Letter to the Governor in Support of Law Enforcement

To the Honorable Governor J.B. Pritzker,

It has come to the attention of the Will County Board Republican Caucus that although changes are needed within our Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement System to help increase trust in our communities the recent Police Reform bill passed by the General Assembly has many reasons for concern.

Our members have heard from various organizations such as the Will County Governmental League, Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACO) and Will County FOP, the Will County States Attorney and many of our constituents regarding sincere concerns of some of the language contained this legislation.

Understandably there are many different views on what to do to have safer communities and provide social justice for all, but to rush legislation through without the involvement of these different stakeholder groups for reform is reckless and we believe lead to many unforeseen problems.

With due respect to the Legislators who worked to create legislation to benefit the communities they represent, it needs to be recognized that all communities in Illinois are not the same. Groups like the Illinois Municipal League, ISACO and the various police organizations need to be included in the discussion so that ALL communities in Illinois are equally represented, avoiding and disparity due to their exclusion.

The Illinois Sheriff 's Association along with the Chiefs of Police Association came together to develop a 15 Point Safe Communities and Police Modernization Strategy. This would of been a great starting point for the conversation to begin, but no consideration was given to it.

The Will County Board Republican Caucus urges you to VETO this omnibus legislation for Criminal Justice and Police reform rushed through the General Assembly at the 11th hour of the lame duck session. Please send it back to the General Assembly and ask them to include representatives from all areas of Illinois and the various stakeholders mentioned above so the state of Illinois can work cohesively to develop the best Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Legislation in the country.

Respectfully,

Will County Board Minority Leader, Michael Fricilone (312) 502-1030
mfriclone@willcountyillinois.com
Will County Board Minority Whip, Judy Ogalla (708) 710-3701
jogalla@willcountyillinois.com

Jim Moustis, Raquel Mitchell, Gretchen Fritz, Steve Balich, Anette Parker, Julie Berkowicz, Frankie Pretzel, Debbie Kraulidis