Illinois State Crime Commission names James W. Glasgow State’s Attorney of the Year for 2012

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June 4

JOLIET — Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has been named State’s Attorney of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission and will be honored at the organization’s 16th Annual “A Salute to Those Who Make a Difference” Awards Dinner at 6:30 p.m. June 20 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
It is the third time in his career as Will County’s top prosecutor that State’s Attorney Glasgow has received this prestigious honor from the Illinois State Crime Commission, the first time being in 1996.

“I am profoundly honored to be recognized by the Illinois State Crime Commission for the work my office has performed on behalf of the citizens of Will County,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said.  “I have a dedicated team of prosecutors, legal secretaries and supporting administrators, all of whom work tirelessly to prosecute criminals, protect our residents and serve justice.”

The State’s Attorney continued: “In addition to prosecuting criminals, it’s important that we think outside the box to develop programs and engage in activities that make our community the best place possible to work and raise our families. I consider it the mission of our office to reach out to senior citizens, veterans, educators, parents, students and the business community on the critical issues that affect them.” 

Jerry Elsner, the Illinois State Crime Commission’s Executive Director, described State’s Attorney Glasgow as one of the most innovative State’s Attorney’s in Illinois.

“Jim Glasgow has launched groundbreaking programs to improve the way crimes are investigated and prosecuted,” Elsner said. “He also has committed his office to countless other initiatives to enhance the safety of our police officers, honor our veterans, educate our citizens and guarantee the welfare of our children. The Illinois State Crime Commission has been pleased to work with Jim on many of these endeavors.”

State’s Attorney Glasgow has worked with the Crime Commission on multiple occasions to provide free self-defense training to police and correctional officers. In addition, the State’s Attorney partnered with the Crime Commission, Joliet-based MorningStar Mission and other Will County social service agencies to distribute 500 winter coats to local needy children.

Other initiatives launched by State’s Attorney Glasgow include:

  • VETERANS – The establishment of a Will County Veterans and Servicemembers Court to provide critical treatment, counseling and assistance to local veterans and servicemembers who have struggled with mental health and substance abuse disorders since returning home from military operations. He also purchased an ADA-accessible shuttle bus for use by the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County to transport local veterans from Joliet to Hines VA Hospital where they receive necessary medical services. He used money forfeited to the state by criminals to fund the bus.
  • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – The passage of two tough new domestic violence laws in 2011 and 2012 that significantly increase penalties for repeat offenders as well as for abusers who torture their victims.
  • ABUSED CHILDREN – The creation of the new Paws 4 Kids program in which licensed pet therapy dogs welcome children who come to the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center for victim sensitive interviews when there are allegations of sexual abuse. State’s Attorney Glasgow established the center in 1995 to assist in the prosecution of child predators and to ease the trauma these investigations create for sensitive children. 
  • SENIOR CITIZENS – The formation of a Financial Crimes Prosecution Unit to investigate and prosecute financial predators who target the elderly.
  • SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA – The passage of a groundbreaking new state law that closed loopholes in prior laws and made it illegal to possess or sell every form of synthetic marijuana. State’s Attorney Glasgow and House Minority Leader Tom Cross, who sponsored the law, sent 350 letters to tobacco vendors warning them to remove the products from their shelves, resulting in virtually complete compliance in Will County.
  • DRUG COURT – The opening of the Miller Taylor House, a home for recovering addicts that is operated by the Will County Drug Court. A recovery home for women is in the process of being opened. State’s Attorney Glasgow spearheaded the creation of the Drug Court, which has helped nearly 300 drug abusers kick their addictions and return to their communities as productive citizens who pay their way rather than burdening society with their addictions and crimes. 
  • BUSINESS COMMUNITY – The implementation of a Bad Check Restitution Program that has reclaimed nearly $2 million dollars in lost revenues to Will County businesses.
  • GANG AWARENESS – The production of Gang Awareness and Prevention books to educate the public about gang activity in their schools and communities. He also formed Will County’s first Gang Prosecution Unit in the early 1990s and helped organize gang sweeps that dramatically reduced gang shootings in the early 1990s, and he drafted an administrative order that banned the wearing of gang clothing, flashing of gang signs and other gang activity inside the Will County Courthouse.
  • ANIMAL ABUSE – The drafting of an Animal Torture Statute that created the first felony charge in Illinois for the abuse of animals and a mandatory psychiatric evaluation upon conviction to identify potential mass murderers.
  • CRIME PREVENTION – The establishment of a Crime Prevention Division that travels the county to educate citizens about gang violence, financial scams, elder abuse, Internet safety and drug abuse prevention.

State’s Attorney Glasgow received his Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois Law School. He has been practicing law since 1981. He and his wife, Gina, are the proud parents of five children: four sons and a daughter. They also are the happy owners of a Great Dane and a collie.To obtain tickets or to receive more information about the Illinois State Crime Commission’s 16th Annual Awards Dinner, call (630) 248-8709.