With the SAFE-T Act going into effect in a few months, and the cavalcade of issues that have sprung up since its passing, the Galesburg City Council was split on a resolution seeking changes to the law.
A lengthy discussion was held over the resolution that essentially urged state legislators to work with public safety officials to make changes to the act to address the concerns of law enforcement, State Attorneys, judges, and citizens.
The council was torn over the resolution’s language, which also supported repealing the SAFE-T Act. Aldermen Dwight White shared his support for elements of the act and concerns over others. He expressed that the SAFE-T Act is over 700 pages long and the portion regarding pre-trial release and cash bail only made up a small portion of the overall law enforcement overhaul.
“You’re going to throw 700 pages away because of 40, 50, or 60 pages. And, I am really, really appalled that someone would bring something to the table for these citizens that they have no idea what is in it or have read it.”
Galesburg Police Chief Russ Idle said the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is trying to work with the State to address the issues with the act. But, he called repealing the SAFE-T Act unrealistic.
“It’s just not going to happen. So at this point, our hope is to work with the State Legislature to maybe fix some wording problems in some other areas or, maybe, be applied better.”
Also speaking was State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin, a former City Council member, who encouraged Aldermen to table the resolution until it could be redrafted to achieve unanimous consent.
“It’s hard, having been in your chairs, it’s hard when political issues like this come before you. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tackle it but it should be written — drafted in a way that you find some commonality. I’d encourage you to maybe table the resolution and have it redrafted in a way that would everybody on board.”
Aldermen agreed and the resolution was tabled until November.
