Illinois FOP Issues Statement Now That Police Reform Measure is Becoming Law in State

Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood issued the following statement regarding the so-called police reform law passed by the Democratic majority in Illinois General Assembly, portions of which became effective at midnight on July 1:

“The 'Anything But' Safe-T Act severely restricts how law enforcement officers can do their jobs, particularly when responding to serious crimes. Exactly what this will mean to the average law-abiding citizen remains to be seen. The Chicago Police Department receives about three million emergency calls every year, which averages to one for each and every resident of the city, and that rate is similar for many other Illinois cities. Now, when Illinois residents call 911 in these times of soaring murder rates, they may be shocked to learn what the police are no longer allowed to do to help stop serious crimes. We ask citizens to be patient with the officers, who must follow these new rules that were passed over our very vocal and strenuous objections. We urge all Illinois citizens and the law enforcement officers who protect them to do what they can to have a safe Fourth of July holiday.”

The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.