Ill. Gov. Rauner Names Members of Criminal Justice Reform Commission
On March 3, Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner announced members of the newly created Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform. Led by the Governor’s Public Safety Director Rodger Heaton, the commission is made of up experts from various fields within the criminal justice system and state legislators.
The commission will analyze all aspects of the criminal justice system from the initial arrest to re-entry into the community. It will look for evidenced-based strategies to reduce the rate of imprisonment, while preserving the public’s safety.
“The current prison system is costly, overcrowded and ineffective,” said Rauner. “We need to reform the system to stop the costly and vicious cycle of recidivism and help those who’ve left prison get the help they need to become productive members of society. This will ultimately save taxpayers money and protect the safety of the public.”
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper recently spoke with African American members of the team including Illinois Department of Corrections Assistant, Director Gladyse. “I am deeply honored to have been appointed by Governor Rauner to the Illinois Criminal Justice Reform Commission," said Taylor. Given the diverse group of criminal justice experts and public safety professionals represented on the Commission, I expect we will perform a very thorough review and provide a candid evaluation of Illinois’ criminal justice system. My goal is to work with members of this Commission to evaluate and enhance Illinois’ use of risk assessment instruments starting at arrest and bail, then share that information across the justice continuum to direct decisions for probation, sentencing, custodial programming, treatment, and re-entry planning. I’m hoping we can identify the resources needed in Illinois communities to effectively and efficiently reduce the use of incarceration and ensure public safety within Illinois’ African American communities and the entire State of Illinois. I look forward to the work ahead.”
Ill. State Rep. Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (Dist. – 34th) has also been appointed to the new commission.
“I’m honored to serve, I think it’s a great opportunity for us to talk about some criminal justice reform issues and I think that in order for us to get a handle on what’s in the best interests of tax payers but also in the best interests of the safety of our community we’re going to have to reform our criminal justice system,” said Rep. Sims.
Sims also said that he had been reviewing “police reform measures” prior to be selected.
Safer Foundation Vice President of Community Corrections Jerry Butler’s appointment to the commission comes with his 45 years of experience in corrections.
“[I’ve had] a variety of experiences, exposures to the field, so to be selected to participate in this commission I’m very honored and flattered to be one of 27 people who represent various backgrounds and experiences in this criminal justice system,” said Butler. “I hope as a result we will be able to make some recommendations that will be implanted that will meet the goals of the commission’s charge and responsibilities.”
To view the entire list of members of the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform visit https://www.illinois.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
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