Courts could soon serve restraining orders electronically in Winnebago County

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Instead of a Sheriff’s deputy serving Orders of Protection to domestic violence offenders, Winnebago County is developing a new program to serve those orders electronically.

The pilot program, underway at the Illinois’ 17th Judicial Court, could change the way restraining orders are served across the United States.

The county’s Domestic Violence Coordinated Court received a $1.5 million federal reward to develop and create an electronic system to serve Orders of Protection.

“My understanding is there’s five sites across the country (participating in this pilot program) and Winnebago County is one of them,” said Nikki Ticknor, Deputy Court Administrator. “I believe we are the only site in the state. And so it’s really big deal for our community to be able to be part of a project that could change the national landscape on how these documents are served.”

As it now stands, Orders of Protection must be personally served by a member of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department.

Critics have said that hand-delivered method can lead to delays and gaps in victim protection.

Andrea Carlson, the Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office on Domestic and Community Violence Prevention says closing the gap is crucial.

“So many times at the point of time between an order of protection being entered and will be served is a really uncertain time for survivors,” Carlson said. “Any time you can get that information service out in a more expeditious manner allows survivors to be protected more quickly and allows law enforcement to be able to enforce those orders more swiftly.”

The program will begin with a two-year planning period as administrators work with partners, like the Sheriff’s Department and Remedies Renewing Lives, to develop technical infrastructure, policies, and procedures.

“There’s a lot of work to be done around these big projects, but I think it’s worthwhile and ultimately will really help those that we are serving,” Carlson said.

The court also received a separate award, of $600,000, to support the circuit’s Domestic Violence Coordinated Court and to fund advocacy and justice initiatives for survivors within the court system.

If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, visit our Stateline Strong page for resources.

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