ABINGDON, Ill. — The Knox County Sheriff's Office has entered into an agreement with the City of Abingdon to provide the city of nearly 3,000 residents with police protection.
According to a news release, the sheriff’s office, the Knox County Board, and the City of Abingdon came to a law enforcement services agreement, meaning the sheriff's office will provide Abingon with 24-hour, seven-days-a-week coverage, which also includes an investigator for certain crimes.
Knox County Sheriff Jack C. Harlan Jr. said, "It has been difficult for many small agencies to maintain Law Enforcement services which has caused many to contract with their local Sheriff's Office. After thorough discussions it was decided contracting with the Sheriff’s Office was the best option to provide the needed services for their community."
Abingdon's existing law enforcement building will be used as a sheriff's office annex.
The news release states that Abingdon and Knox County residents will not incur additional costs as a result of the services.
Through the agreement, the sheriff's office will hire four additional deputies and also produce any necessary equipment to ensure that there are no gaps in service resulting from the expanded coverage. Funding for overtime, utilities, equipment maintenance and vehicles to account for the increased coverage are also included in the agreement.
This announcement comes just over a month after the Village of Hampton decided to disband its police force and partner with the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office for police protection.