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News Release
June 22, 2017
The Illinois State Crime Commission Names Nerheim
State's Attorney of the Year for the Second Time
Lake County State's Attorney Michael G. Nerheim was named the 2017 State's Attorney of the Year for the second time by the Illinois State Crime Commission at an award ceremony on June 21. Nerheim was first named State's Attorney of the Year in 2014 in recognition of his efforts in building initiatives to reduce opioid and heroin deaths as well as reducing the demand and supply of prescription and illicit drugs.
 "State's Attorney Michael Nerheim has
been a national leader in the battle against the opioid and heroin epidemic. In
addition, he has been a leader in combating child sex trafficking; thereby
saving families from the despicable horror of their children being
exploited," said Jerry Elsner from the Illinois State Crime
Commission.
Nerheim cofounded the Lake County Opioid
Initiative (LCOI) in 2012. The LCOI has successfully launched programs, such
as: “A Way Out,” the Naloxone Program, and Text-A-Tip. These programs have
impacted the Lake County community significantly.
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“A Way
Out” Lake County
“A Way Out” is a Lake
County, Illinois Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion pilot program, designed to
fast-track users to substance abuse programs and services. This program is
available 24/7 at participating police
departments across Lake County and ensures no criminal charges will be
sought for those who may be in possession of narcotics or paraphernalia if they
seek assistance. To date, there have been 144 client walk-ins, and 130 clients
have accessed treatment.
“A Way Out” is comprised of law enforcement
and treatment providers, such as: Gateway Foundation, the Lake County Health
Department, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, Chicago Behavioral Hospital and
other hospitals in Lake County.
Naloxone
Program
The Naloxone Program was brought about by the Law Enforcement
Committee of the Lake County Opioid Initiative. In
November 2014, police squad cars across multiple jurisdictions in Lake
County were equipped with naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antidote that
counteracts the effects of heroin and opioids in the brain and essentially
'brings back' an individual from an overdose. To date, 167 lives have been
saved by law enforcement officers across Lake County since Dec. 25, 2014.
Text-A-Tip
Text-A-Tip is a 24/7 anonymous text communication system for youth needing
immediate mental health assistance for themselves or a friend. Members of the
community can send a text message to a dedicated number and receive an
immediate response from a licensed clinician while remaining completely
anonymous. The anonymity makes it a comfortable place for students to share
information and provides a safe outlet for voicing concerns about themselves
and others. Prior to 2017, Text-A-Tip received 6,069 texts. In 2017, Text-A-Tip
has received 6,278 texts.
The LCOI has also been proactive in prevention
education surrounding heroin and opioid misuse and abuse. The LCOI has
conducted many forums across Lake County to educate students, medical
professionals, educators, and law enforcement officials on the dangers, signs
and symptoms of drug use and misuse. Prevention is key to reduce the misuse of
prescription medication and the abuse of illegal drugs.
In addition, Nerheim is collaborating with
task forces that focus on the battle against child sex trafficking. The dark
corners of the internet are making it much easier to target children and turn
them into victims of human trafficking. Nerheim is currently working
on strategies to combat this growing concern.
"I
am extremely honored to receive this award by the Illinois State Crime
Commission for the second time since taking office. The award is a testament to
the exceptional team of prosecutors, investigators, victim coordinators and
staff members at the Lake County State's Attorney's Office whom go to work
every day committed to seeking justice and serving our community,” Nerheim said.
“It is through their hard work and dedication, along with our law enforcement
and community partners, that we are able to accomplish our collective goals to
make Lake County a safe place to live, work and raise a family. I also
want to thank the Illinois State Crime Commission for all that they do on
behalf of the people of Illinois. I am humbled to be recognized by such
an outstanding organization,” he added.
The Illinois State Crime Commission/
Police Athletic League of Illinois has been recognized for its legislative
efforts, concerning a number of laws serving the Chicagoland area and beyond.
These efforts include:
- DNA profiling of juvenile sex
offenders
- Loss of license for underage
possession of alcohol and drugs
- Loss of firearm owner’s
identification card for convicted domestic batterers
- Proposal to criminalize the failure
to report school crimes
- Support passage of law allowing
communities to control local obscenity standards
- Introduced Dram Shop reform
legislation, January 1997. ISCC Executive Director Jerry Elsner was able to get
the liquor lobby to sit down with legislators and an anti-drunk driving group, and
for the first time in Illinois, pass a law that gave monetary value to a wife
killed in a drunk driving crash.
- Proposed taking guns away from those
convicted of domestic violence. In January 1997, instituted “Mobilize Illinois
’97” to achieve passage of the bill.
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Contact
Cynthia Vargas
Communications Manager
Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office
Email: CVargas@lakecountyil.gov
Phone Number: 847-377-3188
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