With crime at an all-time high throughout the city of Chicago, lawmakers in the state of Illinois are on the verge of enacting a new law that would end cash bail as soon as 2023. The SAFE-T Act was curated by the Black Caucus, and it is intended to amend the criminal justice system by disallowing law enforcement to detain most of their suspects until after their trial date. It would also give arrestees three phone calls instead of one upon being temporarily detained. In addition, the new legislation stipulates that police officers could face severe punishment if they do not keep their body cameras on during encounters with suspects. After signing the bill, the governor of Illinois indicated that the SAFE-T Act made him more optimistic about leveling the playing field between law enforcement and marginalized communities within their jurisdiction.
“[This bill] marks a transformative step in moving Illinois forward is Illinois’ effort to lead the country in dismantling systemic racism,” J.B. Pritzker said.
While many of Pritzker's supporters have lauded his effort to provide arrestees with more assurances of fair treatment, several politicians who opposed the objective were quick to point out the way in which the new law could open the floodgates to more crime in a city that has become notorious for violence all over the world.
“I believe the elimination of cash bail, particularly as it’s written in the SAFE-T Act, will reduce public safety and lead to more crime in Illinois,” said Patrick Windhorst from the Illinois house of representatives. "Violent crimes, burglary, robbery, arson, kidnapping, almost all drug offenses, DUI offenses, even DUI offenses involving a fatality, do not qualify for detention under the Illinois Safety. That’s going to mean a lot of individuals are committing crimes and being released immediately, if not within a couple of days.”
According to reports, law enforcement organizations throughout the state are pleading with Governor J.B. Pritzer to veto the bill, if he doesn't, Illinois will become the first state ever to eliminate cash bail.
Source: WGN TV
