Kibler Discusses Coming Changes in Criminal Justice System

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Published on August 23 2017 2:58 pm
Last Updated on August 23 2017 2:58 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

With all of the discussion and debate over the state's fiscal condition and wrangling over school funding, little attention has been paid to upcoming changes in Illinois' criminal justice system.

(BRYAN KIBLER)

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler was the guest speaker at Wednesday's Noon Rotary Club meeting to discuss some of the changes.

A focus for Kibler was the effort at the state level to reduce the number of those imprisoned in Illinois, particularly at the juvenile level. He said House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, Governor Bruce Rauner, Cook County Board Chairman Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel don't get along on any other issues, but said all are agreed that Illinois has too many people in prison.

Kibler said the goal is to reduce the state's prison population by 25% within 10 years. So far, things haven't worked out so well for the proponents, as Kibler said there are more people in prison than when their efforts began.

Still, fewer in prison is their goal, particularly at the juvenile level. Kibler said they'd like no juveniles in prison except for violent crimes. The problem, he says, is that means repeat offenders for non-violent offenses will likely be back out on the streets.

A lack of funding is a key consideration. Kibler said the agenda of supporters of the effort is to make more offenses more probationable, with more good time granted, meaning offenders back out in the population sooner.

The efforts will have an impact in many ways; on school districts with troubled students, and on local governments to address offenses since jail terms are more likely than prison terms.

Kibler also said there are significant changes coming January 1 on bail and how it is set.