Sheriff’s office renewals, Crime Stoppers position and MetroLink contract win board approval

The Rock Island County Board approved multiple sheriff’s office items including a proposed part‑time Crime Stoppers coordinator (to be paid and reimbursed by Crime Stoppers), renewal of four school liaison agreements, and renewal of a three‑year MetroLink intergovernmental agreement.

Sheriff Darren Hart described Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities as a decades‑old community partner that asked the Sheriff's Office to hire a part‑time employee at the organization's cost to coordinate tip processing, social media, fundraising events and community engagement activities. "This individual would help coordinate their operational activities, to include: processing tips received, maintaining their social media platforms, planning fundraising events, along with attending various monthly community engagement activities," the packet summary read and the sheriff confirmed in discussion.

The board also approved renewal of four one‑year school liaison contracts covering Eagle Ridge/Phoenix, Riverdale, Rockridge and Sherrard; the Sheriff's office said no additional staff were required. Separately, Sheriff Hart explained the MetroLink agreement renewal reflected a longstanding partnership (about 20 years) and a compensation increase for services on routes that also enter rural parts of Rock Island County. Board Member D. Mielke questioned Metrolink’s service area; Sheriff Hart responded that the sheriff’s office has jurisdiction in every municipality. Each of these items passed on roll call 15–0.