January 15, 2021
LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton (L) speaks at a press conference about gun arrests as Streator Police Chief Kurt Pastirik (R) looks on – Studstill Media Photo
SPRINGFIELD – A police and criminal reform house bill that would drastically change law enforcement as we know it, is in the hands of Governor J.B. to sign. House Bill 3653 formerly House Bill 163, authored by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, was approved by the Illinois General Assembly earlier this week. The bill includes ending cash bail for non-violent offenders state-wide, requiring all police officers to wear body cameras by 2025, and allow officers to be punished or fired based on anonymous complaints from the public. Some law enforcement groups are critical of the bill, including the Illinois Sheriff’s Association. In LaSalle County, Sheriff Thomas Templeton had this to say: