Critics play politics with criminal justice

Last year the General Assembly, responding to public outcry in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, took a historic step toward correcting long-standing inequities in Illinois' criminal legal system. As part of a larger package known as the SAFE-T Act, the Pretrial Fairness Act will end the use of money bond and reform Illinois' pretrial system. The measure will be fully implemented in 2023. Even though the measure has not yet been fully implemented, some legislators - including Representatives Jim Durkin and Deanne Mazzochi - are calling for its repeal, citing it as the reason for a recent rise in crime. That is right: They are blaming a law not in effect. It is time to stop playing politics with criminal justice.

Under the Pretrial Fairness Act, a defendant's access to wealth will no longer determine whether they are released pretrial or held in jail. Instead, bond court judges will consider the specific circumstances of every case with a focus on ensuring safety.

Communities across Illinois need real solutions to harm that happens in our neighborhoods - not dishonest fearmongering in support of failed policies that have driven mass incarceration and racial inequity, but failed to deliver real public safety.

Daryl Woods

Geneva