Crime & Safety
Kankakee County, IL Gets $688K for Witness Protection Oct. 15
Kankakee, IL – Kankakee County is taking a major step toward protecting victims and witnesses of violent crime after securing nearly $689,000 to establish its first ever formal witness protection prog
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-15T21:02:07.992Z
Kankakee, IL – Kankakee County is taking a major step toward protecting victims and witnesses of violent crime after securing nearly $689,000 to establish its first ever formal witness protection program, marking a historic investment in local public safety.
According to Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe, the office was awarded a $688,719 grant through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority ICJIA . The funding will provide $229,573 annually over three years to establish and operate the new program.
First Ever Witness Protection Program in Kankakee County
The announcement, made Thursday, Oct. 15, marks the first time Kankakee County has established and funded a formal program specifically designed to protect violent crime witnesses facing credible threats of retaliation.
The funding will support emergency relocation, secure transportation, temporary housing, utilities, security deposits, mental health treatment, critical support services and lost wages.
These resources are intended to help victims and witnesses remain safe while cooperating with law enforcement and participating in criminal prosecutions.
New Funding Aims to Combat Witness Intimidation
Rowe emphasized that fear and intimidation can prevent witnesses from coming forward, making violent crime cases more difficult to prosecute.
"For too long fear and intimidation have silenced witnesses and made it harder to prosecute violent offenders," Rowe said in the announcement.
The state's attorney added that the program is designed to reassure residents that assistance will be available when they face threats for cooperating with investigators.
The office plans to collaborate with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, community partners and victim advocates to develop protection procedures.
Officials hope the initiative will strengthen prosecutions, improve community trust and provide critical resources to people who might otherwise remain silent out of fear.
The announcement did not specify when the program will begin accepting participants.