Metro East Sun

Former Republican House candidate Mike Babcock doesn't mince words when expressing what he thinks the new criminal justice bill passed on Jan. 13 by Democrats in Springfield could mean.

"I see this as a breakdown of society," Babcock told the Metro East Sun. "It hamstrings officers in a way that makes it almost impossible for them to do their jobs without having to look over their shoulders."

The Senate and House approved legislation reforming criminal justice regulations in Illinois, including ending cash bail and requiring police officers are equipped with body cameras.

With support coming from the Legislative Black Caucus, it awaits the signature of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Babcock worries nothing for anyone will be the same.

"You have hamstrung officers to the point of how can they still be expected to do their duty with everything this bill leaves them to face," he said. "I think it's going to make it more difficult to recruit officers. Who wants to be in a job that could put you in a dangerous situation any day you report for work, yet puts all these added obstacles in your way for doing your job? I think legislators have really let our officers down."

Babcock said he doesn't understand why Democrats felt the need to have pushed such legislation during the lame-duck session where it can't be fully debated or vetted.

"I don't know what they're thinking," he said. "Maybe they believe being easy on crime is something that resonates with more voters. As bad as officers could be hurt by this, I believe the people are even more at risk based on how it puts the bad guy under an umbrella of protection.