Law enforcement organizations formed a coalition that opposes the end of cash bail.
The new initiative, called the Coalition of Public Safety (COPS) launched on Monday, March 2, and will also weigh in on other concerning criminal justice issues.
The coalition includes members from:
- Illinois Sheriffs’ Association
- Illinois Fraternal Order of Police
- Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council
- Chicago Lodge 7 Fraternal Order of Police
- Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association
- Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
The coalition formed in response to bill HB3347. This bill follows other states who have done the same thing.
According to the bill, those arrested on an offense for which pre-trial may not be denied can be released without appearing before a judge.
The bill also allows the court to use a risk assessment tool to determine terms of the arrested person’s release.
Members of the coalition are concerned of the consequences of ending cash bail.
Ed Wojcicki, the executive director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, said:
We are very concerned that the voices of victims of crimes are going to be set aside, and that many innocent victims who had the courage to call the police will have to live in fear of offenders being set free and committing more crimes. We have to stand with the victims of crimes.
Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Chris Southwood added to the argument by saying:
Cash bail is a layer of protection for law-abiding citizens, but it’s also an effective way to keep police from having to chase down the same offenders multiple times. Budget cuts have stretched police forces to the limit. So why are we even seriously considering a proposal that adds unnecessary, dangerous duplication to an officer’s daily shift?
