REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES SCORES A HUGE VICTORY IN LEADING CHARGE FOR CAMERAS INSTALLED ALONG CHICAGO AREA EXPRESSWAYS

REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES
REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES

REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES SCORES A HUGE VICTORY IN LEADING CHARGE FOR CAMERAS INSTALLED ALONG CHICAGO AREA EXPRESSWAYS


(Calumet City, Ill) Thaddeus Jones- Illinois State Representative of the 29th Legislative District- is expressing his gratitude for the scores of accolades that have been bestowed to him in the aftermath of the Illinois State Police recent announcement of substantial decreases in expressway shootings throughout the state of Illinois.

In 2021, Representative Jones was the lead sponsor and strongest advocate in successfully pushing the Tamara Clayton Camera Act amid what was then unprecedented expressway shootings specifically within the Chicagoland Metropolitan area. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act, which required the state to install new cameras on expressways. At that time, the expressway cameras were low-definition and did not record video. The act was named for a postal worker who was shot and killed on her way to work on Interstate 57 in 2019.

Representative Jones stated after the 2021 signing, "I am grateful, honored and blessed for the support in which my legislative colleagues provided me in the significant fight for safety along our expressways. But for my district, the Bishop Ford Expressway has a historical significance. However, it has been marred by the numerous shootings that have led to serious injuries and sometimes death of innocent motorists."

Governor Pritzker added,“No one should feel afraid for their life or safety on Illinois expressways. Tamara Clayton’s tragic death must not be forgotten, and we must do everything we can to prevent more expressway shootings.”

Now nearly four years later, the Illinois State Police enthusiastically express its appreciation for the historic legislation due to the overwhelming drops in expressway shootings across Cook County and throughout Illinois.

According to ISP, the installed cameras helped the police identify individuals involved in a shooting or a witness in 82% of all expressway shootings. Earlier this year ISP announced that for the third year in a row the number of shootings on Illinois Interstates had dropped. Statewide expressway shootings decreased 31% in 2024, compared to 2023.

Since the record high numbers of 2021, there has been a decrease in interstate shooting every year. Some of which include:


31% decrease from 2023 to 2024

53% decrease from 2022 to 2024

71% decrease from 2021 to 2024


Last year ISP announced that they had obtained charges in 100% of the 2023 Chicago area expressway shooting homicides.

"I applaud Representative Jones for his undying efforts in getting the Tamara Clayton Camera Act passed and signed. But moreover, I am thrilled with the positive results that have possibly saved lives. Four years ago, many of my constituents feared traveling the expressways. These positive results have created a sense of normalcy for many who enjoy driving our expressways." says Alderman Stephanie Coleman who also chairs the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus.

Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin adds, "I am so proud of my fellow colleague, Representative Jones, for his leadership on this sound proof legislation that has led to huge drops in expressway shootings. Clearly Thadeus Jones was relentless in his quest to ensure that this safety net would have a statewide impact."

'When this law was passed and signed by Governor Pritzker, Thaddeus Jones assured all of us in government that this program would help drive down expressway shootings and bring justice to the victims. It is obvious that his hard work, immense advocacy and his heartfelt focus of this legislation have resulted in safer roads for all of us." says Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan.

Representative Jones adds, “When I fought for the passage of this legislation I told my colleagues and constituents that the cameras will not necessarily stop the shootings on expressways but will be used as a tool to catch those people who are using our expressways as their own personal shooting range. I want the criminals who commit these senseless crimes to know that they will be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”


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