SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Gov. J-B Pritzker signed a sweeping criminal justice reform package into law on Monday.
The new law ends cash bail in many cases, sets statewide standards on police use of force, requires cops to wear body cameras, diverts low level drug offenders to treatment programs and much more.
“This legislation marks a substantial step toward dismantling the systemic racism that plagues our communities, our state and our nation. It brings us closer to true safety, true fairness and true justice,” Pritzker said.
Opponents, many in law enforcement, have said the legislation ties the hands of police officers and will make communities less safe.
The new state law revamps the certification system for police officers, which has the support of Rep. Justin Slaughter of Chicago.
“We are going from protest to bringing fairness and equity to a criminal justice system that is rooted in racism,” Slaughter said.
Law enforcement officials have said the criminal justice reforms pose a threat to victims and makes it more difficult for police to do their jobs.
