Metro East Sun

Republican state House candidate Amy Elik fears for Illinois should some of those speaking the loudest in the growing police reform debate get their way.

"State and our local police and sheriff departments do a very difficult job at great personal risk and should be supported,” Elik, now running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, told the Metro East Sun. “I fear that lawlessness would prevail if cities defund the police departments.”

The great debate over what should be the fate of police departments across the country has been sweeping the nation ever since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, leading to protests and violence across the country. Minneapolis City Council members were among the first to raise the prospect of permanently dismantling their city's police department, and the idea quickly gained the support of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) and the leaders of the Chicago Public Schools.

“I support police reforms that ensure a system where bad cops are removed from their jobs, as well as reforms that promote useful and timely training,” Elik added. “These reforms and training must be meaningful and not just additional government bureaucracy that keeps police from doing what we need from them, which is maintaining the safety and security of our communities.”

As for the push by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot that would require every officer be licensed, Elik also has reservations.

“I don't see what benefit would come,” she said. “There are already significant policies and requirements in place to make sure that police officers are qualified and properly trained upon hire and throughout their career. With licensing comes hefty licensing fees to the state, which will likely be paid by the departments themselves, and therefore the taxpayers.”