Gordon-Booth Named to Crime Reduction Task Force

PEORIA, Ill. – As part of efforts to develop legislative solutions to curb violence, this week state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, was appointed to a new Crime Reduction Task Force by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

“We know that violence is a public health and safety emergency that requires comprehensive, ongoing action to effectively deal with,” Gordon-Booth said. “This task force was created in conjunction with a number of public safety initiatives this year, because we knew that new challenges would arise and the General Assembly needs to be as prepared as possible to seamlessly implement real legislative solutions.”

Created under Gordon-Booth’s House Bill 4736, the Crime Reduction Task Force will be focused on developing and proposing policies and procedures to reduce crime in Illinois. Composed of 27 uncompensated members, the task force’s makeup includes lawmakers, as well as representatives from the Illinois State Police, representatives from the Attorney General, state prosecutors, sheriffs, chiefs of police, law enforcement, retired judges, civil liberties advocates, justice-involved members of the public, municipality representatives, crime survivor advocates, domestic violence survivor advocates and a representative of the Sentencing Policy Advisory Council.

The task force will be supported administratively by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

“I intend to use my relationships with advocates, community leaders and local law enforcement to ensure Peoria and the surrounding area are effectively represented on this task force,” Gordon-Booth said. “If we want to have an effective, positive impact, we must continue to work together and listen to recommendations that can make us all safer.”

For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com.