jane Addams. Along with providing law enforcement service, the Sheriff maintains the Jo Daviess County Jail, which is located within the Public Safety Building and has a total capacity of 27 inmates. Also located within the Public Safety Building is the Emergency Enhanced 9-1-1 Communications Center. The Sheriff is responsible for all communication and dispatching of all fire, medical, and law enforcement services throughout the County. Along with general law enforcement, criminal investigations, public safety services, maintaining the County jail, and Emergency 911, the Sheriff also provides other services including, but not limited to, water patrol and rescue, mounted and radio patrols (auxiliary patrols), a search and rescue canine unit, a narcotic detection and criminal apprehension canine unit, vehicle investigations, emergency services and disaster agency services, and Hazardous Materials Response Unit. The Sheriff also maintains dockets, registers, jail records, fingerprints, and arrest files. The Sheriff’s deputies also attend all courts on record, and accept and receipt bail in accordance with the rules of the Circuit Court.

Over the weekend, the Sheriffs Office will be displaying red lights to extend our support for Pearl City. Our thoughts ...
09/13/2026

Over the weekend, the Sheriffs Office will be displaying red lights to extend our support for Pearl City. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and the community.

We will never forget 🇺🇸
09/11/2026

We will never forget 🇺🇸

Yesterday, we had the honor of officially dedicating the William D. Kimball Communications Center, recognizing more than...
09/04/2026

Yesterday, we had the honor of officially dedicating the William D. Kimball Communications Center, recognizing more than a decade of dedicated leadership and service to emergency communications in Jo Daviess County.

Bill Kimball joined the Jo Daviess County Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) in December 2012 and became Chairperson in December 2014, a position he held through August 2025.

During Bill’s tenure, emergency communications in Jo Daviess County underwent tremendous growth and modernization. Under his leadership, the county completed a countywide VHF radio upgrade associated with narrowbanding; acquired and implemented the Spillman CAD system, now Motorola Flex; transitioned from a legacy 911 network to Next Generation 911; launched Text-to-911 ahead of every other county in our region; and completed another major countywide radio upgrade with the transition of law enforcement agencies to the STARCOM21 digital radio system.

While those accomplishments represent significant advancements in public safety for our county, Bill’s legacy extends far beyond technology.

Throughout his years of service, Bill was known for his calm and deliberate approach to difficult decisions, his willingness to listen, and the trust he placed in those around him. He led with kindness, patience, humor, and grace—and could always be counted on for an infectious smile or a perfectly timed joke when it was needed most.

The technology within our communications center will continue to change. Radio systems will be replaced, software will be upgraded, and the way we answer a 911 call decades from now may look very different than it does today.

But the foundation built by good leadership lasts much longer.

It is fitting that the facility Bill worked so hard to support, protect, and advance will now permanently bear his name.

Please join the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office in congratulating and thanking Bill Kimball for his many years of service, leadership, and unwavering support of 911 and public safety throughout Jo Daviess County.

We are incredibly proud to officially call it the William D. Kimball Communications Center. 💛

Sheriff Klaus Kretschmer would like to welcome K-9 Ryker to the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. K-9 Ryker came to u...
08/31/2026

Sheriff Klaus Kretschmer would like to welcome K-9 Ryker to the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. K-9 Ryker came to us from Poland and will be partnered with deputy Mayne. Deputy Mayne and K-9 Ryker will start training today at Illinois State Police Academy and will complete a 10 week certification.

Please see information for a job opening at the Jo Daviess County Probation Department. Please send applications and res...
08/25/2026

Please see information for a job opening at the Jo Daviess County Probation Department. Please send applications and resumes to Jamie Watson at [email protected].

🚨Scam alert 🚨
08/25/2026

🚨Scam alert 🚨

🚨 MAKE US EARN YOUR DONATION! 🚨Members of the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office are trading in the patrol car for runni...
08/24/2026

🚨 MAKE US EARN YOUR DONATION! 🚨

Members of the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office are trading in the patrol car for running shoes and taking on the Galena 5K Stair Challenge as Team Probable Cause to Run! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

This year’s event honors the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, while raising money that stays right here in our community. Net proceeds benefit Jo Daviess County first responder agencies.

We’re asking our friends, families, fellow first responders, and community members to help us reach our fundraising goal!

💙 Want to support the team?
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit:
https://runsignup.com/pctorun

Thank you for supporting Team Probable Cause to Run, our local first responders, and a great community event.

Now the only question is… how many stairs did we agree to again? 😅

Sheriff Kretschmer would like to congratulate Deputy Thomas Winter on his graduation from the 16 week basic law enforcem...
08/21/2026

Sheriff Kretschmer would like to congratulate Deputy Thomas Winter on his graduation from the 16 week basic law enforcement academy through Sauk Valley Community College.

08/20/2026

NOTICE: There will be SWAT training today at the East Dubuque Fire Training Grounds from 7:00am-4:00pm and again tomorrow at the Apple Canyon Lake Fire House. Notice only; no threat to the public.

Back to School SafetyBack to school means more children, buses, and families on our roads.As another school year begins,...
08/18/2026

Back to School Safety

Back to school means more children, buses, and families on our roads.

As another school year begins, we’re asking everyone to slow down, stay alert, and help us keep our kids safe.

Please watch for:
School buses and bus stops,
Children crossing streets and entering roadways,
School zone speed limits and traffic signs,
School crossing guards,
Distracted drivers and cell phone use.

Drivers, give yourself a little extra time, put the phone down, and **expect the unexpected.** A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference.

Parents, please remind your children to use designated crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, and stay aware of their surroundings.

Our deputies will be out throughout the county helping enforce school zone and traffic safety laws.

Let’s work together to make this school year a safe one for every student, family, and driver in Jo Daviess County.

Address

330 N Bench Street
Galena, IL
61036

Telephone

+18157772141

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category