Editor’s note: Effective Thursday, March 26, 2020, the Whiteside County Eastern Branch Courthouse in Sterling, IL, is closed until further notice. All business conducted in the Eastern Branch Courthouse will now be conducted in Morrison, IL.
Sheriff John Booker issued this press release on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, which includes the Whiteside County Jail, and Whiteside County Courthouse have modified their operations. Changes are listed in Administrative Order No. 20CA-7 for the 14th Judicial Circuit.”
Procedures affect staff, inmates, attorneys, vendors, visitors, support groups, churches, and families.
At the Sheriff’s Office, visitors and vendors will be limited to necessary personnel only. The Sheriff added, “Personnel who are allowed may be screened upon entrance to our building.”
Visitations for inmates have been suspended until further notice. “We recognize the importance of visitations as an essential component of rehabilitation, family connection, and quality of life for those in our care,” Sheriff Booker stated. “Our top priority is the health and safety of those who live and work in our facility. We encourage families to write to their incarcerated loved ones as often as possible.”
Attorneys may continue to visit clients and also will be screened. Visits will be conducted in a visitation booth, protected by a window barrier.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and church affiliates have been suspended until further notice.
Patrol Deputies will continue to work around the clock to protect and serve the citizens and the County during this pandemic. Many calls will be handled over the telephone by our Patrol Deputies.
“Please watch out for each other during these very difficult times,” advised Sheriff Booker.