Rauner put safety first by signing TRUST Act

After 30 years in law enforcement, I understand how state policy influences our officers and their communities every day. I also appreciate that members of law enforcement risk their lives to protect us, and we owe it to them to support policies that keep our families and communities safe. This is why I am proud to stand with Gov. Rauner and his decision to sign the TRUST Act.

The TRUST Act is supported by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, County Sheriffs, and the County State's Attorneys. These organizations know the TRUST Act will make our state safer by allowing state and local police to focus on their front line duties, instead of the responsibilities of the federal government. It focuses the efforts and resources of law enforcement where they should be: criminal offenders.

The law actually encourages cooperation between local police and federal officials. It does not conflict with the Department of Justice's actions regarding Sanctuary Cities, and brings Illinois in line with federal court rulings regarding detention of undocumented immigrants.

The TRUST Act shows Gov. Rauner's commitment to protecting Illinoisans. Since taking office, Gov. Rauner ended Pat Quinn's dangerous practice of releasing state prisoners early, toughened laws on repeat gun offenders and traffickers, cracked down on sex offenders, and supported a pause in Illinois on Syrian refugees after the Paris bombing to ensure proper vetting procedures.

Gov. Rauner's decision to sign the TRUST Act highlights his emphasis on not only protecting Illinois' citizens, but also augmenting law enforcement officers ability to perform our duties. We must make Illinois the safest state in the United States. By signing this bill, our officers can build trust and encourage our immigrant population to report crimes and help officers solve them.

Mark Curran

Lake County Sheriff