Kifowit Passes Legislation to Crack Down on Sexual Misconduct

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Amidst a continued conversation on how to reduce sexual assault and harassment in all forms, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Aurora, helped pass legislation on Friday making it a sex crime for rogue members of law enforcement to have sex with those under arrest or in custody.

“Predators can be found in every profession and every walk of life,” said Kifowit. “My legislation addresses the few rogue police that make a bad name for all cops.”

The Kifowit-backed House Bill 5597 would provide that any person employed by a law enforcement agency commits “custodial sexual misconduct” when he or she engages in any form of sexual conduct with a person who is under arrest or detained. A recent A.P. investigation on sexual misconduct by U.S. law enforcement found that roughly 1,000 officers lost their badges over a six-year period for sexual assault and harassment.

“Cops and other first responders generally have higher moral character than anyone else,” Kifowit continued. “That’s why we need to crack down on those who act like predators rather than protectors.”