Criminal justice bill makes system fairer, streets safer

Lake County is facing a dual crisis: a rise in violent crime over the last eight years and a deterioration of trust in the justice system. I decided to run for state's attorney to confront these challenges by building a transparent and innovative office dedicated to making our communities safer and our courthouse fairer.

Recently, the Illinois General Assembly passed a criminal justice reform package, HB3653, which earned near-unanimous support among our Lake County legislators. Several victims' advocacy groups, including the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, support this bill.

Included in the package were common-sense reforms, such as mandating body-worn cameras for all police departments, preserving police misconduct records, expanding de-escalation training for law enforcement officers, connecting mental health and substance abuse providers with first responders and ending the use of cash as the determining factor in pretrial release. Because these changes are long overdue, and because they make our streets safer and our system fairer, I support the bill.

There are many false statements being made about what is in the final version of this bill. These false claims by special interests and others do not serve the public interest and are only meant to protect those unwilling to make these necessary reforms. This bill does not eliminate qualified immunity or limit collective bargaining, nor does it defund the police. I join the public in praising the service, courage, and sacrifice of our police officers.

As a father and public servant, I am committed to making sure our county and our officers remain safe. That is exactly what this bill does: increase safety.

Mandating body cameras for all police departments will protect officers by preventing false claims of abuse and protect civilians by ensuring that our justice system is transparent and accountable. The 28 Lake County law enforcement agencies that do not currently have body camera systems have until 2025 to implement their programs. I have urged legislators to help fund these systems immediately.

The provisions to end cash bail will make Lake County safer by making sure that the most dangerous individuals remain in custody. What to do with someone accused of a crime before a trial is a centuries-old question. It brings into conflict our commitment to the presumption of innocence and our need for safe communities. But allowing wealth to unlock the jailhouse is not the fair or transparent way to strike this critical balance.

Currently, after an arrest, a judge analyzes whether the arrestee poses a public safety or flight risk. After considering the nature of the criminal charge and the arrestee's background, the judge sets a monetary amount that must be posted to be freed pending trial. The current system allows those with wealth to use their money to obtain release - even if they are dangerous - while those who are poor may remain in custody, even if they are not dangerous.

Under the new system, which will be effective in 2023, the same judges will look at the same factors but will simply rule whether someone is released (with conditions) or held in custody pending trial. Money will play no role.

Arrestees who pose a risk to the community, according to the judge, will be detained in jail; those who do not will be released. A similar, non-monetary bail system has been utilized successfully in Illinois's juvenile courts and our nation's federal courts since 1984.

Except for the body-camera mandate and the cash bail reforms, these provisions will go into effect on July 1 if Gov. Pritzker signs the bill. While this bill may not be perfect, it is long past time to implement these solutions that make our criminal justice system safer and fairer for all. Our country's strength is grounded in our ability to work together, and I am working with local police chiefs and legislators on some revisions that need to be completed prior to implementation. Our shared goal remains: protecting the community while fulfilling our oaths to the Constitution and its uncompromising demand that justice and transparency reach all corners of our society.

• Eric Rinehart, a Highwood Democrat, is Lake County state's attorney.