Metro East Sun

Newly-elected state Rep. David Friess argues the Criminal Justice Reform bill now being pushed by democrats in Springfield stands to set a dangerous precedent.

“I believe this bill unfairly stereotypes all officers based on the actions of a few,” Friess told the Metro East Sun. “While bad actors can appear in any line of work, we must not fall into the trap of demonizing all law enforcement.”

Friess is one of a growing number of republican lawmakers now frantically sounding the alarm about the House Bill 163, which, among other things, seeks to enact changes that include prohibiting pre-trial detention and removing all due process protections for officers.

Supported by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, the bill would also expand police reform on use of force, increase crisis training and prohibit chokeholds. The proposed reforms have been a work in progress ever since the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police last summer.

Finally, the bill would also require the use of body cameras by all officers by the year 2025 and stipulates that special prosecutors be called in for police-involved killings.

“The men and women in blue potentially put their lives on the line every day they go to work,” Friess added. “If this legislation is passed, these men and women will leave the police force and no one will be willing to step up and replace them.”

Friess insists police departments across the state already seem well on their way to making reforms he feels will make a difference.  

“I believe police departments have made tremendous strides in making reforms in the recent past and there is always room for improvement,” he said. “I believe body cameras are an area that would help both the police and the men and women the police encounter.”

In the end, Friess questions the rationale behind now trying to ram the bill through.

“Given the importance of the issue and the tremendous impact the bill will have over every citizen in our state this bill should be taken up during the general session where proper discussion and debate could be had,” he said.