Illinois Law Enforcement Coalition issues statement regarding law enforcement and criminal justice legislation passed by the General AssemblyJanuary 13, 2021 SPRINGFIELD – A coalition representing Illinois law enforcement leadership and rank-and-file officers has issued a statement regarding the law enforcement and criminal justice legislation (HB 3653) that passed the Illinois General Assembly during the Lame Duck Session: "We are extremely disappointed and saddened in the process, the lack of discussion with members of the law enforcement community, and the ultimate outcome in the Illinois General Assembly today. The lawmakers who voted in favor of this criminal-favoring legislation ignored the pleas of more than 112,000 petition-signing citizens and refused to listen to the concerns of law enforcement. Our communities will be less safe if this legislation is signed into law. We urge Governor J.B. Pritzker to stand up for the majority of Illinois citizens who value their lives, possessions and well-being and veto this bill and its extreme provisions. Today's outcome, although it is ominous for Illinois, does not diminish our commitment. Our members will continue to use all authorized means to protect every community." The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge, FOP Labor Council, FOP Chicago Lodge 7, Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police have formed the Illinois Law Enforcement Coalition and have been working on these strategies since summer to improve community safety and enhance the trust between community members and law enforcement.
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MEDIA CONTACTS FOR ILLINOIS LAW ENFORCEMENT COALITION: Illinois Sheriffs' Association Executive Director Jim Kaitschuk, (217) 415-9510 Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Ed Wojcicki (217) 414-7790 Illinois FOP Labor Council Executive Director Shawn Roselieb (708) 784-1010 Illinois FOP Chicago Lodge 7 President John Catanzara, Jr. (773) 497-4567 |