Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s recommendation, local law enforcement will be out on their normal patrol, but if they see someone out, they will be educating them on what may be the right choice.
This is not an enforcement, but a recommendation from the government.
“We don’t have the resources, the capacity, or the desire to police every individual’s behavior,” Pritzker said.
He said enforcement comes in many options, but they are relying on the citizens to make the right choice to stay home.
“Our first and best option is to rely on Illinoisans to be good members of their communities and good citizens, working together to keep each other safe,” Pritzker said.
Those who don’t follow may be educated by local law enforcement.
“Our focus will be on education, not enforcement,” Lt. Dave Smysor with the Urbana Police Department said.
“I’ve instructed law enforcement to monitor for violations and take action when necessary, but that is not an option that anyone prefers,” Pritzker said.
The police want this time of uncertainty to be as peaceful as possible.
“Voluntary compliance would be what we are looking for,” Smysor said.
“If they see somebody who is maybe violating this order, they would go talk to them and ask them not to,” Pritzker said.
However, there could be consequences.
“If the people who are violating the rule refuse to comply, a police officer could get a cease and desist order. They’d have to go get one from a court,” Pritzker said.
