Halpin Issues Statement on Criminal Justice Reform Vote

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, issued the following statement Wednesday after fighting for changes to a comprehensive criminal justice reform package that took into account input and personal experiences from law enforcement:

“The criminal justice reform package that passed today includes reasonable reforms to ensure respect and fairness in the justice system.

“Throughout discussions on this bill, I fought for changes that honored feedback from law enforcement. The bill that I supported creates new officer wellness and training programs, as well as the opportunity for Illinois to institute proven co-responder programs. It also preserves qualified immunity, the legal shield that protects officers from lawsuits based on their reasonable actions.

“That said, we must recognize that some in our communities have faced the consequences of a criminal justice system that fails to respect and protect them. To ensure that there are more services for victims of crime, this bill expands victim services including counseling and protects those who witness crimes from retaliation.

“I empathize with my colleagues in the Black Caucus and see the need to implement reasonable reforms against police misconduct and ensure accountability. I stand with our local activists who drafted The Resolution, and who entrusted me to deliver on this agenda in Springfield. While not perfect, this measure is an honest effort to bring more accountability and transparency to our justice system, and that’s why it received my support.”

For more information, please contact Halpin’s full-time constituent service office at 309-558-3612 or at rephalpin@gmail.com.